Chapter 16: My answer remains no!

Brad

I was having my breakfast silently at the counter when Vivian strolled in, beaming with smiles but her eyes said otherwise. She looked tired like she didn’t sleep a wink all night but she was happy and smiling. She was even humming a song under her breath. I couldn’t make anything of the lyrics but it was obviously a happy one.

“Wow, someone woke up on the right side of the bed today,” I let out while she looked at me and smiled.

That was all I need to tell me what was going on. I mean, the Vivian I know would have shot me a really dangerous look and say something that would have me thinking all day. But then, she just smiled like it was nothing.

“Top of the morning to you too. And as for what you said, I always wake up on the right side of the bed. You’re the one who gets in my nerves but I’m not going to let you do that anymore. Not today or ever.” She let out while her phone beeped then.

I watched her giggle as she checked and then typed something. She was obviously chatting with someone, and that explained the tired eyes but happy smile. Whoever was on the other end of the phone was responsible for it. They probably talked all night which was why she has swollen eyes, but it was worth it so the happy smiles.

“Well, now I have my answer.” I said while she rolled her eyes.

“And that is?” She quizzed.

“Whoever you’re chatting with kept you up all night and that’s why you’re beaming with smiles. But then, your eyes are all swollen and scream tired so I know.” I explained while she held her phone up to check her eyes.

“You’re just lying now. My eyes are perfectly fine and no one kept me up all night. Maybe if you mind your business more, you wouldn’t be spending your morning analyzing someone else’s night.” She let out and I smiled.

“But you asked me to tell you. What? You can’t take the truth now?” I taunted while she shot me the killer look and walked out.

“Now that’s more like it,” I muttered under my breath while a smile registered on my lips.

“You know what?” She suddenly voiced from behind and then dashed back into the kitchen.

“I’m not going to leave for you. If you’re not okay with me, find your way to the door. I’m going to have my breakfast and enjoy it!” She said sternly and went to the fridge.

I didn’t say a word, I just shrugged my shoulders and went on eating. She looked in the fridge, then checked the other side of the counter where I usually leave her breakfast. It was empty so she turned to look at me but said nothing.

“Are you looking for your own food? Well, I didn’t make you any this morning. You always leave the impression that you don’t want it so I decided to stop pissing you off with my sweet delicacies.” I let out while she rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She simply said and I laughed.

“If you say so, but if you still want me to keep making you breakfast, you can just say it. I’m not going to bite you.” I retorted while she scoffed.

“Maybe try minding your business because I don’t remember saying anything about lost breakfast or not.” She replied.

“All good then.” I chimed in as I made my way out of the kitchen.

I grabbed my things and left for work but the scene never left my head. I mean, Vivian is so sweet and petty which is probably why I find her so sweet. She tries to hard to make me think she’s a hard person but I can see through her. She has a kind heart and nothing can hide that.

I got to work and went straight to my desk to start work. A couple of files had been dumped on my table and that just means more work.

“I thought the other team worked on this already…” I muttered under my breath as I scanned through the first file.

I was still busy going through the file when I heard a gentle familiar voice over me. I looked up and it was Anna standing there, looking gentle like a dog caught stealing. I’d never seen her so sober, she’s always hyperactive.

“Hi,” she said softly while I nodded.

“Hi Anna. How are you doing?” I replied and she nodded too.

“I’m really not okay. I feel so bad about what happened last night and I couldn’t even sleep well throughout the night. My mind was on you and I couldn’t wait to get here and apologize. I’m really sorry for putting you through that.” She apologized while I nodded again.

Honestly, I didn’t even hold it against her. If anything, I was scared for her because that man was huge… too huge for her, and from the way he grabbed her, she didn’t have a lot of way out to me. If I wasn’t in feel danger myself, I would have tried helping her but waiting would have meant trouble for me. He would have gone aggressive on me and maybe even kill me.

“It’s okay actually, I’m glad you’re okay. I should also apologize for not calling to check on you. It was on my mind but I didn’t want to cause you more trouble. It seemed like you two have some history that go way back. It wouldn’t be fair for me to get in between that.” I explained while she quickly shook her head.

She pulled the chair in front of me to my side and sat close to me.

“That’s not true at all,” she said and then grabbed my hand, holding it tight like her life depended on it.

“The man you saw last night is my ex. We broke up a long time ago but he has refused to move on. He keeps stalking me and once he notices anyone around me, he comes around and creates a scene.” She explained while I gently pulled my hand out of her grip.

“Trust me, I understand you perfectly and that’s why I didn’t try to get in it last night. He obviously still loves you and you should give him a chance.” I said but her face immediately turned sour.

“But you’re the one I want, Brad. There’s nothing between Ted and I anymore. You’re the one that I want.” She said sternly while I chuckled.

“My answer remains no… in fact, a big solid no. Did you see the way he went off last night? He will literally kill me if he finds out I have anything to do with you. Being your friend is even a risk anyone should take.” I let out and she laughed it off like it was nothing.

“Trust me, he’s just all bark. He is not as dangerous as he seems. You won’t believe it but after you left last night, he broke down in tears and started apologizing. He’s just a big baby, trust me. He can’t do anything to you.” She let out.

She was so causal about it that if I hadn’t witnessed it myself, I would have believed her. But then, I was there. I saw him go haywire and I don’t need to be told what he’s capable of. I already saw it all…