Chapter 15

I stood up immediately, shattering the rectangular mirror into million tiny pieces. The rule Ms. Grayson told me to follow rang loud and clear in my head. This was a bad time to be caught like this. Maybe this was his plan all along to make his mom see what kind of person she hired.

I didn't know what to do, my hand was shaking visibly and I grabbed my skirt to stop it from shaking. My heart was beating so fast, it felt like it would rip out of my ribcage if it continued like that. I didn't know if I should apologize or explain myself or deny that what she thought she saw had happened.

“Will you please be careful? Jeez, what's wrong with you?” said Killian stepping away from the broken mirror.

What do I do now?

Ms. Grayson was still standing, her hand crossed across her chest, demanding an explanation for what was happening. I didn't dare meet her gaze even though I knew she was staring at me. I remained silent because there was nothing I could say. What could I have said? ' Ms. Grayson, your son was just checking if he wanted to kiss me or not.' That would have convinced her no doubt about that.

“I asked you a question, Ms. Joyce. what is going on here?” she said with a frown. She hadn't been disturbed by the shattered mirror rather she was focused on getting an explanation of what was happening. I looked at Killian because I didn't know what to say or do.

“She smashed her head into the door and I was just putting ice on the bump,” he answered without a blink of an eye. He stepped carefully away from the mirror and went to his desk.

“Are you sure that's what was happening?” she inquired her face a little less strict.

Did she believe him?

“Yes, Ms. Grayson. The door hit me and Mr. Grayson was just trying to help.” I told her the same thing Killian did but in different words.

At this, Ms. Grayson's features softened, relieved that it was nothing like she thought. She got close to me and inspected the bump on my forehead instructing me to turn my head right and left. I did as I was told because I didn't need any more problems for the day.

“You can leave now, Joyce. You can come back after lunch break and we will discuss the project,” Killian ordered adjusting his tie.

“The mirror—” I tried to remind him of the mess I made but he didn't let me finish.

“Just go, I'll take care of it,” he replied.

It didn't take long for me to grab the ice from the couch and my phone from the desk as I was eager to leave. I walked past Ms. Grayson and went directly for the door hearing their conversation on the way. She was suggesting that they eat lunch together as Daniel was here too.

But Killian refused, saying he had a date with a gorgeous woman—his words, not mine. I was mad at him, not for making a fool out of me or not kissing me but for refusing a family lunch for a petty date. The things I would do to have a moment with my mom were unspeakable. It was a sad thing to realize that people don't really value what they have until they lose it.

I wanted to eat lunch but I didn't know where. I thought of a bubbly person who had asked me to come by anytime and so I went to the 37th floor after throwing the ice in the trash can. I asked a woman on that floor where I could find Kate and it didn't take long for me before I stood by her door.

I raised my hand to knock but stopped mid-air as I heard her laughter from within. It looked like she was having a conversation with someone and I figured it was on the phone. I preferred to wait outside as I didn't want her to hang up her phone because of me.

“Who thought the long lost rat would walk right into my trap?”

People really say weird shit when they're alone.

“I'm telling you, mom, I will make you proud. I will make sure that rat doesn't go unscathed. I promise you that,” said Kate, making the weirdest promise I've ever heard.

What's all this rat talk? Maybe a rat is giving her trouble at home? I will ask her about it.

I knocked on the door as soon as I heard her say bye. She swung the door open having a startled expression on her face. It made me feel a little worried to see her like this, and the thought that it might be because of me made me feel uncomfortable.

“How long were you standing there?” she said the startled expression fading ever so slowly.

“I just came, did I surprise you?” I said lying about hearing her 'rat' problems.

“Of course! But it was a pleasant surprise. I'm very glad you came. Please come in. I was just about to leave for lunch, wanna go together?” she asked and waited for my response.

“I would love to. I wanted to eat lunch with you today. You're the only friendly person here.” I replied with a half-smile.

“What happened to your forehead?” asked Kate getting closer to inspect it.

“I just bumped into a door,” I answered feeling silly for not being careful while looking around the office as Kate started getting ready to go out.

The office was an average office and quite clear of messy papers considering this was the human resources director's office. I noticed a small photo frame on the table and turned it towards me to take a closer look. But before I could fully see who the man and the little girl were, Kate yanked it from my hand and placed it into my drawer. Startled by this I retracted my hand and stepped a little further from the desk.

“I'm sorry if I startled you," she smiled warmly at me, "I just don't like it when people touch my stuff,” she told me politely showing me there was no hard feeling.

“I should be the one saying sorry, I should've not touched that.” I apologized for my lack of manners.

She dismissed my apology with a wave of her hand as if saying it was nothing to worry about. I was about to apologize again when something caught my eye. Her name glass read, Kate Holmes under which "Human Resources Director" was written.

I felt a sense of familiarity with the name and I hoped for a moment that what I was seeing wasn't a random name. I made sure to read it twice and a third time to make sure I was reading correctly. The name rang a bell but I couldn't really identify which one.

Kate Holmes, from where did I know that name?