Chapter 7
1307 Words
Grace's POV
I wake up before the alarm to answer my mom’s call. I forgot to call them on Saturday and even yesterday. She must be worried...
I receive the video call as soon as I grab my phone from the bedside table.
“Hello?” I shift to find a comfortable position, holding the phone upright to my face.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry! I keep forgetting that Newfoundland is one and a half hours ahead of Toronto. I assumed you’d be awake and getting ready for work.”
“No, don’t worry; it’s alright. I had some important filing to do and forgot to reset my alarm an hour earlier. Thanks to you, now I can complete my task.” I force a smile, assuring her she did nothing wrong.
“Did something happen the day before yesterday?” Her question strikes my flimsy heart, and I struggle to maintain a neutral expression.
“Nothing, Mom. Why do you think that?” I pause for a moment to read her face, but she looks at me blankly.
“Aah! Is it because I forgot to give y'all a call? Oh, I’m sorry! I was a little busy on Saturday and then too drained to have a conversation with anyone. Just took the Sunday to rest.”
“Why? Hasn’t your company managed to hire a Lead Manager yet? I see the work pressure is increasing for you.”
Just then, the universe seems to smile on me as my screen starts displaying ‘reconnecting.’ I take that as an opportunity to wipe my tear-filled eyes and clear my vision. I try to get closer to the balcony to restore the connection.
“Boo!” My brother’s attempt to scare me catches me off guard for a moment before I respond.
“What the hell, fat ass! Oh God! You look dumb even in the morning.”
“Shut up, assy. This isn’t how you talk to your big brother.”
Him designating himself as the “big brother.” Ugh.
I roll my eyes and continue talking to him.
“Big brother my foot.”
“Oh please, remember the days when I did labor work to pay your fees? I’m the reason you got hired at such a prestigious company.”
“Shut up, useless ball of flesh. I’ve paid my own fees with part-time and online jobs, unlike you, who’s been unemployed to this date.”
“Oh come on. Just let me graduate, and I’ll earn more cash than you do.”
“I’m eagerly waiting for that day too. At least you’ll be able to pay back the money you owe me.”
“Ehh, I’m giving you no money. Get lost. Sheeee... I just noticed you’re looking so ugly. Yuck!” He mocks me with a silly expression while our mother scolds him from behind.
“Grace, please take care of yourself.”
“Yes, Mom, chillax! Why do you think I’m still alive?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. I’m very well aware of your eating habits. Please eat well, okay?”
Moms are really something. They can see right through their children, can’t they?
“Yes, I will. But, Mom, I need to go.”
“Where? We’ve just started talking.”
“I need to pee badly.”
“Ay, why don’t you just use the washroom before bed?”
“Mom, come on! You pee at night, and you pee in the morning. Cleansing happens at all times. How can I drain everything down at night?”
“Yuck! Stop saying inappropriate things in front of your mother!”
“You were the one who instigated me.” I raise my eyebrow, and the middle of my forehead creases in irritation.
“Hey, where are you going?” My mother calls out to my brother, who’s now leaving the call hurriedly.
“Excretion, Mom!” he yells from afar. I laugh at his silliness while a sensation warns me to use the washroom ASAP, or else…
“Uh, siblings after all.”
“Mom, I’m hanging up now. My nature is calling me too.”
“Yeah.” I hang up and crouch down a little, my legs glued together… umm… you know why.
I put on a white shirt and black pants to match, leaving my hair down for the day while I accessorize. I always get ready before preparing breakfast. I don’t know why; there’s a risk of spilling something on my outfit while preparing or eating, but that’s just how I am.
I feel comfortable like this. Today, I eat a jam sandwich, not letting my mind rest even for a second as I think about the ‘New’ Lead Manager. From the moment I left the office on Saturday until now, there hasn’t been a single second when I haven’t thought about him. Even during the call…
I wipe away the warm tear that falls from my face and lock my house behind me.
Thankfully, the driver is nice today. No, he didn’t do anything specifically good, but at least he’s not being a jerk today.
With Jeffy sitting beside me, I can’t shake the feeling that I just don’t like her. I don’t know why. I just… don’t.
I high-five Leo as I pass through his department. He raises his eyebrows when he sees Jeffy right behind me. Since Leo and Jeffy work in the same department, Jeffy has to stay while I walk further ahead.
My mind zones out as I reach the door, expecting him to be inside. We never had a relationship, so why should I react so strongly to his presence? He’s just another employee I’ll be working with; why make a big deal out of it? I prepare myself before stepping in. Just then, he turns his head to look at me.
---
Trace's POV
The exquisite woman finally walks through the door. I’ve been longing to see her since she left me sobbing in this cabin the day before yesterday. She must’ve cried too. She did, right? She still cares, right? Or…?
---
Grace's POV
The file I handed him the day before yesterday is neatly placed on my table. I feel a presence beside me, and I know exactly who it belongs to.
“Good morning, Grace.” His voice is soft, brushing against my senses. His uttering my name sends a shiver through my body, but I brush off the sensation and act formally.
“Morning.”
“How are you?” Goosebumps linger on my skin as I struggle not to look at him.
“Fine,” I reply, keeping my tone serious.
“Gra—”
Before he can continue, a voice interrupts us.
“Good morning. Both of you are requested to meet the CEO immediately.”
---
Trace's POV
Why does this robotic assistant have to barge in at such a wrong time? I’m trying to have a conversation with her.
Grace nods in reply.
“Yes, sir, we’ll be there. But next time, do you mind knocking before you enter?”
“Sure thing.”
My luck turns when Grace shifts her gaze to look straight at me, finally allowing me to take in her features.
Her shirt fits perfectly over her curves. Her hair sways rhythmically. A perfect tint covers her lips.
I want to kiss her… right now… so badly.
I admire every inch of her while my mind plays shameless scenarios. My body loses its usual cool, reacting in a way it shouldn’t at a place like this.
---
Grace's POV
He’s wearing a white shirt too… he’s so gorgeous and tempting. I knew he’d be this beautiful... I just knew.
---
Trace's POV
Damn… I want to touch her!
~~~
- Writer
