I Can Explain (Awkward Love 2)

He stares at me for a moment and then nods.

“I need my meetings booked for next week. I need my dictation typed up and emailed to me so that I can open it on my computer.” He stands up and walks over to the filing cabinet near the window, retrieving a stack of folders on top of it. “And I need to go through these and pick one that stands out for you.”

“What are these?” I ask, grunting as he tosses the folders into my arms. “Proposals. They’re companies that are close to going under.”

“Okay,” I say.

A surge of excitement hits me. I don’t remember Jade doing this kind of thing. He picks up his phone and looks at me, as if wondering why I’m still here. I flush and walk over to the door, struggling to close it after me. He looks up at me and smiles.

“Oh, Alana?” he says.

“Yes?” I ask, looking up at him.

“There is a job description in the top drawer of your desk, complete with a detailed list of what I expect from you on a daily basis,” he says, his eyes locking on mine.

I glare at him. Why the hell didn’t he just tell me that in the first place?

“Thanks,” I say stiffly as I close the door with a thud.

I’m still fuming when I sit back down at my desk. I pull out the description, almost scared to see what it entails, but as I read through it, my nerves subside. Everything on his list I’m confident I can handle. Oh well. At least I have a plan now.I don't see Chase for the rest of the day, because he’s out of one meeting and into the next. The few times I do see him, he still manages to make me feel flustered and nervous, even though he’s being nothing but professional.By the end of the day I'm exhausted and glad to be going home. Maybe it’s just the fact that I’ve been awake since five this morning, but I don’t remember being this tired when I was just a junior assistant. I walk outside the building, nearly colliding with Peyton as I walk round the corner. She smiles at me.

“Finally,” she says. “I’ve been waiting for you. How did it go?” she asks impatiently.

“It was fine, I guess,” I say, shrugging.

“Just fine? Did he fuck you on his desk?” she giggles.

“No. He was completely professional,” I say, making a face. “I enjoyed it, but I think it's going to take me a few days to get used to the change. Want to go and get a coffee or something?” I ask her.

She shakes her head, her eyes sparkling. “I would, but I have a date.”

“Ooh, lucky you,” I grin. “Who is he?”

“Just a guy I’ve been talking to. My cousin gave him my number and we’ve been chatting on the phone and online. He’s a vet. He has three dogs.”

I giggle. “You’re allergic to dogs.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “Minor complication.”

“Well, have fun and call me with the details,” I say.

I give her a hug and then walk across the road to flag down a cab, secretly glad she’s busy tonight. All I want to do is go home and relax.

Even though my thoughts are all over the place and I’m still adjusting to the changes at work, I’m pretty proud of myself. So much has happened in the last week, and while it hasn’t all been good, I’m at least putting self out there and trying new things. Instead of hiding in my shell, I’m pushing myself for once and standing up for what I want. I’m taking risks and some of them are even paying off.

#

It’s nearing the end of my first week, and working directly for Chase is nothing like I thought it would be. He’s been nothing but professional and courteous the entire time.

To top it off, I'm really enjoying the extra responsibilities that come with my new arrangement. The only bad thing about this new role is that I don't get to see Peyton nearly as much and I’m worried it’s going to change our relationship.

As I walk over to my old office to collect a file from Peyton, I stop at the door and listen to the sound of giggling and laughter coming from inside. My new replacement started yesterday, and it seems she and Peyton get on just great. I wish I didn’t feel jealous, but I do. I can’t help but feel like while I’m moving up on the career ladder, I’m going to be losing my best friend in the process.

Taking a deep breath, I push open the door and walk in. Just like that, whispers stop. I stare at Peyton and then at the new girl. Both of them are sitting at their desks, heads down, engrossed in their work. I frown and march over to Peyton, mumbling something about the Christenson file. She smiles and hands it to me, then goes back to her work. I wait for a second, before I turn around and walk out, pretending that I don’t care, even though I do. I’m hurt and blinking back tears. I’ve never seen Peyton that into her work in the two years I’ve known her.