Emancipation

twelve

I give him a smile but don't introduce myself as we reach the floor and the elevator door slides open. It's awkward as we walk side by side and he opens the door for me. When I reach the front desk, the woman looks up at me and then at Hale, passing us a smile. Does it look like we walked in together, like together-together?

Just as I'm about to speak to the woman at front desk, I notice Amy walking towards us. She's wearing a gray pencil skirt and a black blouse, her red hair pinned behind her ears as she gives us a smile.

"Hale." Amy nods at him, "How come you didn't join for the board meeting today?"

He shrugs, "We all know Clark's going to take the position. One vote doesn't hurt."

Are they talking about James taking the CEO position? I didn't know they had a meeting regarding that already. I knew Carrack mentioned the position a couple of weeks back but this is surprising, and also a good news. If it's already in motion, I'm happy for him.

She turns her attention towards me and smiles at me, a smile that doesn't reaches her ears, "I see you two have already met?"

"Actually, I didn't quite catch your name." Hale turns towards me.

Just as I'm about to open my mouth, I hear my name being called and immediately feel James's presence behind me, "Lillian."

I turn around to look at him, "Hey."

"Why didn't you tell me she was already here?" He looks at Amy, a little pissed as he comes to stand by my side and his arm almost immediately snakes around my waist.

I think we've grown way too accustomed to being in public now. Amy frowns at his tone but straightens up her features, "I was just about to call you."

He shakes his head as he looks at me, "I hope you didn't face any difficulty finding the place."

I nod at him before turning towards Hale who was looking between the two of us with a baffled expression, "Lillian Clark, nice to meet you." I extend my hand and he immediately shakes it.

He turns towards James, "She's your wife?" He looks taken aback, as if having a hard time processing the information.

"Yes. Yes, she is." He responds, frowning a little, "Forgive his reaction. This is Hale Thomas. He's the CHRO of the company."

I smile at the man and he returns it, but doesn't stop reading my face. James turns to Amy, "Just look over my schedule for the rest of the day. I'll be busy with Mrs. Clark being here."

His words surprise me as I look at him. Did he just free his schedule because I am here? It warms my insides but I'm also excited to explore this new experience even if it's just a visit.

"C'mon. Let's go to my office." He tells me, then looks back at the man, "Hale, you can join us if you want."

Hale nods as he walks by James's side. The floor is laid out pretty nicely. The front desk has a one way view to the town while the left lobby leads to five extremely spacious offices, all except one with glass shields and door. I can see that these are probably the offices of some of the top position holders. I can clearly see people working inside. There are some cubicles outside and the rush of the corporate life hits me. It's been way too long since I visited Vince Pvt. Ltd.