TIFFIN 3

17

Days later I'd decided to use my Home Depot supplies.

After watching many tutorials online, I'd taken the slab of wood and carved a message on the front with my new hand knife. 

When I'd stepped back to observe it I wanted to slap myself silly. Like an idiot, I'd carved in the words: 

H+K =FOREVER. 

I then completed it with a heart that had been indented a bit deeper than the letters. 

This made me look like an obsessed ex, I knew that. It had been clear he'd moved on and had his new girl tell me outright but... I couldn't let go. Ever.

He'd come into my life, creating a safe blanket around me, with Ill intentions. I'd accepted it and though he was my first real love... I knew there would never be a second that compared. 

When the week had finally come to an end, I'd gathered my wits for work.

I didn't feel energetic enough to allow my artists to doll my face up as usual though, I allowed them to dress me in expensive latex. 

It seemed everyone had breathed a sigh of relief when I walked through the enterprise building, though they wished me well on my "divorce". 

I wanted to spit at them and scream that it wasn't over.

That we were simply on a break but I knew that wasn't the case. 

He'd said that ease my nerves.

He'd wanted out.

Evelyn bombarded me at the front desk, informing me about some of our new employees including Eli.

I rolled my eyes not entirely ready for this. For the first time I would have to do this alone. 

It's not too late to leave your job altogether Kristina.  

No. I couldn't think like that. It... it was ludicrous. I needed this to make a stable income and I wasn't doing any favors to anyone by giving up. 

When I reached my office, with the fresh meat sitting around the gigantic table, I took a deep breath before sitting.

They were all fairly young. I could see that. What got on my nerves wasn't how they came off but how they regarded me. 

I noticed the insecure geek with glasses, looking further south than I was comfortable with. 

Crap. If Hero had been here, he would have said something about it.

"Congratulations," I greeted sternly, "you all made it to employment. Don't get too excited- you'll need to prove yourselves. I'll get you on the payroll. If you meet me one by one, I'll take your information." 

As I made my way to my monitor, I flinched. Damn. Usually it was my partners that were hard and unforgiving. 

Was I really that pissed off? 

To make matters worse, Eli grabbed onto my arm before I could sit. I was ready to snap, until I caught sight of his inviting orbs.

"You're a bit tense." He whispered, making me shiver. 

I blinked up at him, feeling weirdly cornered. 

"Of course I'm not; I'm just trying to get things done." 

He released a panty-dropping smile I hadn't seen in a long time. 

"Relax. Let your hair down. It'll all work out." 

I shook my head as he went to shuffle his paperwork. He must have heard about my split from Hero as well.

I swore I saw him wink at me before walking towards my desk.