Finding myself (18+)

Chapter 21

"Kelsey, this is Alexis," Andrew says. And I observe a guy following him to my office.

"He'll be taking my position here." He explains.

"Alexis, this is Kelsey."

"Nice to meet you." I smile at him.

"The famous Kelsey. Is nice to finally meet you." He shakes my hand and his mouth curved into a smile. I can't recognize where his strong accent comes from.

I glance at Andrew, wishing he's the reason why Alexis said it.

"Jeremy told me a lot about you. I'm looking forward to working with you. He told me you worked a lot with Mr. Wright."

I give him a small nod. "Yes, I-"

"Worked," Andrew interrupts. "We finished every study, and she's leaving soon. She's working with Jeremy until then." He's serious and short. Not letting any space for arguments.

"You're leaving?" Alexis asks.

"Yeah, in two weeks."

"I'm sure we can make an offer for you to stay. I heard only good things about your work."

"She's leaving for France, Alexis." Andrew's voice is tight, revealing his displeasure about the subject.

He smiles. "Tu vas où en France?"

I feel my cheeks suddenly warming, recognizing his french accent.

"Je vais à Paris." My voice is low and I smile back.

"Cool! Je suis content de pouvoir parler français avec quelqu'un, ça faisait long temps."

"We'll continue the tour, Alexis." Andrew interrupts, opening the door and leaving the office. Alexis smiles again before following him.

The news about Andrew's leaving and Alexis' arrival takes over the office. It's all everyone's talk about. But no one seems to know Andrew's father is sick. Everyone is surprised by his sudden retirement since all he cared about was working.

I learn good things about Alexis so far. He's young, only a year older than Andrew. But he was fast climbing and finding his place in the company. He has worked hard to have this position so young, considering he's not related to the boss.

He speaks with me in French every time we crossed paths. Correcting me and explaining each time I speak a word incorrectly. He's very patient.

Despite his act being simple and genuine, it seems to bother Andrew. He always finds a subject to interrupt our talking. As if me speaking French annoyed the hell out of him.

***

Thursday night every employee is around a table in a very noisy bar. We came after work for Andrew's farewell and Alexis' welcome party.

I sit on a stool, glancing around. The direct light coming from the lamp above me is disturbing.

Alexis is smiling and talking with everyone. He fits here well.

On the other side, Andrew is quiet, twisting his third drink.

He hasn't forgiven me yet. But Monday night he came to my office requesting me to fetch my clothes from his apartment. What initially seemed to be a hard request, was in fact an excuse. An excuse for me to stay at his place during the night.

Tuesday he claimed I needed to take the hairdryer. And Wednesday my toothbrush and shower products.

Each day he came with a different pretense. As if we need one to meet again, because he couldn't simply ask me to go. For today there's nothing else to take, only the imminence of his departure tomorrow.