Chapter 90
1368words
From the corner of my eyes, I saw Cher waving enthusiastically at me. I exhaled relieved, thankful that I at least had one ally and went to my desk, situating myself in my chair.
Letting my hands roam over my desk I couldn't contain my cheerful smile. 'I never knew that I would ever miss sitting behind this desk.'
"Hey A." Cher whisper-called me. I stuck my head out from behind my monitor, looking at Cher who had this mischievous smile plastered on her face.
I know that smile. I glowered at her. "Nothing happened."
"Uh-hu sure Miss 'I sit on my CO-CEO's lap while I drive together with him to work'." Her sarcastic words flowed out of her mouth slapping me in the face.
"Ugh." I groaned miserable as I hide my face in my hands. "It has already spread around, hasn't it?" Even though my sentence came out like a question it was more a statement.
Cher laughed at my pain. "You guys came in like a grenade, how can no one know by now?"
I shot her a glare past my fingers. "It's not funny Cher." I grumbled petulantly.
She smiled like a Cheshire cat; her teeth fully exposed. "You're right it's not funny. It's hilarious."
With a pouty expression I flipped her off and was about to start working until her voice which was freight with worry and concern managed to catch my attention.
"How is it going? The stalker still hasn't been caught?" Her voice became even softer and lower than before as she brought her head closer to mine.
With a cress fallen expression I silently shook my head. Cher hung her head low as she let out a heavy sigh, clenching her hands in to a pair of fists.
I smiled sadly, nudging her shoulder playfully with my fist. "He hasn't at least been sending me disturbing messages lately. Maybe living with Mr. Moore really solved it?" I chuckled lightly.
Cher's expression didn't lighten up as the whole stalker situation didn't sit her well. She hated how powerless she was and how she couldn't help me, especially because I kept refusing her help knowing that Mark won't be so nice about it. I really feel bad for deceiving her.
Cher's opal ring managed to catch my attention and I glanced down at hit. I simpered and took her hand in mine, giving it a slight squeeze. "How it going between you and Brandon? Have you guys already set up a wedding date?" I queried, hoping to segued the conversation to something positive.
Cher's expression simpered as her eyes lit up in adoration as she gazes down at her engagement ring. She squeezed me back in the hand. "Everything has been going fantastic between us. We haven't been able to pick a date." She said. "I wanted to plan the wedding with my maid of honor, before picking out a date."
I felt a pang in heart, the guilt washing over me as I realized how I haven't been able to spend more time with my best friend. Ever since my life had been turned upside down, I haven't been able to spend as much time with Cher nor Brandon. Before, we would hang out at each other's places almost every day. We would have a movie night and eat junk food until we go into a food-coma, but now- now I don't even really see their faces anymore- I mean when was the last time that we went out and ate together?
Sadness clouded my features as I let out a lamenting voice. "We haven't hanged out in a while, have we?"
Cher smiled melancholy. "No."
I thought long and hard and before you knew my face expression transitioned from pensive to an enigmatic expression as I smiled broadly. "Then how about we go hit the bar tonight?"
Confusion overtook Cher's expression. "What? Really? Just us two?"
I smiled vindictively. "Let's drink with the team. We all deserve a break once in a while."
Cher nodded copiously as she squealed excited before she pulled out her phone to send a message around the department.
"Oh! And tell them that the CO-CEO will also be present, he pays." I added promptly.
And as if on que before Cher could say anything my phone went off. I pulled out my phone and looked at the screen to see that it was from Mark. I smirked and rose from my seat. "Sorry Cher, I have to take this call, be right back." I said quickly and excused myself.
When I knew that I was out of hearing reach I picked up the call. Before I could even place the phone against my ear, I could hear his pissed off booming voice.
"The fuck was that?"
I cupped my right elbow with my hand and placed the phone against my ear, smirking while I was leaning against the wall. "Exactly as you've heard I am going to drink with the team."
"Didn't I tell you that we would leave work early." He said lowly.
"Yes, you did, so how about you dismiss everyone from work early, so that we can start drinking early." I said smugly.
"Kitten," He growled warningly. "are you sure that you want to act this way-"
I cut him off using a weaponized word. "Freedom."
"What?" He asked incredulously.
"I really miss hanging out with Cher, with my colleagues- I miss having a normal life." My grip on my elbow got tighter as I could hear my voice slowly dwindle away. "You would really look awesome if you could allow me this bit of freedom." I said in a child like voice, trying to thwart his will.
I could hear him groan from the other line. "I know what you're trying to do kitten and-"
"Please Mark?" I plead. "You'll be there too to keep an eye on me, that's why I said to Cher that you would also come. You don't have to worry if I will do something stupid as long as you're there and my phone will always be with me."
Worry started to enshroud me when I could only hear the silent static noise. "M-Mark?" I called hesitantly.
"…Fine." He grunts defeated.
"Really!?" I screamed in disbelieve before covering my mouth worried that somebody heard me. When I looked around and saw that nobody was paying attention to me, I brought the phone closer to my mouth and whisper-yelled,
"Really!?" I asked again.
Mark let's out an elongated sigh. "Yeah…I am weak to you when you plea to me like that. But you have to stay close to me, okay?"
I nodded callously. "Yeah!" As long as I could spent some time with Cher again.
We hung up the phone call and I walked back to my seat. I sat down and let out a breath that I didn't know that I was holding.
"April?" Cher Called. I hummed in response, still slumped down in the chair with my eyes closed.
"The whole team is going to attend." Cher said pleased as she showed me her phone screen, showing me the messages of all the people who had confirmed the invitation.
"Great." I asserted. Of course, they are al going to come when they hear that the CO-CEO will be present and will be paying. No way that they would let a chance like that slip by.
I smiled pleased seeing that the plan is going smoothly. The people will flock around Mark like new born chickens, keeping him busy while Cher and I can sneak away and have fun. That's the plan. And if he catches us, which he most likely will, we will just say that we were too drunk and got lost.
I smirked evilly.
'Let the drinking begin.'
