Just The Right Black

Chapter 27

It's been days, almost a week since Jace walked out on Ariana in the restaurant and Jace still hadn't said a word to Ariana or even spared her a glance. She should be happy, if not over the moon, that he finally decided to stay professional, to avoid anything that wasn't work-related. He was finally treating her the way she wanted him to.

But she'd gotten so used to him talking about irrelevant things and being all up in her space, asking her personal questions, making sure she was alright. Just Jace being Jace.

What's the matter with me?
Ariana asked herself.

She let out a sigh, standing at her favourite spot in his house waiting for him to come down so they can head to work. She turned around when she heard footsteps trailing down the stairs.

"Ready, Mr. Black?" She asked wanting to break the silence between them.

Anything he said would be fine.
She told herself.

Jace stopped in the kitchen and poured himself a glass of orange juice and then leaned against the island and looked at me for the first time in days. He drank the content of the glass, turned around to place the glass in the sink and walked away, heading out without a single word.

Ariana sighed before she followed and rolled her eyes at herself.
What did I expect?!

Marvis had taken another day off to sort out some personal matters so Ariana got into the driver's seat and buckled her seatbelt, turning the ignition on and adjusting the rearview mirror till she had her eyes on him, only then did she pull out of his drive way.

Jace's phone rang on the way to the office and he smiled at the caller ID before he answered,
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected phone call?"

The person on the other end laughed,
"Happy Birthday, Man."

"So, you remembered?"

"Of course. We all did." The person said, "Come out tonight."

"Are the guys going to be there?"

"Of course. It isn't a party without all of us."

"Then we're on." Jace smiled, "What time?"

"As soon as you can get off work." He said, "The guys are going to be here 7-ish."

"Alright, see you later, Man."

"See ya."

Jace hung up, looking forward to hanging with the guys later. Ariana watched him through the rear-view mirror and was about to look away when he looked up and caught her gaze. She felt something in her heart, she couldn't explain but she looked away and kept her eyes on the road.

As soon as they stepped into the company, Ariana was wondering why Jace was getting so many smiles thrown his way as they headed towards the elevator. When they stepped off the elevator heading towards his office, Ariana frowned at the insane number of flowers and presents surrounding her desk.

Bridget was on her feet once she caught sight of them,
"Good morning, Mr. Black." She greeted cheerfully,

"Good morning, Bridget."

"You got presents from co-workers, fans and... ex's."

Ariana raised her brow and glanced at him.
It was his birthday.

"Have them sent back."

"Some do not have a return address."

"Keep the ones that don't have one."

"Thank you, sir," She smiled and nodded, "The one from your mum is on your desk."

Jace gave her a curt nod before walking towards his office.