~𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶?~
My routine starts the same. I wake up, get dressed, head to the coffee shop, then clock in. While I was getting Mr. Holland's coffee, I realized that the same man I saw yesterday was looking towards my direction. I tried ignoring him, but something seemed off and unsettling about him.
I make my way up to the top floor, taking a deep breath as I'm more exhausted today than I have been since starting this job at UK Casts. This is probably caused by the lack of sleep I got last night.
I remember the tossing and turning, the constant thoughts running through my mind of multiple scenarios that I wondered how I would deal with. All of those scenarios revolved around either Haz or Mr. Holland.
First, how I would get over this little crush on Haz and move on. I resulted that seeing how even just hearing about him lit Charlie up, that if they met and got together I would be forced to move on. I feel as if Charlie is more his type than I am anyway. I have to be forced out of the house and I stumble over my words and I'm a huge klutz which is the complete opposite of Charlie. I guess what they say about opposites attracting was true for our friendship.
Second, I thought of what I would do after Mr. Holland opens up to me. Would we be considered as friends? Would we hang out outside of work? Would something happen between us that neither of us thought was possible?
These questions, unanswered or answered, still flow through my mind while I make my way towards my office. I realize that I'm an over thinker and that I come up with the most bizarre things, but it is a part of my nature. Along with me being an introverted people watcher, I'm a huge over thinker and daydreamer.
I unlock my office door, turning the handle and entering the bright room. I set down the few things that I have before I begin my short walk to my boss' office. I clutch his coffee cup in my hand as those questions flood my mind again. Quite frankly, they give me a headache and I wish I could just push them away.
I place a soft knock on the door after letting out a silent sigh. "Come in, Miss y/l/n." That deep voice. It's so gentle. I close my eyes for a split second, imagining who I wished to see once I opened that door.
When I actually see who I imagined, my heart flutters and I struggle to keep myself upright. Standing by his window is Mr. Holland, his hands on his hips, his curls falling intricately over his forehead. But what surprises me the most is the small smile that seems to reminisce on something from a better time.
Sadly once his dark eyes land on my frail figure, the smile disappears and the red painted on my cheeks is washed away. "Your coffee, sir." I go to hand him his coffee, his hand brushing against mine like it has done a few times during this same exchange. My stomach seems to do flips and I try to suppress it as I know the only reason it's doing that is because he is acting like a normal human being.
For some reason I think that today will be different, that a simple thank you would slip from his lips, but I'm shut down yet again when he nods towards the door. As I leave the large office, I wonder what could have happened that brought a smile to his face and how I could possibly bring him back to that.
I have trust issues of my own, I think everyone does to an extent, but not like Mr. Holland. I don't immediately shut people down. I at least give them a chance.
I glance into Haz's office to see him writing, but not looking too busy. That's another difference between Mr. Holland and Haz. Haz always has his office door open unless he's on a call, making him seem so open and welcoming while Mr. Holland's door is always closed no matter what. I let out a deep sigh knowing I probably shouldn't do this, but right now nothing is holding me back.
"Haz?" I ask quietly after placing a single knock on his slightly open door. His bright eyes raise from his desk and land on me, a small smile forming on his thin lips.
"What's up?" He asks, nodding his head for me to come in. I take a seat in the chair that sits in front of his desk.
"Can I stay in here for a minute? I just want some good company right now. I'll be as quiet as a mouse, I promise." My lip twitches with emotion as I plead to my friend.
"Of course." He places his hand over mine gently and I try and focus on the fact that he's my friend and my best friend is interested in him, too. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, just need a break from everything for a little bit." I close my eyes, leaning my head back and just letting everything off my chest in silence. For the first time in awhile I don't think of anything. My mind is completely blank.
After about a minute of silence, I open my eyes with a wide smile. "Thanks, Haz." I look over in his direction to see him returning the smile as his head rests on his arms which are crossed on the desk.
"No problem. If the door is open and you're free, don't hesitate to come in especially if you need an escape." His gives a quick wink while I get up from the chair.
"I might just take you up on that." I wave my hand slightly and then head back towards my office, swirling in my chair a few times before turning on my computer.
*A few hours later*
I dial Mr. Holland's number as I can't wait to take my break. I've had three calls already today and I'm ready to go eat and relax. After I hear the phone pick up on the other end, but hear no words because he must have seen my number was the one who called, I ask if I can take my break.
I receive the usual dull reply of "yes" and hear the phone beep as he hangs up on me. I stare at the phone wishing I could punch it imagining his handsome face on it. Him being attractive doesn't make being annoyed at him super easy.
I let out a sigh before grabbing my lunch and heading downstairs to see Elizabeth and Noelle at the front desk. When I get down there I see that Abby is eating her lunch with them behind the desk as well. "Make it a party?" I ask with a smile. They all chuckle before sliding over to make more room for me as I grab the last chair available.
"Is today any better with Mr. CEO?" Elizabeth asks with a small roll of her eyes.
"What do you think?" I ask sarcastically, taking a bite out of my salad. We all laugh together before continuing to talk about random things for awhile. Then a voice speaks up from the other end of the front desk.
"Hey, y/n." I look up to see the guy from the coffee shop and my heart stops. "Long time no see. Can we go talk outside for a minute?" This man is acting like I know him and I am not appreciating it.
"How do you know my name? Who are you?" I ask with a shaking voice. I don't have a good feeling about this.
"Now you're just playing with me. Come on your little jokes about not knowing me are getting old." He lets out a laugh, staring at me with the void he has for eyes.
"I don't know you, sir. I think it's best if you leave." I stand up, adrenaline and survival instincts flooding through me.
The girls look at me with worry and I see Noelle frantically typing in a number but I can't tell who it is.
"Come on, I just want to talk to you. Did you forget about last night?" He asks with a snarl. My heart beats faster and faster as I have no idea why this man is doing this.
"She said she doesn't know you, I think it's time for you to go." Elizabeth says as her and the other girls stand up, Abby grabbing her heel as she's ready to attack if needed.
"Come on." He reaches out and grabs my wrist. I struggle against his grip, closing my eyes as I pull.
All of a sudden I hear the hit of a first against a jaw and the groan of someone who has been hit. The grip on my wrist is released and then a large hand rests on my shoulder. A familiar deep voice follows this action saying, "Leave or I call the police."
~ ~ ~
Me? Adding drama? Who knew! Haha, comment who you think the knight in shining armor is!
Thank you all so much for over 800 reads! Might not seem like a lot but it means so much! Seeing all of your comments and votes really motivates me to keep posting.
I hope you all enjoyed this part and I'll try and post another one soon, but can't promise anything :/
I'll catch you guys in the next chapter!
~Aidan