No where to go but up

Chapter three - No where to go but up

"That makes me want to rehire him right away,"

Audrey frowned at the sarcasm. Sebastian grinned.

"I'm not gonna fire him. I was just heated. And the sad part about all of this - is now everyone thinks I'm this obsessed, jealous ex who can't get over it. But the truth is, I was finally in a good place, moving on with life after a hellish year and a half."

"So why did you get all crazy,"

"We were married for six years. I thought we were in love, and one day she stopped. She never gave me a reason. Next thing you know, I'm signing divorce papers, still not knowing why it was happening. I guess a part of me still holds a hope that she was going through something and maybe she'll figure it out and we'll..."

"You thought that's why she took the job..." Audrey finished what he was thinking.

Sebastian nodded. "Wanna hear the embarrassing part? When we were in the break room I knew I had over-thought the situation. She's got these eyes that never lie, and when we locked eyes, I knew I fooled myself."

"Then why did you have the meeting?"

"Pride. You guys heard everything and I looked like a damn fool. So I panicked and figured I'd explain the whole situation. Try to prove I'm not obsessed with her."

"That worked out as planned," Audrey giggled.

Sebastian smiled. For the first time they didn't have an awkward silence. It was a peaceful moment.

"Valerie ain't all that bad,"

Audrey looked up and stared at Sebastian.

He continued, "I made her look pretty bad in there."

"If anyone thinks she's a bad person, it's because of the way she treated you."

"Yeah, well... I mean, she has some good qualities. You know, she doesn't talk to me like that around our daughter. She wants the best for Samantha, and would give her the world. And if she sticks around, you'll see she's the hardest worker you'll meet."

"Sounds like you don't want her to quit,"

Sebastian rubbed his face, "she took this job when she didn't have to. I know for a fact she thought long and hard about it. She has goals, she's working toward something, and she shouldn't have to give it up because of my pride."

"You're a good person, boss."

"I told you already call me Sebastian,"

"Oh right... oh by the way, I'm still waiting on my shirt."

Valerie stood behind Sebastian and Audrey. Her bag gripped tight in her hands.

___

A few minutes later Valerie is back at her desk typing away. Matthew sat at the computer beside her. He was doing the same task. Every couple seconds he gave a peak in her direction, but she hadn't returned the gesture.

Sebastian walked up behind them. He had his hands in his pockets, and cleared his throat.

Valerie stopped typing, but didn't turn around to meet his eyes. Matthew took off his head phone and faced Sebastian.

"You're not fired any more,"

"I know. I never thought I was,"

"Good. Your doing a good job,"

Matthew studied Sebastian with unease. He turned back to his computer and placed his headphones on his head again.

"And I hope you don't quit, Val. I said stupid things and I'm sorry. And I didn't mean that last part about Samantha. I was out of line for that."

Valerie got back to typing.

"You took this job when you didn't have to, so obviously that means it's important to you. I won't get in the way of your goal. With that said, we'll keep it professional. And I'll only talk to you in private when it has something to do with Samantha."

Valerie still hadn't stopped typing, but Sebastian knew her well enough - she was listening to every word. He touched her shoulder, his hand gentle.

The typing stopped.

Sebastian walked away from the tender moment.

From the corner of her eyes, Valerie watched as he strolled away, back to his office. She smiled to herself as heat rose to her cheeks. After a brief moment, she straightened. Before her eyes settled back to the computer screen, they stopped at Audrey who was staring at her. 

*Thanks for reading chapter three! I hope you guys are enjoying it so far! If not, that's cool too, but if you don't mind maybe you know someone that might. Please share :) 

And as always, leave a comment with your thoughts or questions. Should I keep this story going?