Chapter 9: Chapter Nine - Not In The Mood

Everly

I dread going to work this morning. I have covered my marks with make up. I don't need people staring or asking questions. Orson will hopefully be back to his normal self. I don't want his pity. It was strange to me how he acted last night. I didn't know he had that side to him.

I sigh hesitantly and leave my apartment. I stop by to get Orson's coffee and one for myself with an extra shout. I need it this morning. I should eat, but I can't. I will end up being sick. I am still a little shaken from what happened. I won't be seeing clients for a few days unless it is one I know I can trust. I can make up the money easily when I am ready to return. I arrive outside of the building. I stop and take a moment to mentally prepare myself. With one last deep breath, I head inside.

I pick the stairs. There are too many people waiting for the elevator. I am in no mood to deal with people. I drop my things at my desk before I head to Orson's office. I have no idea if he is in. Some days, he comes in late just because he feels like it. I see him through the door, sitting at his desk. I groan because I hoped I could have left his coffee at his desk without seeing him. I knock and wait for permission to enter, which he grants instantly.

I stroll in. "Good morning. Here is your coffee." I say and set it down.

He looks up at me, "Thanks."

I nod, turn and go to walk out.

"Did I dismiss you?" he asks.

I find myself smiling because of his non-emotional tone of voice. I roll my eyes and turn back to face him.

"Do you need anything else, sir?" I ask through gritted teeth.

"Where is my breakfast?"

"You told me only to bring coffee." I remind, annoyed.

"I changed my mind." He snarls.

"Well, I am not a mind reader. You have my number. You could have texted."

He barks his breakfast order at me. I sigh, shake my head, and exit his office. At least he is back to being his annoying, normal self. I head back out to get his bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and poached egg. I go to the café next door to work. He likes the food from there. I can't be assed going to his favourite place. He isn't happy; he can take his lazy ass out and get it himself.

As I wait in line, my other cell beeps, the one I use for clients. I take it a couple of requests for my services. I ignore them. I put it back in my bag. It doesn't take long for his order to be ready. I head back to work, taking it to him.

"Happy?" I ask.

"For now. You are dismissed."

I walk out without another word and settle back down at my desk, getting to work. It is going to be a long day. I can feel it in my gut. Ten minutes later, I hear my client's cell vibrate in my bag. I make sure Orson is nowhere in sight before I check it. It is Roman calling. What the fuck does he want? I reject the call. How dare he think he could call me? He tries again, and I reject it again. A text comes through a moment later.

I am sorry for how I acted and what I did to you. It was wrong of me. Let me make it up to you. See me tonight? I will double your money.

I scoff as I read it. I don't care if he offered me a million dollars to see him, I still wouldn't go. I block his number and remove it from my contacts. Thank God he doesn't know my real name or any personal details about me. He is the type who doesn't like being told no or being rejected. If he knew who I really was, it would cause trouble for me.

I sigh and switch it off. Any clients who are wanting to meet can wait until I finish my day job. I need to focus. Orson doesn't need any excuse to have a go at me. With the mood I am in, I would probably lose my shit at him, worse than what I usually do. He doesn't need a reason to fire me, and I am sure he would happily do so, even if he knows he wouldn't find someone as good as me again. Something he will never admit. He is too cocky for that. Idiot! I wish I could quit, but sadly, right now, that isn't an option. One day. Sooner rather than later, with any luck.

I have had worse jobs. I do like it. I just don't like Orson or anything he stands for. I have never disliked someone as much as I do him.

I've never been so glad for my lunch break. Orson has been on at me most of the morning over stupid, pointless things. I gather my things and rush out before he can see or stop me. I head across the road for lunch. I did bring something with me, but eating out is more appealing. An hour away from that asshole sounds good. Maybe I should go home for the rest of the day and call in sick. I need an alcoholic drink, but coffee will have to do for now.

I order a chicken and bacon sandwich with a side salad and a large Americano. I take a book from my bag to read. Reading relaxes me. I am looking forward to my lunch since I haven't eaten yet. The sick feeling I had is gone. My lunch arrived quickly. I take the first bite but don't get a chance to take a second because my cell rings. I glance down at it and see Orson calling. What does he want? I am on my lunch break. I reject the call. I don't need to answer it. Whatever he wants, it can wait until I return to the office. He calls back, but I ignore it.

He has already ruined my day; he isn't going to ruin my lunch. I put it on silent and toss it into my bag. Screw him. I focus on my lunch, and it tastes good. I may need to order another one to take with me for later.

I eat every last bit and order a second coffee, along with a slice of chocolate cake. I am glad I can have a night to myself tonight. It is what I need. I can hide away from the world, which sounds perfect. I will reach out to my clients tomorrow and see what they want. They will understand when I tell them I am dealing with some personal issues. They don't need to know what. I don't get too personal with any of them. It would complicate things if I did. I can't have anyone developing an unhealthy attachment to me. Boundaries are important.