Untitled Story

Chapter Twelve

It's been a few days since I decided I should leave Tony and I still haven't seen or spoken to him. I've continued to stay at Lucia's for the time being, but I'm about to run out of clothes, so I know I have to go to my place soon. Since the talk with Lucia, I have honestly felt a bit of the weight that I hadn't realised I was carrying start to lift.

Lucia and I had gotten into a bit of a routine while I've been staying here. In the morning she lets me use the bathroom first, in exchange for coffee, and then when we're both home we have a 'sofa talk', which just means we get wine and chat about everything and anything, and she's helping me look for a new place. I've really enjoyed spending time like this with her. We both got quite wrapped up with work after college, and even though we still saw each other a couple times a week, I did miss being this close with her.

Today's Friday and I've decided to go home after work, just to pack another bag and bring more of my stuff with me. Lucia had offered to come with me to make sure Tony doesn't try anything, but I assured her I would be alright and back at hers by eight o'clock, by the latest. I'm pretty sure Tony will be there, so I guess it's about time I talk to him.

Throughout the rest of the week I had managed to gain control over my anger, and now I'm more disappointed in him than anything else. We're both guilty of letting distance grow between us, but he took it too far.

I turn off my work computer and begin to pack up my stuff, trying to figure out what to say to Tony. As I'm putting on my coat, Kacey walks through my door.

"Ava, do you have a second?" She looks sophisticated, as always, although not as intimidating as she usually is.

"Sure, what can I do for you?"

She hands me a folder, which I open and spot the photo's that Lexi had taken earlier in the week. I was still waiting for Kacey's approval on them, so I figure she's about to give me her verdict.

"They're good." She nods once affirmingly.

"I think so too." I can't help my lips turning upwards at the thought of Lexi.

"This photographer friend of yours could be a good thing for the magazine, do you know if she's available?"

Her question catches me a bit off guard. I didn't expect a job offer to come out of the one-time shoot.

"She's an artist, so I'm not sure if she'd want to shift her focus to photography. She's actually got an exhibit opening soon. But I'll ask her if it's something she'd consider." I smile towards Kacey, indicating that I was being sincere.

"Okay, well let me know. And please thank her for agreeing so last minute." Kacey's stature is very professional at all times, one might even say she was a robot built by the company. When she speaks, it's as if it's from a script, with no real emotion in the way she speaks. However, I know that she is genuinely grateful to Lexi.

"I'll pass on the message to her."

Receiving one more nod, she makes her leave, and I continue ready myself to leave as well. Once downstairs, I call for a cab, swiftly getting in the one that pulls up and giving the driver my home address. I pull out my phone as we pull away and dial Lexi's number. After three rings she answers.

"Hey!" I can tell that she's smiling, bringing a small one to my lips.

"Hey, so Kacey came to see me before I left." I keep my voice neutral, hoping to surprise her with the good news.

"Okay?" I can hear the apprehension in her voice.

"She loves your photos." I smile to myself as I wait for a reply.