12 noon
Everyone at Bexley's seemed extra busy. I tried focusing on the jeopardized manuscript for the eighteenth time, but the amount of sweat in my palm was driving me nuts. The air conditioner was up for repair, and I had no choice but to cope with the heat the old way- sweat it out. It was a sign from the Universe that I should avoid Will Turner in the morning at all cost.
"Hey, where are you off to?" I asked Rachel, who seemed a bit carried away with the pile of files.
"Haven't you heard? There's something big coming up!" she exclaimed.
The enthusiasm was apparent in her voice. She shot me a smile before heading out. That is why you can't hate Rachel. She isn't a sneering jerk like half of the other Bexleyites. She gave me these frequent visits and pep talked when I was bored to my bones.
I get out of my chair. I had a natural talent for getting tired and doing nothing. I stretched my arms hoping the heat would disappear magically. It doesn't. The manuscript stash on my table stared at me, and I remembered something dreadingly important.
'I need to report to the CEO's office.'
I had done my best to avoid Will Turner after our encounter earlier. I came to work earlier than others, got into my cubicle, and started ticking off work from my to-do list, and after the little coffee break, I made sure not to run into Will.
I gathered the last of my wills, straightened my skirt, and walked to his cabin. The memory of his red vase breaking, his glares, and the pathetic words from the morning was still fresh, playing on loop.
"Get in!" He said, and I entered. Cold air washed the heat from me. Why did he get to have a functional air conditioner when the rest of us were panting in the heat? He cleared his throat and I took that as a cue to get the hell out of there.
My eyes fixated on the ground. I dumped the pile of manuscripts on his desk. Did Will-CEO-Turner have to work as a senior editor? Fuck his multitasking abilities.I was counting on moments to escape the little room of hell when I heard him.
"Don't go yet. Have a seat." By now, not meeting his eye was inevitable.
I stared at him. He was as normal as he usually is. A black tux jacket, his well-gelled hair, his obnoxious eyebrow scar, and his full lips- all cold and distant. He loosened his tie, gawking at me and I shifted in my pumps. The uneasiness between us chewed on me.
"You're going to fire me, aren't you?" I blurted without a thought, and his jaw clenched.
"I am not going to fire you, Mellon. Now get a seat before I change my mind." He scoffed, removing his tie. Why was he so irritable?
"You are still made at me?"
"We can talk about stupid stuff later. I have got other things to talk about." He said plaintively.
Of course!
I waited for him to fill me in, but he said nothing.
"Are we done?" I ask sarcastically, and he mouthed a 'no'. Was he sure about what he wanted? I stared at his face cluelessly.
"Would you like to give Creative Development a shot?" He asked.
My eyes grow wide. That came out of nowhere. Creative Development? Wasn't that the part that often experimented with writing trends and tested upcoming Bexley ventures? How did I look like I was interested? I was sure I was getting roped into something.
"I'll see what I can do," I said, not having a clue.
Maybe if I could shut up and not babble, it would help.
"You understand what I am proposing right now?" He eyed me suspiciously.
"No, I don't."
He let his hand run across the back of his head, and gawped at me.
"You will be on Creative Development with Mr.Harris. Watch his back, use your brain, and don't break things. Clear?" He said, emphasizing a bit too much on the last part.
"But I didn't agree to it." I retorted.
"I am not asking. I am telling you!" He snapped back. This was his way of saying 'Fuck you', in corporate.
"On second thoughts..." A smirk played on his lips, and his eyes were dark. That isn't a good omen.
"You are to work full time on Sundays along with your Creative Development projects," he said.
Oh. No. Will. Just. Did not.
"Sundays? I deserve a little time for myself on Sundays..." I protested, stating my cause.
What the fuck? He said I could do a half day on weekends to compensate for all the time I wasn't at work. That was shit talk! It was his way of repaying.
"I deserve more than just an apology. But you see, the world is not fair, Eva," he said, smirking as he shrugged. Asshole.
"Rubbish! You can do better than this!"
"But you can't make me work on weekends!" I retaliated, and he shot me an annoying smile.
"But I can fire you." He said with a twinkle in his eye. Is he nuts?
"You don't have to be an asshole all the time. I am sorry I broke you-"
"Watch your tongue, or else you'd make it quick to type in a resignation."
I stand frozen. Okay. Zip it up. No arguing with Tyranny.
I let myself sneer at him. Why does he always get everything his way?
"Before you leave, Miss Mellon, try to maintain the HR Policy."
"And that would be, sir?" I pretend to be innocent.
"Respect or resign." Shivers went down my spine. I hate him.
Now I don't have to cry thinking about what I did wrong. Will Turner was a nutcase, and he was trying so hard to turn me into one. That was his way of taking revenge.
I kicked at the door.
"Ouch. It hurts." Fuck him, and his damned door!
"Try punching the wall next time." He remarked and I glared at him.
"Thanks for the tip." I forced a 'fuck you' smile and he chuckled.
***
An hour later
"Hey, Eva!"Josh waved at me as I reached for the coffee machine.
Blue eyes. Charming. Smiling. Always perfect.
I smiled back. I noticed the twinkle in his blue eyes. He looked so handsome. He always does. His eyes carried the ocean, and I know the general rule of thumb: Men who carry the ocean in their eyes are to be worshiped, like Tom Cruise!
"Hi, Josh!" I said, still grinning.
"You look happy." He said, his eyes full of vivacity.
"Oh well, yeah!" I lied.
No, I am not. I am just putting up this smile to tell you that you are handsome. I just got told I will not have weekends for myself for months. I am not happy. I. Am. Fucked. But I don't say the words. I let him take in my smile and imagine him saying I am beautiful. That's how it's supposed to be.
"Congratulations, you made it on the team." He added, shaking my palm and I was startled by his enthusiasm.
"What team?" I asked cluelessly.
"Creative Dev. You are messing with me!"He said and laughed.
That pretty much sounded like a neigh-ing horse, but he looked pretty. Pretty boy!
Then it occurred to me! Josh was heading Creative Dev, and he would be my team leader!
"Congratulations to you too, team leader," I said, smiling sheepishly, flashing my teeth a little to show him how delighted I was. He blushed a little.
"Laters then, Eva."
He walked away with his charming smile, and I felt my heart flutter.
What if sparks fly between us, and we end up falling in love? That would be a tight slap on Tyranny Turner's smug face! He thinks he could torment me when he placed Josh and me together. I was going to beat Turner at his own damn game.
The thought nestled so much hope in me. When pain is over, the remembrance of it often becomes a pleasure. Will Turner started the war but I will be the one to change it's course. All I had to do was fool him into believing he was winning at his 'hating game'.
"You look happy..." Amanda said, standing in front of my cubicle, and I knew there was bad news.
"Not now..." I said, thinking out loud.
Bad news! I repeat, bad news!