Shadows Of The Past

Chapter Six

Kayla was now standing in the wide restroom staring between her red face and her stained shirt. Just fifteen minutes back, she was standing in her office, preparing for today's meeting – the most awaited meeting which in any case, she didn't expect to be anything like it turned out to be.

The meeting over which she was drooling over the past few days – was - her thought was cut by her best friend's voice called her name, while she poked her head inside the wide restroom.

She opened the door and made her way inside. Her face was marred with concern and hesitation. The second expression confused me though. What is she thinking?

Kayla was staring at herself on the mirror in the restroom and saw Kate approaching beside me. Though she looked good, but holy cow! Her shirt was anything but good.

"Are you done? They are waiting" she asked

"How on earth could you give me an advice to appear in this meeting – looking so disoriented?" She asked her incredulously, crossing her arms and tapping her right foot.

"I know Kayla. But you see, this is important. I got a fresh shirt for you, you can change into this" Now I noticed she was carrying a bag with her and held out in front of me.

I took it from her and saw a black crisp shirt neatly wrapped inside the plastic. The color matched with her light trousers. I nodded to her and went towards the partition to change.

"I just can't believe it! You and Ryan had a well...err... quite a start" she said in her 'as-a-matter-of fact' voice and I rolled her eyes at this and came out in the line of her vision.

"By the way you look hot babe." She winked at me before I could tell her to shut up.

I exactly knew what she was expecting of me and the point she would rather get on – No way am I not going to sort of with him. I turned around and glared at her best friend – who was not so helping at this moment.

"Well Kayla, you still have that meeting hanging on your head" she said nonchalantly.

"Just in case you're forgetting Katherine Moore, Mr. Asshole - Ryan Miller just trespassed into her office, eavesdropping and slashing a cup of royal cappuccino on her favorite shirt before the most awaited slash very important meeting of her day." I huffed and continued

"First I got his sweet precious time after days of chase and then he comes here, walks right into her office, does eavesdropping while I was talking to Andrea and then... he spoils her shirt!" I cut her before she could open her mouth "Yes. Of course! He did apologize, but with a shine in his eyes. Why am I that amusing?" I asked her, laying stress on the word 'amusing'

"No. Not at all. You are Kayla Claire Winston – the owner of New York's top Management consultancy firm which of course is looking forward for a business – not to forget a good business with that Asshole who ruined your shirt. But you need business- that business which would obviously make way for a golden path for Fusion Heights to walk on– only if you decide on putting up with him for a couple of minutes" she poured sense in me, watering away all her pride.

I looked at her, she was right. I had to let it go. No matter what, this meeting was important for Fusion Heights. The best prospect in fact. I had to put up a charade and go ahead with the flow.

As the realty stuck in me, I just concentrated on her breathing – calming herself and getting braced up to face him.

"Guess you're right." I mumbled, "Let's go and finish this"

I walked towards the door and waited for her to accompany me. Having analyzed that she has won the argument, she had a smug look on her face.

They entered the conference hall and saw the most breathtaking scene in front of her eyes and cursed her heart at once when it made an erratic raise.