Complicated

Chapter Four

“Hi” I said, barely in a whisper.

“I’m paying you to work, not chat with your friends” he spat.

“I know, and I’m sorry. She was just asking for the keys back home because she doesn’t -” I was cut off by him.

“I don’t care about your damned excuse!” he punched his fist on my desk and shut his eyes. Once they opened again, his look was intense and filled with anger.

I went back on my seat and moved away from him. My eyes dropped from his intense gaze to my knotted fingers. I know I wasn’t supposed to talk on my phone, but why is he so mad?

“I’m sorry” I said quietly.

“I don’t even know why I hired you in the first place!” he continued, ignoring my apology. “I thought you had passion, but all you want is the money, right? You don’t care about any of this do you? Were you lying when you said you made those clothes or even sold any of them? Because if you weren’t, then try to show some interest in this job! Isn’t this your ‘dream job’? Isn’t that what you called it?” he kept going on; screaming at me. I refused to look up at him, knowing that if I did, I would lose it. I blinked my eyes, trying to stop the tears that were pricking in the back of my eyes.

“Damnit! Answer me!” he screamed at me.

I nodded, “Yes, this is my dream job” my voice cracked, and I felt a tear come out.

“Then treat it like a fucking job! This isn’t a charity event!” And with that he stormed into his office and slammed the door. I still didn’t look up. I felt water falling down my cheeks, and as much as I tried to stop, they just wouldn’t. I shook my head and closed my eyes, but they still wouldn’t stop.

“Here” I heard a feminine voice speak up. It was Tiffany, and she was handing me a tissue box.

“Thanks” I took a tissue and wiped away my tears and rubbed my eyes. Good thing I wasn’t wearing any makeup.

“Don’t worry. He always gets mad when a project is due”

“I didn’t know”

“You’re doing a great job. I noticed your work and it was amazing. I can try to put them in with the new project. Grey doesn’t have to know”

“I don’t want you to get in trouble”

“Don’t worry. I know everyone will love it”

“Thanks. You’d really do that though?”

“Of course!” she chirped. I heard Grey’s door twist and looked up at Tiffany. “Better get back to work” she winked as she went back to her desk.

I sent her a smile and went back to work. The tissue was still in my hand; I held onto it tightly as if my life depended on it. It was as if it made me stop crying; just by holding onto the tissue that way.

I noticed Grey come out of his office. His hair was messy and he wasn’t wearing his coat. Unusual.

“Ms. Jackson. My office. Now” he commanded.

I didn’t hesitate a moment. I jumped from my chair and quickly walked into his office. I still didn’t look into his eyes because I could just sense they were radiating anger, and that’s the last thing I wanted to see.

“Ms. Jackson” he sighed heavily before continuing, “why are you here?”

“You called me in here sir” I replied confused.

“No, not my office. Why are you here? Working here?”

“Oh, um...it’s always been a dream of me to work here. I know it might not seem like that to you, but I’m sorry”

“I wasn’t asking for an apology” his tone was calm, but louder.

“Then what are you asking for?”

“What are you doing?”

I looked up at him and noticed his head was to one side and he had a small smile on his face. I looked behind me, but there wasn’t anyone there. He was smiling at me?

“I don’t know. Is something wrong sir?”

“Yes, there is”

“Can I fix it? I really don’t want to lose this job”

“You won’t”

“Oh, thank you sir” I sighed, relieved.

“But answer one thing now”

I nodded, urging him to continue.

“What are you doing to me?”