AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Iris, I thought you had another, uh, couple weeks of maternity leave. What’s the problem, is taking naps all day getting too boring for you?” he asks in his signature self-righteous tone. He thinks he’s so fucking funny when nobody in the history of this company has ever laughed at his jokes.
“No, I have the article that’s going to put my name in this company’s google search results for the next ten years,” I say, proudly displaying the heavy, overfilled folder of evidence and essays.
He looks at me incredulously, uncertain whether I’m joking.
“Wow, you must really think you’re something special, huh? What article have you written in the last five years that’s seen anyone’s social media feed?” he asks, growing defensive before he’s even looked at the folder.
“It doesn’t matter. If I’m not credited in this article, I will sue you into the ground until you have nothing but saltines and a revolver,” I reply.
His eyes pop open as if he’s genuinely shocked. “Wait, why are you quitting? You can’t just quit!”
I laugh, unable to hold back the contempt in my voice. “I can, actually. I don’t owe you a goddamn thing. You’re the most unproductive, unremarkable, self-centered person I’ve ever met in my life. The thought of being employed here for another day makes me want to slit my wrists in a bathtub. So, yes, I can quit, and I am.”
He stares blankly at me for a few moments as his brain struggles to comprehend my insults. It’s always been obvious to me that nobody has ever stood up to this man before, and he’s never had to reflect on someone else’s opinion of him. Now, he’s heard at least a portion of it – certainly not all of it.
“I’m just saying what everyone is thinking,” I continue, glancing over at Chris as he stares intently from his desk. Chris is a pussy, so he’d never stand up to John, but I know he’s always wanted to.
Before John has the chance to tell me to leave, I turn on my heels and walk out the door. The sound of my shoes clicking on the tiles makes the most powerful, satisfying sound. I understand why rich women act the way they do now. All it takes is an outfit and a good pair of heels to put you on top of the world.
Just to spite John and his hateful opinions about me, I buy myself some ice cream on my way home and take a nap when I arrive.
After a few hours, I’m awoken by Matteo who informs me that I’m overdue for a back massage.
“Oh no, don’t do that. If you do, then John will have been right about me all along!” I say sarcastically, reveling in the fact that I’m also correct. John would be so mad if he knew how well Matteo is treating me.
“Damn, well I guess I have to put you outside for the night so he doesn’t get the wrong idea about me,” he replies, cracking a smile. “I’d hate for your sixty-year-old rodeo clown of a boss to think I’m a good boyfriend.”
I laugh so hard that I start to cough, and he slaps my back jokingly.
“Don’t make me laugh too much! It hurts my ribs,” I say as I continue laughing.
He takes me into his arms and kisses me on the side of my head. “You know I’ll always be here to make John angry.”
I laugh again, my ribs still in pain but happier than ever.
“Hey, do you want to watch The Real Housewives?” I ask with partial curiosity.
“Absolutely the fuck not. I’ll support your endeavors into trash TV if it makes you happy though,” he replies.
He gives me one more kiss before he begins to rub my back under my t-shirt. His hands always feel so fucking good, especially when I’ve just woken up from a nap. I love the way he touches me all over, like he knows every inch of my body. He’s such a selfless lover, always fawning over me and touching me when I pass by him in the kitchen or the hallway.
As he rubs my back, I begin to fall asleep again. In my half-awake state, I dream about the day our baby is due to be born. I’ve thought so much about the drive to the hospital, the actual hospital visit itself, the drugs, the pain... I’m terrified, I have to admit, but I know Matteo is going to be by my side the whole time. He knows how nervous I am, and he’s held me through every episode of panic that I’ve had.
I’m awoken accidentally when Matteo lies down next to me. He puts his arm around me, pulling me closer until he’s wrapped around me. Nowhere in the world feels safer than in his arms, and I’ll never have to worry about him abandoning me or taking me for granted. I’ve never felt more loved, held, and cherished in my entire life.
I’ve spent my whole life worrying about whether or not anyone would ever love me. I believed I was difficult to love, like I wasn’t worth having to anyone. Matteo has shown me how untrue it all is, and had I known that this is where I would end up, I would have been so much more optimistic about the future.
He lays his head on my chest, listening intently to my heart.
“I love the sound of your heartbeat,” he whispers.
I feel tears in my eyes, but I fight them.
He loves me. He really, truly loves me.
EPILOGUE
Iris (2 years later)
