AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A million thoughts run through my mind.
Considering how close Carissa and Jesse seem in the office, could there be more? Or is it just a coincidence that they both haven’t shown up at work on the same day?
“Are you there, sir?”
“Yes, yes,” I reply, forcefully shaking off the thought.
“Do you need me to send someone to check up on Carissa? It’s unlike her, unless she’s tired of working here.”
I can’t miss the attempt at sarcasm in Pamela’s tone, but I ignore it.
“Maybe tomorrow if she doesn't show up today,” I reply. “You should get back to work and report back as soon as you’re done with the meeting.”
She nods and finally walks away, leaving me to my thoughts once again.
I pick up my phone for the umpteenth time and just stare at Carissa’s number. After a good two minutes, I dial and listen to it ring.
“Hi, you have reached Carissa. I’m not available to receive your call at this time. Please, leave your message after the beep,” the voicemail goes off.
If she won’t answer my calls as Jayden, why can’t she answer as her boss?
This is very unusual, especially for Carissa, but I’ll let it go because, at the end of the day, it is my fault.
I was so close to a chance at happiness with Carissa, but I blew that.
I lean back into my chair and allow the guilt to consume me.
I probably should have listened to Troy when he tried to stop me. If I had, I wouldn’t be in this mess right now.
Another knock on the door, and it opens slowly. Carissa steps in, eyes to the ground.
I jolt upright, as if I’ve been stung by a bee.
“Carissa…”
“I’m sorry to show up this late to work. I had a family emergency,” she says, completely avoiding my gaze.
“We all tried to reach you. It's okay,” I reply.
All the words and apologies I had rehearsed seem to fly out the roof. I’m lost for words, and I can only stare at her.
Carissa, who was once all smiley and comfortable around me, now sticks to one spot, avoiding me like a plague.
Slowly, she scrolls through her tablet.
“The clients from New York canceled their meeting with us today. It's now set for Thursday.”
Who cares about the clients from New York? All I want is to go back in time and make sure the events of yesterday didn’t occur so that we can go back to how we used to be together.
“Carissa, can we talk?” I finally summon the courage to ask.
“As long as it is about work. Yes, boss. We can.”
For some reason, that stings like hell. I used to know how to navigate my way through things like this, but now I’m completely at her mercy, and I can't even redeem myself.
“I really want to apologize. Please hear me out,” I continue.
“I’m sorry, sir, but you’re beginning to make the workplace uncomfortable for me,” she replies, taking two steps back as I make an attempt to stand. “Excuse me.”
