"First day. Nervous?" Angela asks. I nod, not knowing what to expect. "Sorry I haven't been around a lot. I'm back now though. For a while."
"Good. I know my life's been annoying but I'm glad you're here." I say, smiling. "You want to grab lunch? My lunch is at one."
"Sure. Should I just go to your office?"
"Yes."
"Sweet. Neal isn't gonna go? Or did you have enough of him last night? I assume that's why you got home so late." She smirks.
I roll my eyes and ignore her comment. "I hadn't invited him. I hope he doesn't. It might be a bit awkward. I work for his competition."
"That's weird. You work for your boyfriends competition instead of your boyfriend..."
"Ang, it's more...wise that I avoid working for Neal directly. Leaves less chance of awkwardness at the office."
"What about when your new office finds out you're dating Neal?"
"That, is a good question, that i'm choosing to ignore."
"Oh come on! Do you think they'd fire you?" I chuckle.
"You're far too interested in this."
"I wanna know! Do they have hella beef with Neal?"
"Ang I have no clue. I don't think they're fans of him since his company is beating theirs,"
"So your new boss is that Johnson guy?" Ang asks.
"Yeah. He's cool so far,"
"Is he single?" I smile at her.
"I believe so. Why?"
"I was just wondering. He's an attractive dude."
"I agree. Would you like me to put in a good word for you or..."
"Oh my gosh Jess! No. Don't be weird."
I laugh and grab my bag, excited for the day to be done so I can curl into bed with Neal.
"I'll be sure to pass along your number." I wink and make my way out the door to head to work.
Once I get to work i'm stopped by a woman who I haven't met. She holds her hand out and smiles, invitingly.
"I'm Serena. I heard you're new and I wanted to introduce myself."
"Oh, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Jessica."
"I'm with HR, I try to be here often for J. He can get so confused with how things work." She says, laughing.
"J as in Mr. Johnson?"
"Yes, he has a few nicknames I call him. J, or ex husband." I raise my eyebrows, confused why she's telling me any of that.
"Oh wow, that must be interesting."
"What is?" She asks.
I smile. "Working with your ex husband."
"It can be, but we make it work. Are you married?"
"No, i'm not. Never have been," I say.
"Dating anyone?"
I almost say yes, but the word doesn't come out of my mouth.
"Nope."
"Oh, that's fine too."
I nod. "I'm aware. I'm going to get to work." I walk away, weirded out by the experience I just had.
"Jess, good to see you!" Mr. Johnson says, smiling.
"Hey, I just got to meet your ex wife." I say smiling.
"Oh gosh she still announces she's my ex?"
"Figured you'd want to know that's how she introduced herself more so."
"Thanks for letting me know. She has this weird thing where she thinks any new hire is someone I am seeing, so she likes to try and intimidate them."
"Oh I definitely got that vibe from her." I laugh and make my way to my desk. "If you don't mind my asking, why did the marriage end?" I ask. Knowing it's too forward, but letting my curiosity win.
"She had an affair. With my rival of all people."
My head flies up to stare into his. My first thought is Neal, and how I hope to god he isn't referring to him.
"You know Neal Greyson right?" Fuck.
"Ohhh, him. They had an affair?"
"It was before he himself was married but yes. She was sleeping with him for almost 8 months while we were married. Another reason we are not a fan of him here."
I nod, not wanting to say anything further. I wonder how people would feel knowing i'm with Neal, and if I'd even get to keep this job.
"Anyways. That's kind of why he's a rival, and why we don't really even mention his name here. I'm just glad someone as smart as yourself came here instead,"
I smile, knowing I'm only here to not complicate things more by working with Neal.
"I appreciate you giving me this opportunity. This company is definitely number one to me." I lie. I walk to my desk, already trying to figure out how to avoid the topic of Neal here once it gets out that i'm dating him.
I guess we will see what the day brings.
YOU ARE READING
His Double Life
Romance"Arms up." He demands. His voice is harsh, yet soothing. I can't help but find his dominance intriguing. I do as he said, and put my arms up and over my head, my body squirming on the mattress. He gently cuffs each hand individually, and attaches t...
