The Fire That Led Me To You

Chapter Eleven - Lunch

I walk into work, sipping on a cup of coffee.

People greeted me as I walked by and I happily greeted them back. Harlee fell asleep earlier than he wanted to so I stayed up and helped him with the files.

I didn't know what he needed them for and I didn't care either.

"Layonna!" Amy greeted me, opening her arms for a hug. Confused, I hugged her back. "I've missed you."

She motions for me to follow her, on the way I walk past Jasmine who puts her head down as she sees me.

I clear my throat and stare her down, I can't believe her. She sets my apartment on fire and then runs out, leaving me to die? Uh uh, I don't think so.

Amy opens her office door, "It's been a difficult transition without you in the office." She sighs. "You're important to the team and your work means a lot to us."

I smile, I'm not used to Amy complimenting me so much. "Therefore, we've decided to promote you."
My smile and my eyes widen and I sit up. "Oh my gosh!" I smile, standing up. "I'm honored."

Amy walks me through what I'll be doing as her assistant-assistant, I didn't even know that was a thing, but the pay was good, and I wasn't going to deny a good pay-check.

"This is your new office." She opens the door. "It's closer to mine so there shouldn't be a problem with getting lost." I nod and thank her as she walks out.

A knock on my door stirs me out of my thoughts, I turn towards the door opening it.

The glimmer in my eyes fades when I see Jasmine standing there, fiddling with her fingers. "Yes?" I ask.

"Okay, listen to me." She drops her hands. "I'm sorry for setting your apartment on fire, running out and leaving you alone..it's just-" I cut her off.

"There is no just, Jasmine." I huff in disbelief, crossing my arms. "I could've died and I'm practically homeless now!" I whisper-yelled.

"I know, I'm sorry." She pleads. "Sorry doesn't cut it, Jasmine." I roll my eyes. "I have to go, I have work to do." I shut the door softly.

Some of my belongings had already been unpacked, but there was still a little bit left in the box.

I pick up some photos from the box and smile. A photo of my brother and my younger sister, I miss them.

After placing a few photos on the desk I sit down, exhausted. My cell-phone rings and I don't bother looking at before answering.

"Layonna?" The voice asked. "This is she." I responded.

"It's Harlee, thanks for sorting the files for me." He sounded tired, like he had just woken up. "It's no problem."

Harlee sighed, "You left your lunch on the counter and you forgot to feed Gizmo." I gasp loudly and go to stand up, when I open the door Harlee is standing there.

Our cell-phones make a screeching noise and I hang up. "This yours?" He questions, holding out my black and pink lunch-bag.

I nod my head, taking the bag from him.

"Come inside." I pull out a chair for him and he sits down across from me. "I can't believe I forgot to feed him, he's probably angry at me."

Harlee smiles. "He was definitely angry." He held up his arm showing a small scratch. "I'm sorry." I apologize.

He doesn't respond so I break the silence. "Are you hungry?" He nods his head.

"Do you have work today?" I ask. "No." He replies, looking around the room.