Plain Jane

Something I Despise

“Lily Peterson. Ryan’s girlfriend.” The woman responded, her bright red lips turned upside down.

The scowl on my face ran deeper, and a blush appeared on my cheeks as I remembered that Ryan and I had previously shared now two kisses. And somehow I had become the home wrecking w***e, something I had never thought would happen, something that I despised ever since I caught him and her.

“Oh its nice to meet you, actually I was just leaving.” I say, gathering up my purse and walking past the both of them.

“Are you sure? I still need to talk to you.” Ryan whispers, grabbing my forearm.

I shake him off and nod curtly at the both of them. Lily smiles and waggles her fingers, taking her other hand and wrapping it around Ryan’s bicep. I notice it only barely makes it around and her bony fingers look out of place. I open the door smiling a tight lip smile and then dialing my for a taxi quickly.

…..

I opened the door and both Cayden and Darren were in a heated argument over something they were watching on TV and as the door closed behind me they both looked up and a smile lit up both of their faces.

“Jane!” They yelled in unison.

“Hey don’t do that.” They said again to each other, then laughed both of their deep voices bellowing.

“Hi to both of you.” I lean down and kiss Darren on the cheek, walking towards the kitchen to hang up my coat on the coatrack but an arm snakes around my waist and pulls me into his lap.

“Where’s mine?” His throaty voice whispers in my ear. I feel irritation wash over my face for some unknown reason but I kiss him on his lips hastily getting up and going back on my original path towards the kitchen. I hear heavy footsteps following me and I catch myself before I roll my eyes. Why was I acting like this all of the sudden?

“How was your talk?” He asks, leaning against the counter.

“It was fine.” I answer shortly.

“Is everything alright?” He asks.

“Why wouldn’t it be? It was just a girl talk.” I answer coldly again.

“No I mean with you, you seem off. We were fine before you went to talk to her. Do you want to talk about anything?” He asks.

“No! I want you to stop asking me questions!” I yell, slamming my hands on the counter. My palms sting but I ignore it, my chest heaving up and down and my red hair sticking to my face.

“If that’s what you want.” He says, walking out of the kitchen. Its just been a long day. I stalk out of the kitchen and into my room, slamming the door behind me.

Darren comes in some time later to tell me Cayden has left and to question me about my outburst.

“What was that all about?” He asks.

“He kept asking me questions and I didn’t feel like talking so I blew up.” I answer.

“You went to talk to Ryan didn’t you?” Darren asks.

“How did you know?” I sigh.

“I know your entire circle of friends which isn’t large and he told me you went to talk to some girl named Rylie, which I know you don’t know anyone named Rylie.” He answered., smacking his lips together.

“You’re smart.” I answer.

“I know. Now tell me what happened.” He claps his hand excitedly.

“He was going to tell me something, I think it had something to do with my article, but then this women arrived. Her name was Lily Peterson. Tall, brunette, snobby, and rude. She claimed to be his girlfriend and he didn’t deny it.” I told the story and watched as Darren’s facial expression changed to shocked.

“Lily Peterson, the woman he cheated on?” Darren asks.

“I didn’t know that was her so I guess so.” I answer, shrugging my shoulders.

“Yes thats her! I cant believe they are back together!” He exclaims.

“Yeah its whatever. Do you think I should call Cayden and apologize?” I asked, guilt consuming me suddenly.

“Yes, but first you should tell me how thathappened.” Darren says. I explained the story to him and although he thought it was cute he kept saying how he loved the thought of Rane or Jyan. I guess those were our ship names. We ended up falling asleep on my bed at midnight and I woke the next morning and got ready as usual.

…..

Today their was commotion everywhere, something big was going to happen. The manager of the Column section of the newspaper was here and that meant that there was going to be a big meeting at noon, the last time this happened they laid people off.

My hands were sweaty as I made my way to the board room for the meeting I slipped in about five minutes before it started and the room was packed full of nervous people. The board manager walked to the front there were at least seven of them from different sectors of the newspaper, meaning they were each most likely going to lay people off.

He started droning on and on about his section, the sports, and then towards the end apologetically laid off five people. The fashion section and then the pet section came next, and after that the Column section.

The steely man walked towards the front, he stammered through his speech like the others and finally he looked up and locked eyes with me. My heart stopped beating and I braced myself.

“Jane Everson. I would like to start off by letting you know you are not being laid off.” He started. I let out a sigh of relief, my heart resuming beating. “But I will let you know this job is now only going to be part time. From now on you can write your column and submit it and you will only be needed here about two days a week. The rest we have talked with a trading firm to have you switched to be their publicist where you will be letting out press statements and just anything that has to deal with the company and the public involved with them. While you can decline the deal, I think it would be in your best interest to accept the offer.” He finishes his speech and I immediately nod my head, accepting his offer.

When the meeting was over we all walked out together about thirty percent of us crying, not me. I was ready for new opportunities I always took curve balls in life with a smile, but even as I packed up my desk since I wouldn’t be needing it anymore, I couldn’t help but feel tears prick my eyes, because this was my life.

Writing and giving advice was something I loved to do ever since I was in high school, and now I felt like I was being demoted to a lowly publicist, at a trading firm at that. What publicity could a trading firm really get that they need a publicist?

I waved goodbye to my now only half time coworkers, and walked towards the elevator, riding it to the bottom floor, and walking out into New York traffic. I looked around the sidewalk in front of the building to see if there were any taxis waiting, but the only sight that crossed my line of vision was Ryan. I rolled my eyes and turned to walk down the sidewalk and locked eyes with Cayden just as Ryan called my name and I whipped around to glare at him.

I realized my mistake as soon as I heard Cayden come up behind me. “What’s he doing here Jane?” He wraps an arm protectively around my waist and it doesn’t feel like it should. I don’t like how possessive looks on Cayden. It looks better on Ryan. My subconscious tells me and my head starts to hurt from all the testosterone.

“What do you mean what am I doing here? I was just here to see if Ms. Everson here had accepted the offer of becoming a publicist for me and my company.” Ryan smirked.

“Your company? I accepted the offer for your company?” I say, baffled.

“What do you mean you accepted the offer Jane?” Cayden asks, looking down at me.

“What do you think Cayden? My job became part time today and I was offered a position as a publicist at a trading firm, how was I supposed to know it was his?” I yell, pushing away from him.

“So you accepted? Good I’m glad. You have initiation tomorrow. Sorry this was such an informal way of telling you, I’ll be going now.” He tipped an imaginary hat sarcastically. Cayden flipped him off and then turned to face me full on.

“So let me get this straight, you’re going to be working for the guy that you passionately kissed at Blackout that one night?” Cayden asks.

“Well when you put it that way Cayden, yes. I need the money, I can’t just sacrifice a good paying job because you’re jealous!” I say.

He’s silent for a few moments and then he grabs my hand in his, “You’re right. I’m overreacting. Why don’t we go get something to eat and then go back to my place?” He asks.

I sigh and nod along with him, following his lead down the sidewalk, not paying very much attention as he babbles on about random subjects. My mind was far away, focused on the fact that I would be working closely with and seeing Ryan James every day for who knows how long.

…..

Darren, to say the least, was happy that I was going to be working with Ryan. He almost blew my eardrums out with his screaming and I think our neighbors complained. Nonetheless I got up the next morning, did my usual routine, and put on a tight black pencil skirt and grey silk blouse, pairing it with a my favorite black heels.

The taxi ride to my new job was long and bumpy. My thoughts were jumbled as my knees bounced up and down the entire way. When we pulled up to a tall glass building, surrounded by other skyscrapers just like it, my stomach knotted up and suddenly I felt like throwing up. The taxi driver took my money and sped from the curb, leaving me alone to stand in front of the revolving glass doors.

I finally pushed them open and let the cool air hit me as I walked slowly into the building. The lobby had the huge logo that read James Enterprises in big cursive letters. My heels clicked on the white floor as I walked to the main desk to speak to the bored looking receptionist.

“I’m looking for Ryan James office? I’m his new publicist.” I ask.

She rolls her eyes and picks up the phone in front of her, punching a couple buttons. “Hello? Yeah, Rita, there’s a slutty looking b***h here looking for Mr. James, says she’s his new publicist or something.” I stand there shocked as she listens to the response, she laughs and hangs up the phone. “Just press the button for the top floor and follow the signs to his office, its not that complicated.” She says picking her nails.

“Yeah, thanks.” I walk quickly away from the rude woman and into the elevator, following her directions to the top floor. I have one minute to make it into his office or I would be late, as per the email I got late last night from his secretary.

I stood outside his door for a second before pushing it open, only to find a disgusting sight. Lily was mounted on Ryan’s lap, her mouth making lipstick prints all over his jaw and neck. She paused and faced me, her lipstick now smeared, making her look like a slutty vampire.

“What is she doing here?” Lily growls in my direction.

“She works for me now.” Ryan answers.

“For you? I was told it was for the company.” I chime in.

“No, what possible publicity could a trading firm really get? I need you to make sure anything printed or written about me goes through you, interviews, appearances, anything it all goes through you. Your office is over there.” He points to a wood door, and the wall covered in glass so you could see straight into it.

“That wasn’t what I was told!” I say in frustration.

“Me neither!” Lily says, still in Ryan’s lap.

“It was none of your concern Lily. In fact I think you should go, you don’t need to be here. I’ve asked you to leave numerous times.” He says, anger in his voice.

“You only asked twice.” Lily whines.

“Leave.” He points to the door, rubbing his jaw, and she climbs out of his lap pulling her skirt down. She sends me a glare and tries to plant a kiss on Ryan’s lips but he moves away. I smile smugly, walking towards my new office. I would just have to work under these circumstances, I needed the job. Plus if there wasn’t much going on I could still write my columns here, so it was like being at my old job. I looked at the positive side of things, and started to log into the computer sitting at my desk.

A couple of minutes went by and Ryan opened the door to my office, stepping in. His smell seemed to surround the small space, manly and musky at the same time. I bit my lip and continued setting up my home browser and such.

“My secretary will meet with you soon to show you how to direct calls, answer them, things like that. She’ll show you my preferences, give you a list of numbers to not answer to, and if you have any problems she’ll give you the extensions to each department in the building.” He says.

“Thank you.” I answer, eyes still focused on the computer.

“You look at me when I’m speaking to you.” He snaps.

I flick my grey eyes up to meet his and I can see his jawline is set and his fists are clenched. “Anything else Ryan?” I ask.

“Its Mr. James, and that will be all.” He responds, slamming the door as he walks out.That man has serious anger management problems.

…..

His secretary did as promised, a sweet middle aged woman with a huge rock on her finger and a small pregnant stomach. She was funny and sarcastic and knew her way around. She had been doing this for almost two years and she was happy with it, not to mention the pay was good and getting the occasional eye candy from Ryan was a plus, as she told me so boldly.

“So one time I walk in and he’s changing shirts to go on a date with that horrible woman, and he’s shirtless! And let me tell you that man has a body. I’ve never seen anything like it, I mean my husband is hot But wowza! That man could kill with a body like that.” Amelia finished her story with a smile as I took a drink of my soda.

“When was this? And why is Lily a wretched woman?” I ask curiously.

“Oh about a couple months ago or something, and you don’t know?” She asks incredulously.

I shake my head and she opens her mouth to say something but the man himself walks up to us, stopping in front of her.

“Amelia, I need you to tell Lauren if she harasses another person at the receptionist desk I’ll see to it that she never gets another job.” He snaps.

“Yes sir, anything else?” Amelia asks. Ryan’s eyes flick towards mine. “No, Jane come with me.” He says, turning around and walking back down the hallway.

I wave my fingers at Amelia and she gives me a sympathetic look as I scurry down the hallway after him. He walks in to his office and motions for me to shut the door, he stands in front of the window looking out to the busy street below.

“I have a date scheduled tomorrow at five, I need you to have a car ready and make sure there are paparazzi with. The date is with one of our rivals daughters and I need it to throw him off. You’ll be staying late tonight we have a couple meetings I need you to attend and take notes so notify your boyfriend.” He turns toward me and there’s a look in his eyes but I can’t quite place what it is.

“Shouldn’t your secretary be doing that? We had plans tonight.” I lie. He strides towards me and stops directly in front of me.

“If it was for my secretary don’t you think she would be doing it?” He growls.

“Why are you even going on a date, aren’t you taken? Looking to cheat on her again Mr. James?” I ask, sympathy for that woman seeping into my voice no matter how rude she is. Its sad she still came back to him even after what he did to her.

He steps closer to me. “Who told you I cheated on her?” He growls.

“Oh you didn’t want your little secret out huh? I can’t believe you kissed me knowing you had her on the side! How disgusting!” I yell.

“Really because you didn’t think it was so disgusting when I did it. Let me jog your memory.” He steps closer and his lips meet mine furiously. I fight against him and his hands reach down to grip my ass. I let out a yelp and my mouth opens letting his tongue gain entrance. I quit fighting with him and instead try to gain dominance in the kiss but am quickly shot down when I’m pushed against the wall. My legs instinctively wrap around his waist and he grinds against me softly, eliciting a moan from my mouth.

He pulls away from me roughly and rests his head on my neck as we both catch our breaths, or at least me because I feel a sharp pain and then pleasure as he sucks on my neck. But then I realize what he’s doing and I unwrap my legs from his waist, pushing him away, but the damage is already done.

“Why would you do that!” I scream.

“Sorry, next time I’ll do it where it's not visible.” He smirks, his voice a low rumble, it makes my stomach churn in desire.

“No, there won’t be a next time. I think I just did what I despise the most. I think I just cheated.” I spit out the words and guilt consumes me as tears start to prick my eyes. Ryan notices and his face changes instantly coming to wrap his arms around me. I stiffen and stay still as he runs his fingers through my hair.

“I’m sorry, that was my fault. Here I’ll tell Amelia to get some of that stuff you guys wear so you can cover it up. Don’t cry- I-I didn’t mean it.” He says.

What he doesn’t know is that hurts even more, somewhere my heart burns at the thought that he didn’t mean probably the best kiss of my entire life.

“I think I should go. I’ll figure something out before I have to see him.” I stammer, never thinking those words would ever have to come out of my mouth. I despised cheaters. Did that mean I despised myself?

“Yeah I think that’d be a good idea. See you tomorrow Ms. Everson.” His hard exterior was back, it was like he hadn’t just marked me, claiming me basically. Sounded so sexy if I was single, but I wasn’t. I didn’t know what I was, but I wasn’t single.

Unless Cayden were to find out.