Trained For Sin

Chapter 9

For the past few days Eve has been out sick with a cold, so I've been spending my lunch eating alone at my desk. Most of the people who worked here were out at lunch, so the office was nice and quiet.

As I ate my sandwich at my desk from the local deli I began to think about my brother. I filled with nerves and anxiety just thinking about the lies I would have to tell to explain why I was in town. I was beyond excited and happy to see him, but I knew it would be awkward just like it always was when we got together. My mind drifted to Nathan and I's small argument the other day. I needed to be better about not standing up to him and be the compliant employee like everyone else here. I couldn't let anyone notice the tension we held towards each other not wanting to risk anyone knowing I was behind his death.

Nathan placed some documents on my desk with a loud thud making me jump. "I need you to call these people and associates of mine to schedule meetings with each of them before the holiday." Mr. Vanderbilt handed me a piece of paper with names on it. "I have a meeting in half an hour which I expect you to attend." He insisted before he walked away back into his office without another word. Sighing heavily, looking down at it knowing I wouldn't be finished for a while.

The entirely boring meeting was spent in the conference room as Mr. Vanderbilt and another lawyer discussed legal jargon with important, wealthy businessmen. I could barely keep up most of the time but thankfully I was only taking notes of what deemed important and kept their paperwork organized and handy when they needed to reference or needed to sign anything.

A few hours passed since we finished up the meeting. As I got up from my desk stretching my aching arms and back from sitting all day. I grabbed the papers before walking into his office. Placing his documents inside the filing cabinet where they belonged before he broke the silence. "Are you close with your brother?" Nathan asked making me look over at him. He continued to work not looking up at me. It was usual and unlike him to make small talk knowing he didn't really care.

"No. Not really." I answered simply making him hum in reply. "Do you have siblings?" I asked looking away to continue filing. "Three." He answered remembering what that woman from the catering business said when I broke into his family home. "And are all of you close?" I asked continuing to put his papers away.

"No. Not really." Nathan repeated. "It's unfortunate how common it is to part away from family. It seems like as people get older, they pull away from the people the love. Whether unintentional or not. I don't think very many people talk about the tragedies that come with age. Like losing the people you love as we all slowly drift apart to start lives of their own." I rambled mainly to myself nostalgic of my youth before everything changed drastically.

Closing the cabinet before turning around seeing him actually looking up at me from his work. It was uncomfortable and unfamiliar to know someone who seemed to be so naturally observant. I felt like he could see through any lie I told and noticed whenever I felt uneasy or intimidated around him.

"You have an appointment tomorrow afternoon." I said changing the subject making him nod as I left the room. As I sat down at my desk, I looked out the windows seeing the snow come down heavily making me smile. I didn't enjoy winter, but it was still undeniably beautiful.

Finally finishing all my work for the day, I grabbed my coat and purse to leave when Declan waked up to me. "Ready to go?" He asked. I was still protesting the buddy system that Nathan demanded everyone do. "Uh, yeah. But-" I began not wanting to go and be alone with him as he grinned.

"Ready?" Nathan asked in a deep voice dressed in his coat holding his suitcase. I looked like a fish out of water trying to come up with something to say to the both of them. "Thanks, but I'm fine. Really." I insisted as I burned holes up at Nathan making him do the same until Declan spoke.