MITCHEL.

The office was becoming more and more stuffed. Everyday I had to see Bailey come into the office in beautiful outfits, a beautiful expensive bag, healls and her well done make up. She looked like a super model pulled straight out of the magazine. She was perfect for Nate. She would enter his office, close the door and after a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or water they would go out for lunch. When she didn't come to the office, we are asked to book a table at a different restaurant everyday.

I didn't have the right to be angry or jealous of her for having his attention but just like Ivy said to me when I was telling her about it, I started to realize I might be. I was jealous of Nate having his hand on the small of her back when they walked, or how he kissed her cheek when she came to his office or how they would be there alone doing God knows what. I was and I had no right to be. I was mad and angry with him so much that I pretended I didn't k ow who he was or what he and I used to have.

Somehow I hated myself for it but I couldn't tell him or burst into his office and tell him that he had to own up for what he did. I did none of that. Instead I did what I did best, I got over it and used it enough to control myself and pretend it didn't exist infront of me.

Just then, Britney arrives and just like the other times she heads to Nate's office after greeting me and Ben.

“Isn't she pretty?“ Ben says looking in her directions. I look at where he is looking and realize she has already entered the office.

“Yeah she is.“ I replie continuing with my work.

“I would give up anything to get that bag.“ Ben says turning to look at me. I had found out Ben was gay after a few weeks of working with him. He isn't as open as everyone else but he sure loves to be himself once he is out of work. He has invited me a couple of times for dinner at his place with his boyfriend and I fell in love with both of them. They are good people who love others and are welcoming.

“Ooh really, anything?“ I ask trying to lift my mood up with jokes.

“Girl what are you asking.“ He asks.

“You know you said anything, I just wanna know to what extend will you go.“ I say.

“Anything. Did you even see the bag? It's the newest Louis Vuitton bag. They just released it. Damn she is beautiful and rich and has a fashion sense. You gotta love the lady.“ He says. I couldn't disagree. He was right about her. She was everything in one while I couldn't even compare in one thing against her. She was near perfection.

Just then my desk phone rings, “hey Mitchel, this is the front desk. Someone is here to see you mind coming down?“ Jessica the lobby receptionist says over the phone.

“No I don't mind. On my way.“ I say hunging up.

“Hey I'll be back need to get to the lobby.“ I say to Ben. Getting up and taking my phone. On getting to the lobby, I search for anyone who would be there for me. I spot him on one of the benches in the lobby and I walk towards him with a smile.

“Hey Mitchel.“ Ryan calls to me when I get closer to him. He is up and I give him a brief hug.

“Hey too, what are you doing here?“ I ask him.

“Was in the neighbourhood and decided to come say hi. Also I brought you lunch.“ He says handing me a small bag.

“Ooh thank you.“ I say. “So what have you done today?“ I ask.

“Ooh nothing much, just tried out new recipes for my interview. I want them to be perfect.“ He replies.

“They wouldn't happen to be my lunch today would they?“ I ask.

“They are.“ He smiles at me and I can see just how much he is happy about bringing me lunch.

Ryan was Ivy's younger brother but with his height and beard, he could have passed as an older brother to both of us. He was handsome but he was my bestfriends brother. He had come to town a few days ago and had been living with us as he tried to find a job after he just graduated. He wanted a new life in the city. A life like his sister's and we were gradually helping him with that life. It was the first time he had brought me lunch though and to say my mouth was watering was an understatement. He was a damn good chef even though other restaurants didn't want to hire him. His food was the best I had had in a long time. He was cooking most of our meals and thanks to him I wasn't worried about picking up Jason late. But I had to enjoy that for now because soon or later he would get a job and move out.

“Okay then get back to work, I wouldn't want your boss seeing you slacking off and fire you. We can't be unemployed together its a job for one person.“ He says and we both laugh.

“Don't worry you will get a job soon. You just haven't found your perfect place.“ I say to him.

We hug and then he leaves. I turn to go back to my desk with the food in my hand but I come face to face with Nate. He is looking straight at me from the reception area which isn't far from the bench I was at with Ryan. He is looking at me without an expression and I try to walk past him to the elevator.

“Mitchel,” he calls.

“ yes sir.“

“Do I have to remind you that there are no interpersonal relationships accepted in the company?“ He asks. I can feel myself tempted to ask about his own personal relationship with Britney but I hold tongue remembering he is the CEO of the company and practically owns everyone working here and so he can do what he wants.

“No sir. It won't happen again.“ I say. Not afraid to look him directly in the eyes. I just k ow he isn't saying this because I am going against protocol, but because he is trying to intimidate me into doing what he wants.

“Ooh hi Mitchel, we are going for lunch will you let us know if anything rises and he is needed back in the office?“ Britney says in a sweet voice. I tear my eyes away from Nate and smile at Britney.

“Yes of course. You guys enjoy your lunch.“ I say. I can still feel Nate's eyes on me.

I excuse myself and walk into the elevator up to my floor. I can feel myself getting angry at her audacity to even tell me to do my job as though I do not do it the other times.

I share my lunch with Ben and we have an enjoyable time together talking and having fun. Ben and I have become quite close and together we have been gossipping and just having fun of our own everytime the boss is out. He doesn't know about me and Nate's past but he does know I have a son. He hasn't met him at all since I don't like to mix personal stuff with private once much. And because I have a suspicion that if he meets Jason he might see the resemblance he has with Nate and I can't take the risk.

“Can you believe he asked me if he has to remind me that there are no interpersonal relationships in the company like I am the one who is holding hands and behaving all lovey Dover with my girlfriend.“ I say to Ivy as we are settling down for our evening gossip session.

“He complained when I came to deliber food for you?“ Ryan asks. He had learned to join us for our evening gossip sessions and now he was apart of them.

“Can you imagine. And at the time, he was going out with his girlfriend, such irony.“ I complain taking a sip of my wine.“ That man is such a pretender. Saying things that he doesn't even follow himself.“

I realize both Ivy and Ben had gone silent and were looking at each other and then at me. “What?“ I ask.

“You do realize we have been talking about thus guy and his gorgeous girlfriend for like a week straight right? Are you sure you are not into this guy?“ Ben asks.

“No, I hate him so much I can't even imagine having a crush on such a person.“ I replie. I can hear and feel how my voice has gone up a high note but I pretend I didn't hear anything.

“Okay if you say so. But yeah he is a pretentious man who does nothing but play favourites. We hate him so much.“ He replies.

“Yes we really really hate him. Maybe we should revenge? Huh?“ Ivy suggests.

“And how do we do that?“ I ask. Somehow interested in hearing what she has to say.

“How about you and Ben have lunch everyday at the company cafeteria. I mean you guys have lunch hour, he can deliver the food and you guys can have it together and behave like you are together. I mean if you want him to go mad you have to do something.“ She explains.

I don't hate the idea and I don't like it either but, “I am open to try it. But I am not sure he will even notice it besides he is busy with his girlfriend to notice his ex. Also non employes cant have lunch in the cafeteria its against the company laws. Its better if he delivers and we have a convo that includes alot of touching.“ I say.

“Are you kidding me?“ Ivy asks.“ He noticed when you were gone from your desk for a minute and then noticed when you talked to another man, trust me he will and he won't like it.“

“Okay let's wait and see.“ I say.

“Let's make this even better!“ Ben starts. “Let's bet. I bet a hundred dollars he will ask you about it or he will call you before or after I deliver the lunch.“

“Your on.“ I say.

“I bet a hundred too. Because I know that man is jealous that you might have eyes for someone else.“ Ivy declares.

“We shall see.“