'Noted. Boss.' (GirlxGirl) (BossxIntern)

Chapter 12 - Like the Old Times

*Song: death bed by Powfu & beabadoobee*

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Danielle's POV:

I arrive ten minutes earlier, as always.

I park the car outside of my mum's cottage and walk up the wooden stairs.

I thought I'd feel better after a very passionate banging session with Frank, but I didn't.

My mind was only switched off when I was in the hotel room. As soon as I left in the middle of the night, all the heavy feelings came rushing back.

The upset look on Sage's face.

My mind replayed the scenario over and over again; no matter how I apologised to her in my head, the guilt didn't fade.

'I'm coming!'

I hear my mum yelling after I pressed the doorbell.

She comes out of the house, wearing the black dress that my dad accidentally spilt some white paint on.

My gaze softens. She misses him too. I know her house is filled with dad's things.

That's one of the reasons why I can't bring myself to stay overnight. I hate getting too sentimental and nostalgic.

We walk silently to the graveyard next to my mum's church where I used to go when I was little.

But no, I'm not religious. Not for a long time.

We crack open the three bottles of Blandford Fly, sitting next to my dad's colourful gravestone which he painted himself.

It's even partly glittery.

'This way, you can always find me in the dark.'

My dad's cheerful voice rings in my ears. Such a drama queen. I chuckle at the memory.

'So, you're turning thirty soon. Any last-minute ideas before then?' My mum asks in a flat tone. I know she's prying but trying to do it discreetly.

'Not really.' I give her a glance, 'What about you? Your sixty is around the corner as well.'

She gives me a deadly look with her grey eyes before drinking a big sip of her beer, 'I'm actually seeing someone.' She says quietly.

I raise a brow in surprise, 'Congrats.' I click her bottle with mine.

Well, it's been long enough. I know not everyone is as emotionally independent as me.

She smiles in relief, 'Thank you. You know this doesn't mean I'm abandoning you or your dad, right?'

I smirk and nod, 'Don't worry. I'm not some five-year-old that needs her mummy and daddy to be together. Go enjoy your remaining years.'

She giggles and gives me a shoulder bump. I bump back not as gently.

'Not that I'm prying,' You totally are. 'Have you met anyone? I know you've been dating here and there, but I never got to know any one of them.'

I sigh, 'Because you didn't need to. They weren't worth the trouble. I know how busy you were and still are.'

She goes silent for a moment. I wonder if I touch her sore spot. Gosh, sometimes I really do need a filter.

'I know I've been putting most of my attention in work, but I'm trying to make amends.' She gives me a long look, 'If you've met someone, I'd like to meet them. Very much.'

Does a twenty-four-year-old intern I scared away count?

I don't even know if she wants to see me, let alone meeting my mum.