Falling

22 | Option One

"My team is handling it, but if she doesn't take it down, I'll step in." Was his quick reply. "Why the fuck did you miss work." He was frustrated.... why?

"I don't see how that is any of your goddamn business." I seethed as quietly as I could back into the phone.

He took a second to respond.

"Is it because you're recovering from the mind blowing orgasm I gave you in the front seat of my car that you practically begged me for? Or is it because of the pictures."  I could hear his smirk and could feel the heat rising to my face.

"Fucking asshole. Leave me alone." And I hung up.

Unknown: Safe to say it was option one.

I hated him.

I got up from where I was sitting, splashed some water on my face and proceeded to head back out to Tatum before she got suspicious. I left my phone in my bedroom to avoid any unwanted attention.

But when I returned to the living room Tatum was no longer watching the move, she was sitting upright, arms crossed and staring right at me.

"Who were you on the phone with?" She said accusingly, smirking at me watching my reaction.

Rolling my eyes I plopped down next to her. "Shut up."

She punched my arm.

"OW!" I screeched looking at her in disbelief. "Fucking bitch," I wishpered while rubbing my arm where she had just hit it.

"Call him back, let me at him." I laughed at her response. Her face was angry but amused at the same time.

"No." I shook my head, turning back to the TV but she kept her eyes on me , unwavering.

"You've fucked him haven't you." She said in a flat tone.

My cheeks instantly flushed red, my eyes snapping to hers in shock. "God no."

She narrowed her eyes at me, scanning my flushed face and my defensive response. "There is something you're not telling me." I watched as she raised her eyebrows at me waiting for a response.

"Nothing's happened between us I swear. I can't stand him." I lied about the nothing happening part, but the cant stand part was very much true.

"Please, I felt as though I could cut the tension on Monday night." I responded by shaking my head and standing up to get the door. The knocking just started.

I walked to the door,  opening it to pay the delivery man and collect our food. I brought the food to the counter.

"I'm so hungry, open it on up." Said Tatum as she gathered around the counter.

Smiling back at her as we started to get out plates and silverware to eat. My heart was heavy over everything we had talked about today, everything I had told her. I haven't opened up to someone like that in... well. Forever.

"I'm going to have to head out after this, I planned to meet Rodney later." She said while a slight blush coated her cheeks.

She stuffed her mouth with rice as I raised my eyebrows at her response.

"Don't even start missy." She said muffled by the food in her mouth.

I laughed and made myself a plate sitting in front of her.

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Cleaning up the counter after Tatum had left, I decided that after work tomorrow I'd stop by Dante's office to actually discuss the pictures. I knew it was probably not the best idea but it didn't feel wrong. Speaking to him and clearing these pictures would keep any unwanted attention away from me.

Sighing I made sure to lock all doors and finish putting away all the food. Deciding on another hot shower, I gathered my things and headed for the bathroom.

As the stream of water pelted my skin, my mind drew back to 6 years ago. To the friend I left behind and to the life I had run from. There was no way I'd let some man and his dignity tear that up.

I owed Mari and her family everything. Thinking about the way they had been my only hope at the time brought tears to my eyes. And before I knew it I was crying again.

I hated crying.

Hated showing weakness, and hated reliving a past I buried so deep.

Stepping out of the shower after I was finished I dried off and headed back into my room. Feeling a little... brave. I looked up Mari's name again on google.

And my heart stopped. Because she was here. Here in NYC. And her publishing company was only two blocks from Dante's building. Now there was no way I could let him do any sort of harm to her. I had to see him.

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Short chapter, I'm sorry.

The next one will make up for it.... stay with me here.

Love love love all of you,

Jenna xx