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This got me laughing, even though a part of me was concerned.
"Maybe because we’re weird in different ways and my weird compliments your weird.” I winked at Ryan.
"It's weird that it makes any sense to you, Ian" Ryan scoffed.
"I'll be fine Ryan, you know me." I said trying to ignore the part of me still concerned.
"That's precisely why I'm scared, because I know you".
Ryan did know me well, perhaps better than I even know myself. Even though I said I would be fine, deep down, I knew I wouldn't. I was far from being fine anytime soon.
Chapter 23
Ashley
I was trying to focus on other things to keep me from thinking about how Ian behaved this morning. I was going through the documents I was supposed to take to his office later today and made sure that everything was set.
Perhaps I would get the opportunity to ask him face to face why he ignored me this morning. As I was still contemplating, Ian's assistant, Leslie walked into my office and approached my desk after greeting me.
"Good morning, Ms. Lane. Ian asked me to come get the documents that you are supposed to bring to his office later on. He wants me to bring them to him instead." I was dumbfounded.
Had it gotten to this already? He didn't even wish to see me in his office? What did I do wrong? I can’t think of anything I did that upset Ian.
I packed up all the documents and hand them to her. She took them from me and turned away heading for the door. I sat still thinking what I was supposed to do now.Do I need to ignore him too? And act like what I feel for him doesn't exist? That won’t be easy.
I told myself again to focus on my work and avoided thinking about Ian.
And unfortunately, this awkward situation continued for several weeks after that.
"Hey Justin"
After having another awkward day at work, I came back to Justin’s apartment. He had gotten home earlier and already took off his work clothes.
He was sitting relaxed on the sofa with a pair of comfortable sweatpants. Justin had noticed that I had been a bit off lately and had asked me what the matter is countless times.
But somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him what was in my mind. I felt too ashamed to talk about it. I even pictured a future with Ian at one point. How embarrassing!
Ian had made it a point to avoid me at all costs. Even when it was to do with official matters, he would rather send Ryan. Ryan had been nice, as always. But I didn't even want his friendship anymore. I somewhat blamed him for softening my heart towards his cold-blooded friend, and I had fallen for it. I was feeling like a pawn in their little game. A conquest that they had successfully achieved.
"Ash, you look really pale. Why did you stay so late at the office today? It's not like you had a lot of work to do.”
I slumped onto the couch and tilted my head upwards to the roof. I was feeling a lot of things - dizzy spells, a migraine, nauseous too.
"I don't feel so well Justin. I needed to finish up the task Ian assigned me to do before coming home because I was thinking of calling in sick tomorrow.
"Oh no, sorry dear. How do you feel exactly?" He moved over to where I was sitting, placing his hands on my forehead to feel my temperature.
"Your forehead feels hot. You probably have a fever. I'll take a day off from work tomorrow also. I will take you to the hospital to get yourself checked.” He was worried about me.
"You really don't have to, Justin." I didn't want to be a burden to anyone, especially not to Justin. He had done a lot for me already.
"It’s not up for a negotiation. I'm taking you to the hospital tomorrow morning. You have to oblige me this time." I just nodded, not willing to argue any further.
"You must have worked yourself way too hard, I'm sure this is due to stress. You've got to slow down Ash, you’ve already proved yourself at work, you just have to do enough to keep yourself floating. Don't overdo it. “
Justin continued, “On the bright side, I’m happy that the boss isn't as hostile as he used to be with you. At least that's one thing going well for you. As a matter of fact, I don't even get to see him much at the office anymore."
I lifted myself slightly from the sofa and sat up. "Perhaps you haven't been seeing him that often because you're always around me. He would rather be found anywhere else."
