Capturing Connie

Connie 2.5

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if he really does. But then I tell myself my insecurities are showing and I push the worry aside. I'm good at that.

Dangerously so.

"I've spoken to Steven a few times, but nothing major. He's quite the charmer. And like I mentioned, Daddy seems enamored with him." Stevonnie rolls her eyes. She's been on the outs with Father lately, and so has Rose. Our oldest sister is banned from working at Crystal Clear. Father cast her out, tired of her sullying the family name and cheapening Crystal Clears brand with her constant antics and partying.

Dads words, not mine.

"So if Father approves, you don't?" I ask.

"If he's anything like Daddy, then yes. I will automatically hate Steven Universe. It doesn't matter how nice he is to me." Stevonnie smiles, her dark brown eyes twinkling. She has the face of an angel, but it's countered with that devilish glint in her gaze. With her mesmerizing eyes, heart shaped face, luscious lips, and long, curly, chocolate-brown hair with perfect caramel highlights, she's stunning. Twenty-one and confident, she holds the same position as I do at Crystal Clear, consultant at large. It's a lofty position, one all three of us were given since we're the daughters of Doug and Priyanka Mahaswaren.

Stevonnie and I have earned that position, though, what with the many hours of work we've put in over the years. Eager to do this job, take care of this legacy that's been so graciously handed to me.

"I should ask Grandma," I say, grabbing my cell when it buzzes, hopeful it's Kevin. But it's a message from Rose, asking if I could call her later tonight. My stomach flips as I type back a yes in response.

My sister is ... troubled. And I don't know how to help her. None of us really do.

"Oh, I'm sure if Nana has met him, she will definitely have an opinion." Stevonnie grins and stands. She came into my office a while ago just to chat, which turned into a twenty-minute session talking about Kevin leaving. Stevonnie doesn't much approve of my boyfriend either.

But then again, Stevonnie doesn't really approve of much of anything.

"I'll talk to her later, after the meeting." I want to form my own opinion about Stevens work and abilities. I know how he affects me on a personal level and the most polite way I can phrase it is, he makes me very ... uncomfortable.

If that translates at work, too? Then, to put it crassly, my ass is grass.

And he's the lawnmower.

"I'm sure he'll come up with a brilliant idea for your packaging. Maybe you should request that he lead the project," Stevonnie says.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. He has to prove himself first," I murmur, glancing at my schedule on the monitor. Just seeing that meeting listed makes my stomach jump. That I'll have to face him again after last night worries me. I'll need to put my bravest face on so he doesn't see how much he unnerves me.

I can't let him get the upper hand. Not again. Not without a fight.

"I don't doubt for a minute he'll prove himself. Like I said, he's very good at what he does," Stevonnie says.

Ugh. The way she says it almost sounds ... sexual. Of course, that could be my own overly active imagination pinning sexual connotations on everything in regards to Steven.

Very unfair of me.

"Hmm. I suppose I'll find out." I tap my finger against my cell screen, surprised when a new text comes over and it's from Kevin.

We'll meet for lunch.

Frowning, I grab my phone and quickly type. I hate how he doesn't ask. He always just assumes I'm sitting around waiting for him.

'Sorry, I have plans.'

Another lie, which niggles at me. I'd rather sit at my desk, eat a sandwich, and prepare for the packaging meeting than watch Kevin eat and worry over what he thinks of me.

"I should go. I have a conference call in fifteen." I glance up as Stevonnie smiles down at me. "Make sure and tell me how your meeting with Steven goes." She raises an eyebrow and winks teasingly.

"You should sit in on it with me," I say distractedly, staring at my phone screen, nervously waiting for a response from Kevin. He doesn't like it when I refuse him.

"If you want me to, I totally can. Just let me know when."

"Two o'clock? Does that work for you?" I ask.

"Definitely." She nods. "I'll see you then."

"'Bye," I say as Stevonnie leaves, but I don't pay any attention. Too busy watching as Kevin types his response.

Well then. I can't see you tonight. I have plans too.

Is this his way of getting back at me? He's done this before when we've been in disagreement over something. Almost like he's withholding his company from me. Like I'm supposed to fall apart and not know what to do without Kevin by my side.

Which isn't too far off from the truth.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for agonizing seconds before I finally type.

'Maybe another time then.'

Closing my eyes, I let my phone fall to my desk with a clatter. I don't want to play games. I don't want to avoid Kevin, either, but something isn't right between us. I thought I'd been very accepting of his news, but maybe he thinks I'm upset. I am, but I'd never let on. I'm a good enough actress that I can always pull through.

But maybe he saw through the cracks in my facade. Maybe I shouldn't have lied and said I had plans. I hate lying. Lies only lead to trouble.

His answer is immediate.

Dinner tomorrow night?

I chew on my lip, wishing I could just say yes like normal and carry on with my day. Instead I'm mulling over every little thing. Analyzing his behavior and mine, wondering why I can't stop thinking about Steven Universe calling me beautiful, flashing that gorgeous smile at me that made me feel weak in the knees.

Thinking of it, remembering, I still feel weak.

Pushing all thoughts of Steven out of my brain, I finally answer Kevin.

'Dinner sounds perfect.'

Sigh. I should go to bed maybe probably won't.