Forbidden Love ✔ [Lesbian Love Stories]

the apple

7 years into the future,
Shadow Teens Publishing House

As I walked through the clear glass doors of my small thriving business, I noticed that someone was in the office where the old editor was. I stopped at the open door and found a young girl sitting at the desk, furiously writing something down. 

"Hello." I said to her.

The girl looked up from her thick black rimmed glasses and her eyes found mine. Her eyes were a beautiful soft brown colour and I could sense the kindness behind them. She smiled brightly and got out of her seat to greet me.

She was gorgeous. That was that. She had long lean legs that were clad in black skinnys and she had a lace white top, topped with ballet flats. Her hair was straw blonde and it fell past her waist.

"I'm Emma Thorne." She introduced. "I'm the new editor. What do you do?"

I smiled back, warmly. "I'm the owner. Hailey Gordon."

Her face fell with realisation and she laughed like I had just told the funniest joke. "That's so amazing! I'm so excited to work here. Your mom employed me to fill the space. I hope you don't mind. I mean she must have told you, but...wow it's so great to meet you. I've always wanted to work here."

I laughed with her. I didn't expect anyone to want to work here because we weren't that well known or anything. It was just a small company that helped young unknown authors achieve their dream by getting published. We had about less than eight staff and my mom helped out a lot too.

She controlled most of the admin since she quit her job and she did the accounting books. I owned the business, but I also worked as an editor too. My mom didn't tell me about Emma and it was quite a lovely surprise.

"That's great. So glad to have you here." I said, just as James came in with my usual Moccachino.

"Morning!" He handed me the cup and I thanked him. "Hi. Want anything from the kitchen?"

Emma smiled again and my stomach did a strange flip that it hadn't done in a long time. Wow did she have a nice smile.

"No. Thanks. I'll get something later."

I employed James a year ago as my personal coffee bringer and mini chef in the kitchen. He used to work at the coffee shop and is now happier in the kitchen making lunch. I wanted my staff to be in a relaxed environment. They get free coffee and lunch and they get to wear what they wanted to work.

"Well I hope you enjoy working here." I told Emma as I began to leave.

"Thank you." Her sweet voice spoke.

I stared at her for a while and something in me stirred. There was something about her that reminded me of someone...someone I hasn't seen or spoken to in years. My chest contracted as I walked away from Emma's office.

She reminded me of the girl I loved.