Mr. Valentine's Heart

Familiarity

~Cherise~

The ride in the elevator was quiet, minus some calming music coming out of the speakers. The elevator doors open, and I step out, looking at my surroundings. I'm going to say something crazy, but please, don't be mad at me.

Almost everyone around here looks familiar. I’m NOT trying to say that we all look alike, not in the slightest. It's really weird, but so many people here look familiar, and I can't understand why that is. Even the guy coming toward me now looks really familiar. Sh.it! I guess I should never say that out loud, right?

This is only my second trip here, and I've had this overwhelming feeling like I know so many people here or did in a previous life. I know it sounds horrible, and I'm sorry. It's just how I've been feeling. “Luna Cherish.” I look around, thinking someone is standing behind me, but I'm the only one in the area.

I look back at the man, who's staring at me intently. He's an attractive man, I will say that. He looks like he's six foot something. He has strong facial features, and his body gives away the fact that he works out. He's light-skinned and keeps his hair cut short. He has pretty green eyes. As attractive as he is, there's no 'umph' there. Crazy, right?

“Uh, I'm not sure who Luna or Cherish is, but I'm Cherise Perry.” I hold my hand out to him, waiting for him to take it. He looks at me strangely, and for a brief moment, it looks like he doesn't plan to reciprocate. The moment I touch him, a familiarity washes over me. I decide not to dwell on it because I'm sure it's all in my head.

“Cherise, is it?” I nod slowly as our hands detach. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry that I missed your interview. It's why I wanted to meet now, just to touch bases.”

“I appreciate the opportunity you have given me. This is an… interesting job to say the least.” He laughs, never taking his eyes off of me.

“That's very true. Are you new to this area?”

“I am, actually. I haven't even been here for month, so this job has really come at the right time.” He nods and just stares at me. Time passes, and his gaze makes me uncomfortable. “Uh, is everything okay?” He clears his throat and scratches the back of his head.

“I'm so sorry. It's just that you look like someone from my past.” I smile, though I'm feeling extremely awkward.

“That's okay, Mr…” A tinge of red touches his cheeks.

“I'm so sorry. I'm Jamichael Thomas.” I nod and hand him the forms that I filled out.

“Nice to meet you and I'm so thankful you had these forms to fill out. I'm not up and running with a computer yet so this is very helpful.”

“Please let me know when you are ready to take things digital.” I nod and look around, wondering what else there is to discuss. “Please don't let me keep you. I just wanted to put the name with a face. I look forward to working more with you.” I smile, turn, trying not to move too fast, and walk to the elevator.

As soon as I step inside and the doors close, I let out a freeing breath. I don’t know what that was about, but it was intense. I would have never imagined that meeting, basically my boss; I’d feel so much pressure to just be. That’s it, I guess. I felt pressure to be someone, but I have no idea who.

Maybe he’s just attracted to me. I’m not full of myself or trying to toot my own horn, but one has to wonder. I’ve never really been hit on by anyone other than Alexi, and I didn’t want him. His very touch made my skin crawl. Every time he looked at me, I wanted to cover myself up, including my head. I don’t feel the same under this man’s scrutiny, but I’m still uncomfortable. Hopefully, I won’t have to return any time soon. I really need to get a computer.

~Jamichael~

I watch her until the elevator doors close. I know that I'm not mistaken; that's Luna Cherish. The feeling of calm and protectiveness that washed over me when we shook hands is unmistakable. The crazy thing is that she doesn't seem to remember who I am.

Not just that, but she didn't even respond to her own name. I have no idea what that's about, but I know one thing: I need to tell Caleb, and I have no idea how he will take it. “Was that…?” I turn at the sound of Roman's voice.

“What are you doing here?” Roman continues to look at the long-closed elevator doors. I clear my throat as a reminder that I asked him a question.

“I just came to let you know that Caleb has left for the day with the former Alpha and Luna. He didn't seem very happy about it, though. Now was that Luna Cherish? I've never met her, but I have seen pictures.” I sigh and shake my head.

It isn’t that I don’t trust him, but I don’t even know who I just spoke to. I think that is the Luna, but how could that be? If she is her, how could it be that she doesn’t remember me? There are too many questions to answer before I let my theories free.

Roman is younger than us, but I’d imagine that he remembers her before she left. Either that or his people talked about her a lot. I’m not surprised that he never met her. I think he was often busy finishing school, and he did go off to college. I just don’t think he was around much. I need him to look into things without alerting anyone about anything.

“That is someone I will deal with. Don't tell Caleb anything.” Roman nods and turns to leave. “Actually, I need a favor.” I wait until Roman is looking at me again. Give me everything you can find on Cherise Perry from the company and the outside world.” Roman nods and leaves. I have to figure out how I'm going to work this out.