Chapter 9 – Lucky Katie
1268 Words
Neil cleared his throat, pushed back his chair, and stood immediately. He glared at Brianna briefly before turning his head to his startled fiancée.
“W-What?” Katie’s eyes were wide, and she was almost not breathing as she looked at him.
“Rat!” answered Brianna, stopping herself from bursting into laughter when Neil mouthed a curse and gritted his teeth but not saying anything to her.
Katie gasped, lifting her feet. “Rat?” She turned her head to the man looking at his assistant. “Sweetheart, I thought you had this place cleaned? This is so embarrassing for Brianna.” She heaved a sigh and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry about it.”
Brianna lifted a brow. “Why are you apologizing?”
“Yeah!” Neil shot a scathing look at his assistant before sinking back into his chair. “You shouldn’t be apologizing about it. I’ll have this place clean and make sure even bad spirits leave this place.”
“Not funny, sweetheart,” Katie said but smiled.
“Sadly, not even the Pope can cast the bad spirit away from this place,” Brianna murmured, her eyes on her lasagna. She suddenly lost her appetite but took another bite.
A soft chuckle escaped Katie’s mouth. “Now, that’s funny. I’m Catholic, by the way.”
“Ah.” Brianna filled her mouth with another bite and smiled as she chewed her food. Her answer, followed by silence, made Katie panic.
“Oh my God! Did I offend you?” she asked worriedly.
Neil scoffed and murmured, “That woman worships only herself.”
“Now, that offends me,” Brianna muttered truthfully, but forced a smile as she looked at Katie. “How should I say it?” She narrowed her eyes, thinking of the appropriate words to say. “Let’s just say I don’t participate much in topics about religion and politics. Exciting topics but buzzkill.”
“Yeah.” Katie nodded briefly, trying to understand her. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what’s your religion?”
Brianna puckered her lips, pointing at Neil. “He might be right. Let’s stick to what he said. I worship only myself.”
Katie giggled, nodding as if she understood she should let the topic go. “But you believe in marriage?”
“No man’s good enough for him, sweetheart,” Neil interrupted, placing his hand on top of Katie’s and flickering his eyes on Brianna. “So, why should she believe in marriage?”
Brianna understood her boss was trying to get back on her, but his words pricked her heart. Instead of defending herself, she smiled and nodded briefly.
“Why would I believe in marriage when my parents have lived in hell since the day they said I do?”
Katie blushed, and when she noticed Neil opening his mouth to speak, she shook her head. She looked at Brianna and smiled gently.
“I’m sure you’ll find someone who’ll completely sweep off your feet.” A sweet grin curved into her lips, looking at Neil. “I found mine.”
Neil and Katie seemed lost in a magical world for a while, looking at each other passionately.
Pain pricked Brianna’s heart, unsure if she would feel jealousy or sadness. She had been in many relationships but had never seen anyone look at her with love and care. She cleared her throat and forced a smile.
“Lucky you,” Brianna said, pulling a paper towel from the box and lightly dabbing it on the corner of her mouth. “I’m a Thomson, Katie. Men look at me, not as someone they want to spend the rest of their lives with.”
Katie blinked, not believing her. “I’m sure -”
“Believe me, Katie. Men only wanted me because of my father. I’m more like…” She furrowed her brows, thinking if she had to share it with her. She tilted her head and locked her eyes on her, ignoring Neil. “A connection. Men treat me like a bridge to my father… or Bailey. You know, for money.”
Neil glowered. “Hey!”
Brianna snorted, rolling her eyes. “I’m sure not you, Mr. Scott. You and Dad… are friends?” She looked at Katie and smiled sweetly. “Thanks for the lunch. Please excuse me, I have…” She nudged her head toward her table. “Lots of stuff to do.”
Katie nodded understandingly. “Of course. Umm…” Her face turned crimson, and she smiled sheepishly. “I’m wondering… Umm… Can you come to our wedding?”
“No!” exclaimed Neil.
Lifting a brow, Brianna asked, “No? Why?” She rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly at Katie. “That’d be an honor. I’ll wait for the invitation. Now, please excuse me.”
Brianna did not look at either of them. She stood up and returned to her seat, ignoring the loving murmuring of the two. She heaved a sigh, realizing it was too late to leave the office. She didn’t want Neil to think she had lost their silent war.
She took her phone and sent Elaine a message, telling her to bring the report she requested. As she was about to put her smartphone down, her phone rang. She placed the Bluetooth speaker to her ear and pressed the accept button.
“Hi, beautiful,” Charles greeted her.
She closed her eyes and moaned. “I needed to hear that.”
Charles chuckled. “Really? Something happened?”
“Nope. I’m busy. I’m only answering this call because it’s you,” she said, glancing at Neil and Katie, standing up and clearing the table.
“Want to meet later? I’m not busy tonight,” he said. “Say, dinner?”
She narrowed her eyes but smiled softly. “Charles, I hope you’re not asking me for a date.”
Charles chuckled. “Definitely not.”
“Good.” She narrowed her eyes briefly and paused. “Charles, can I spend the night with you?”
There was a pause, and then Charles asked, “Did something happen?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “Sure. I’ll have the rooms ready.”
Her best friend understood when she said spending the night with him included Elaine and Dan, sometimes with Ida.
“That’s why I love you, Charles,” she said.
“Ugh!” Charles laughed briefly. “Why do I feel like you’re only using me.”
She opened her mouth but closed it again, realizing Neil and Katie were about to approach her. “See you later.”
“Yep. See ya!” Charles ended the call.
“Meeting?? Brianna asked Neil and then looked at his fiancée. “Mating?” She chuckled when Katie blushed. “I’m just kidding.”
Katie curled her hands on her fiancé's arm. “I have to make materials for my class tomorrow.”
“You can leave early if you want,” Neil offered.
“You should come here often,” Brianna said to Katie. “My boss is nice to me when you’re around. Thanks for the lunch.”
A giggle escaped Katie’s mouth. “No worries. I think I’m coming here often.” She waved her hand briefly. “This guy’s gonna be late for his meeting.”
Brianna watched them leave the office and was glad they were gone. She sighed in relief, picking up her phone when it beeped a message.
Elaine: I have news about Neil. You won’t like it.
- Writer
