Blind Date
1215 Words
I sigh as I shuffle through the paperwork on my desk. The fact that Cherish was close to quitting is jarring at best, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. She doesn’t remember anything that ever happened between us, and she doesn’t even remember who she is.
I don’t care what I have to do or say, but I will not let Cherish go that easily. The first time around, I never thought I’d lose her, and then I woke up to a ‘Dear John’ letter. I never thought I’d see her again, and she walks back into my life 10 years later. There’s no way in hell I’m going to let her disappear again.
My office door opens, and at that moment, I hate that I can’t see her desk from here. I have no idea if she left the floor, left the building, or is exactly where I need her to be. A huff sounds in my head, and I catch Eros rolling his eyes. Why is she here? I look up to find my mom walking into my office.
“What are you doing here?”
“Do I suddenly need a reason to come see my son?” I put my papers down and sit back in my chair.
“Again, what are you doing here, mom?” She sits in the chair in front of me and crosses her legs.
“It’s lunchtime, and I was thinking we could have lunch together.” I run a hand down my face and let out a sigh.
“I really don’t have ti-” She holds her hand up, stopping me midsentence.
“I think we need to let the other day go. We don’t need to keep animosity between us.” Mom shifts in her seat and drops her leg. “Now, I brought lunch with me, so you don’t need to worry.” Mom turns to look at my open door. “Nivea, you can come in now.”
Who the hell is Nivea?
I have no idea, Eros. A tall figure walks through my door. She’s wearing a short, pleated leather skirt with a matching black halter top. Her heels are red, and she has hair past her shoulders with big curls. Her skin is smooth and a hazelnut shade. She has big doe eyes, and high cheekbones, but not many curves.
She walks closer to my desk with a tray in her hands. She sets the tray on the desk in front of me and stands in front of my desk. “Hello. I’m Nivea. It’s so nice to meet you. I have to say that you are much more attractive than your mom said you were.” I glance at my mom to find a smirk on her face.
“Ah, you know what? I forgot that I have a meeting. I will leave you two.” Mom stands quickly and rushes out of my office, closing the door behind her.
~Cherise~
I won’t lie; I almost left the building. Being that close to Caleb was a bit too much, especially when replaying his words to me. How is it that my boss is basically coming on to me? Isn’t there some rule against all of this?
I rode the elevator to the roof and stayed up there for a while. I didn’t expect much, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found a small rock garden and a place to sit. I’m not sure how long I stayed up there, but I eventually went back downstairs.
I get off the elevator and turn my head as the next elevator’s door closes. I don’t remember seeing a meeting on his calendar, so maybe he went out for lunch. As I walk past Breyanne’s desk, she snickers at me. “I guess you aren’t as shiny and new as everyone thought. Mr. Valentine seems to have a new toy to play with right now.”
~Caleb~
I sit quietly as Nivea flits around my desk, emptying the tray she brought into my office. The truth is that I’m pissed right now. I shouldn’t be surprised that my mom would do something like this, but I am surprised.
Nivea settles in front of me, pulling her chair as close as it can go. She’s been talking all while she’s been in here, but I haven’t paid attention to anything she’s said. “So when your mom approached me about meeting you, I quickly accepted.” I sigh and shift in my seat.
“I don’t know what my mom has told you, but I’m not available.” Nivea pauses her movements for a bit before restarting.
“We’d be so good together. I’ve had extensive Luna training, and I studied business in school. I haven’t met my fated mate, and at this point, I’ve stopped looking. I’d be more than hap-”
“Stop, just stop. You and I have no future, and I need you to understand that. I’m sorry my mom wasted your time, but there’s nothing here for you. I’m not looking for a mate, chosen or otherwise.” Anger flashes across her face, but I don’t care. I stand and walk over to my office door. I open it and step back. “Please, I have a full day, and I really need to focus.” Nivea slowly stands and straightens out her skirt. She saunters toward me, stopping in the doorway. She turns from me and then looks at me with a smirk. Nivea steps closer to me, running a hand down my chest.
“Call me when you come to your senses.” She leans in closer, her lips lightly grazing my cheek. “I’ll be ready when you call.” I turn my body to face the doorway as Nivea walks past. I end up face-to-face with Cherish, and she doesn’t look happy.
~Cherise~
For the longest time, I had no idea what Breyanne meant. I thought she was just saying things to get to me, so I ignored her. When his office door opened, I realized how wrong I was. I slowly got to my feet, needing to talk to him, and then I saw her.
I’m confused at this point because, again, there’s no meeting on the books. This woman doesn’t look like she’s here for business. She set eyes on me, and I don’t like the look she gives me. A feeling of anger washes over me, and I have an urge to act on that anger. That bi.tch! I look around, but there’s no one there. Maybe my inner voice is really loud right now.
I slowly inch closer to his door. I stop abruptly when she turns and leaves the office. She brushes her shoulder against me, and I have a sudden urge to rip her hair out. I step up to stand right in front of the door. Caleb turns and puts his eyes on me. “Uh, Cherise, uh…” I roll my eyes, not wanting to hear whatever his stupid excuse is.
“Save it, Mr. Valentine.” I turn to go back to my desk, but he grabs my wrist and pulls me into his body.
“We need to talk.”
- Writer
