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I was really glad I had agreed to come for this lunch because talking to Ryan about Ian Maxwell oddly put me at ease.
“How did you even end up being friends with someone like him?” I blurted out, deep into our conversation.
Ryan smiled. “You know, everything you say about Ian is right, but he isn’t all that bad.”
“What do you mean he is not all that bad?” I questioned Ryan finding it odd. I chalked it up to him trying to defend his friend. “He is so rude, wrathful and unchanging.”
“With you at least.” Ryan said, and I couldn’t for the life of me understand what he was trying to imply.
“He is usually very calm and doesn’t show such impulsive emotions like anger. But for some reason he does when he’s around you.
“Why? Did he take my insult so badly?”
Ryan shrugged. “That’s something for you to figure out.” He smiled, reaching a hand out to pat mine. “I’m just glad for this change. At least he gets be more human thanks to you.”
“…he gets to be more human thanks to you.”
I was left wondering what those words meant even hours after I got back from my lunch with Ryan. I found it hard to concentrate on work after this and instead, I thought about the fact that Ian Maxwell was ever angry only when it came to me. I wanted to know why he felt that way, but I just couldn’t think of a logical reason. So I gave up on it and tried to concentrate on work hoping to put Ian out of my mind.
Chapter 9
Ashley
My eyes are beginning to grow weary; my gaze has been on my screen for so long that I am starting to have a migraine. I reach out for the bottle of water on my table and take a few gulps, I need to stay hydrated.
Developing my project plan is becoming harder than I thought it would be. Beside my desk was a bin filled with dozens of torn sheets, sheets containing some rough drafts that I have made so far. I have been on this for hours and I am just beginning to get all the pieces together.It needs to be perfect! I won't have that jerk ridiculing me just for his amusement, hell no!
“Hey Ashley, you should get some rest. It's 5pm already.” a knowing voice draws me back from my thoughts. It was Junepeering at my computer screen like she is scrutinizing my proposal for errors.
"This looks really good." She says, beaming a comforting smile.
"How can you tell?" I ask, turning my mouth into a twist as I turn to look in her direction fixing my gaze on something else for a moment. Her jacket buttons are undone revealing the black camisole she has on the inside. Her Skirt hangs tightly around her waistline like it is just tailored to fit. The buckles on them are just for aesthetics obviously.
"I actually can't." She laughs ridiculously, I laugh too. The feeling of being a part of something huge is new to her. She readjusts and stands upright, walking behind my screen now, slowly moving towards the door.
“Everyone is already heading home, are you planning on working late today?” she inquires.
“I don’t want to, but I think I have to June. This is a very important project you know.” That is all she needs to know. She doesn’t need to know that I am putting in the extra effort out of fear and uncertainty - I do not know what awaits me during the presentation.
For some reason, I blame Ryan that I had to work so late. If only he had not offered to take me to lunch. I let his charms and his nice appeal draw me away from my responsibilities and now I am facing the repercussions all by myself.
“It's also really important to everyone else in your team, you know? So don't overwork yourself. We got this!” I smile at her, then advance towards my screen with my fingers placed on the keyboard again.
"Thank you, June" I was not looking at her anymore, I already lost a lot of productive time.
June realizing there was no convincing me, shrugged and adjusted her bag on her left shoulder.
“Oh well, I will just leave you to it then. I have a date later tonight and I need to get dolled up to meet him at 7".
The smile on her face was real and huge. I glanced at her for a bit and chuckled lightly.
"Alrighty then, have fun, and be safe!"
"I sure will!" She responded. Her voice slightly high-pitched than it had been all along. She walked towards the door briskly, pulling out her phone as she leaves.
"I would like to see how far you've gone with the report too. Please email it to me as soon as you can. I'll look through it tonight. I… We only have a few days".
June stopped momentarily at the door, drawing my attention again while she does a mock bow, just like they do at the opera or at the end of a play.
