My Best Friend’s Boyfriend

Chapter 6.

Allison’s POV

I woke up the next morning feeling gnawed by a sense of dread. The determination that had coursed through my veins the previous night was lost, replaced instead by the anxiety about facing Collen. It was more than I could stomach to see him again, to deal with those convoluted feelings and the resultant guilt.

I lay in bed for a long time, my eyes fixed on the ceiling, feeling the weight of my decision. I finally forced myself up. I needed to clear my head, and the best way to do that was by staying busy. I had to avoid Collen and the tangled mess of emotions he brought with him.

My thoughts turned to Hannah and the job she had mentioned. Perhaps that was the answer. If I could bury myself in work, I could shove Collen and the guilt to the back of my mind. I got out of bed and went into the kitchen, where she found Hannah making breakfast.

"Good morning," Hannah greeted cheerfully. "How did you sleep?

I smiled back, a small smile that was forced. "Morning. I slept okay, I guess.

Listen, Hannah, I've been thinking. I know you mentioned that your workplace is looking for help. Do you think I could start working there? Like, today?"

Hannah looked surprised but pleased. "Wow, you're so eager! Are you sure you want to dive into work so fast?

I nodded, my resolve firming. "Yeah, I think it would be good for me. I need something to focus on, and I really liked what you told me about the job."

Hannah's smile broadened. "I'm sure they'd love to have you. I'll talk with my boss as soon as we get there. But are you sure you're ready to start right away?"

"Absolutely," I replied. "I need this.

An hour later, we were on our way to Hannah's workplace. Though light with banter, my mind strayed away as it schemed my escape from the memories of the previous night and the impending confrontation with Collen.

When we arrived, Hannah led me into the bustling office. The atmosphere was energetic and lively, completely different from the smothering tension I had been feeling of late. I was introduced to Hannah's boss, a warm, welcoming woman.

So, you're Allison, the woman said, extending a firm hand for a shake. Hannah has told us great things about you.

I smiled back, and some of the tension in my shoulders relaxed. "Thank you. I'm really excited about the opportunity."

"Well, we could always use some more hands," she said. "Hannah's been a fantastic employee, and I trust her judgment. If she says you're up to it, that's good enough for me. Can you start today?"

"Yes, I can start right away," I said.

The woman nodded briskly. "Good. Hannah, why

Don't you show Allison around and get her settled?"

I flung myself into the tasks I was assigned to with fervor, determined to prove my worth and keep my mind off Collen.

I was embraced by Hannah's colleagues. They appreciated my ideas, fresh and new, and the enthusiasm I carried, thus making me part of them instantly. It was the first time in a very long while that I felt like I belonged to something meaningful, something that would help mend my broken heart and help advance my life.

The next thing I knew, I was deep in discussion with one of the employers over a new campaign idea, bouncing ideas off of each other.

"You know what," said one of the employers, leaning back in his chair, "I think I like your idea."

I smiled, feeling proud. "Thanks. I'm glad you like the idea.

I was about to reply again when I felt it. That sudden, sharp awareness that made my heart stutter in its rhythm. Clara, my wolf, stirred awake inside me, alert, tense. The sensation was unmistakable. Colleen was near.

My breath caught in my throat, and my eyes flashed around the office, half-expecting to see him standing there. But everything seemed normal. The office hummed and buzzed with activity as my coworkers were engrossed in their work.

"Allison?" my boss's voice cut into my reverie, jerking me back into reality. "You okay?"

I manufactured a smile and tried to dispel the bad feeling. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just caught up in thought for a second. Sorry about that." I need to go to the restroom; I'll be back in a short while.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push Clara’s insistent presence to the back of my mind. I needed a moment to compose myself, to figure out my next move. The last thing I wanted was to see Collen here, in this place that had become my sanctuary from the chaos of my emotions.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed off from the wall where I rested on and headed toward the bathroom. Maybe some cold water on my face would get my head clear. With my heels echoing in the quiet space, I hastened down the hallway. Just as I turned the corner, I collided with a solid form, nearly losing my balance.

"Whoa, careful!" A familiar voice exclaimed as strong hands steadied me.

My heart skipped a beat, and I looked up to find Collen standing right in front of me. My breath caught in my throat; it was a mix of anger and longing. The last thing I had expected was to see him so soon, much less here at my workplace.

"Collen," I said, my voice low. "What are you doing here?

One of Collen's hands finally loosened from my arms, but the other held on tight. "I work here now," he replied, his eyes searching mine. "Just started a few days ago. I didn't know you were here too.

My mind was racing. Of all the places in the world, it had to be in this one. I drew back, but his hands seemed to be firmly holding me in place, pinning me to the spot. "I need to go," I said, trembling. "I can't deal with this right now.".