DOUBLE TROUBLE: Dealing with my exes.

Chapter 3

AVA BROOKE

I saw him again through the slightly open door, and he looked just as he did yesterday when we made plans for our date. There he was, absorbed in his phone, flashing that indifferent expression he reserves for everyone except me. With one earpiece in and those striking ocean blue eyes, it was impossible to ignore how complicated things had become, especially with Jaxon sitting directly across from him.  

What should I do? Should I walk away or go in? Why was he here? Did he work here too, or was he just meeting a friend? Stupid Ava—why else would he be in the meeting room? I sighed, realizing I had no other choice. So, I knocked.

Jaxon's eyes drifted toward me, while Rain did not even glance up. "You can come in, Ms. Brooke," Jaxon said. I nodded, and the next minute, I noticed Rain suddenly turn his gaze toward my side. His eyes widened, and he didn't take them off me. I wondered whether it was my last name or my presence that caught his attention.

I couldn't say anything because I was reminded of how different this situation was and how poor my history with him was compared to my experience with Jaxon. As I was lost in my thoughts, Jaxon, sensing the tension, spoke up. "Ms. Brooke, this is Mr. Rain Burton. He is the marketing head of D3. It would be great if you both could get along."

I looked at Rain, who kept his earpiece away and didn't take his eyes off me. Unsure of what to say, I extended my hand, hoping not to ruin anything again. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Burton." My voice didn't sound very convincing, but I put on my most professional expression, and he seemed to take the hint.

He looked away, and all he could manage to say was, "Hmmm." It felt rude, even to me; Jaxon knew that. However, he didn't realize that it was the best response for our situation. So, I withdrew my hand and looked away as well.

"Mr. Bruton, I know you don't like meeting new people, but please try to avoid being rude to others in this company. You will have to work with her moving forward," Jaxon said in my defense, and I felt a bit thankful. "It's fine, Mr. Dave. I'm sure he has his reasons; I don't feel disrespected. We should focus on work," I said, trying to ease the awkward situation.

"I apologize, Ms. Brooke. Don't take it personally. He just needs time to open up, but he has a good heart; you'll see that as you both grow closer," Jaxon said. I definitely heard Rain scoff loud enough for me to notice.

"Anyway, since we are here, let's start the meeting. It would be great if you could familiarize yourself with the company. I have seen the drafts you showed Mr. Charles, and they were not half bad, but they probably won't align with our branding. If possible, how much time will it take for you to create some new drafts that follow the essence of the brand?" Jaxon took the lead as he explained a few details to me.

"It will probably take 2-3 days for a draft, but it won't be complete. If you give me a week, I can provide three complete designs. However, could you please let me know the theme or any basic restrictions?" I said, feeling completely fired up to make sure I didn't mess this up.

"Ms. Brooke, although Mr. Charles selected you, you won't be the only one presenting designs this time. Wouldn't it be better for the chosen designer to establish a theme? Your success will depend on your skills. In short, you won't receive special treatment; you must prove yourself among the other new interns for the lead designer position." Rain's voice was cocky, clearly trying to undermine me and show the challenges on my way.

"I was planning to tell her that myself, and I could have expressed it better than you, Mr. Bruton," Jason said, a bit irritated by the situation. "Why not, Mr. Dave? We are seniors; we should be able to show the juniors their place in the company without any lies." Rain sipped his coffee, but his eyes never left me.