Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{4}

I tilted my head to the left as much as I could, trying to crack it to relieve the pressure built up. I tilted my head to the right and did the same thing. I straightened my back, trying to relieve the aching pain in it, but none of it was going to use. I saved the draft of Brendon's outfit and got up. I stretched and it almost helped these pains go away, but still, it didn't work. My hand grabbed the knob lightly and the air flew against me as I opened the door. The dim lighting of the studio was calming. I walked out, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was nearing my lunch break. I was exhausted. I walked to the snack area and opened the cabinets, looking for a snack, but I couldn't find anything. I walked to the fridge and to my surprise, my Red Bull was there. I swear, someone was going to drink it. I bent down and got it, flicking the tab open, I didn't waste a second trying to get a few sips in, "Jo! Wait!" Alexandra said.

I turned around, seeing Alexandra coming through the door. But, I peeked behind her as a man's body appeared behind her. It was Keaton, "gimme a second, Jo. I'm out of breath."

I walked past her and she shot up, putting her hands on her hips. Keaton walked in and I threw my arms over him. His arms fell to my waist and he hugged me softly. I interlocked my hand with his. Which shocked me because we aren't dating, but I was holding his hand. I guided him around, showing him my office, Alex's office and the snack area. We walked to the studio and when we walked in, Brendon had just been coming out of the booth, "Miss Jackson, we needed you five minutes ago." He stated and took a second look.

"Sorry, I was working on your outfit," I began, "no one told me you needed me."

"Who's this?" He asked. I could feel his anger.

"This is Keaton," I began and looked at him, cracking a smile, "he is the guy i'm romantically involved with."

"What's he doing here at my studio?"

"He was just picking me up for my lunch break."

"Well, go on Miss Jackson."

I looked at him in confusion, but quickly turning around and dragged Keaton out of the building. When we got outside, the hot air blew through my hair and I scoffed, "I can't believe him."

"He's a jealous man," Keaton began and set his hand on my lower back, guiding me to the car, "what was he to you?"

I glanced at him, "he isn't anything to me. I just met him a few days ago."

I got in the car and he did too. Keaton pulled out of the space and then onto the main road to a small salad restaurant. When we got there, he took a hold of my hand and we sat down at a table, "i don't think you should be working that job, pretty thing."

"I make good money there. I can handle a little pain in the ass."

"You could easily design for anyone else," Keaton began and took a sip of water, "he just wanted you 'cause you're pretty."

I cleared my throat. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, but I shook that feeling off, "to be clear. Mchale is the one who hired me. Brendon had nothing to do with that."

I watched as he nodded his head in a mocking manner. I wasn't sure what his deal is. Maybe it was because of the way Brendon came off.

When we got back to the studio, Keaton walked me in to my office and we sat down. I sat on his lap, leaning in for a kiss. I felt a solid spark, "so this is your infamous office. Kinda...bleak."

I smiled softly at him, "at least there's no window for Brendon to spy."

He nodded his head and leaned in for a kiss again. I kissed him softly, but quickly got up when I heard walking toward my door. Alexandra walked in, "we're being sent home."

"What? Why?" I asked confused.

"You should take a look." Alexandra said. Keaton and I followed her out into the studio. We entered and the couches had been flipped, the booth had been a cluttered mess and some of the glass had been broken. I glanced over in the booth. I stepped over the paper and glass scattered on the floor—looking around, "what the hell happened, Alex?"

"Brendon just blew up in a fit of rage," she began and picked up pieces of paper, "so Mchale's sending us home."

"What is this guy's issue—I mean..." I uttered and kneeled down to pick up a piece of paper that caught my attention, but nothing was written on it.

Alex and Keaton walked outside to wait for me while I grabbed what I needed from my office. I walked out if my office, looking for my Red bull, but seemingly running into someone, "excuse me." I uttered.

"Now hold on, Miss Jackson." Brendon murmured. I glanced at him as he wrapped his fingers around my arm, "don't think you can leave that easy."

"Brendon, back up. I need to go home."

His fingers pressed down on my arm, causing pressure to build up, "Darling, this is a demand."

"I'm going home." I stated, ripping my arm away from him.

I felt his stare continue to stay on me, "if you leave you're fired."

"You won't fire me." I said and then walked out of the building. I opened the door and Keaton and Alexandra were standing there waiting for me. I pulled sunglasses out of my bag, as the sun was now beating down and brighter. I pushed the glasses along the crook of my ear and walked to the car with Alexandra. Departing ways from Keaton made em sad, but I assumed he was going to be on his way over.

We met Keaton outside of the house and I let him in. Alexandra seemed to like him. I closed the door behind him, leading him upstairs to my room, "this is my room. It's a little messy, but my best friends were here last night."

"Uh, Kimberly is your best friend, right?"

I set my bag down on the desk and turned to look at him, "yeah."

"Weird how the world works," Keaton uttered and slid his shoes off. He sat on the edge of my bed and he pulled me in by the waist, "taking things slow is so hard."

"Well why's that?" I asked, running my fingers through his straight and soft hair.

"Well, I just want to call you mine already."

"Well be behind closed doors," I began, "no one needs to know that we're together like that yet."

He smiled softly, "i'll ask you in two days."

I leaned in and kissed him. Feeling the connection grow stronger.
••••••••

Keaton left and I walked downstairs for dinner with everyone. Kimberly, Lottie, Jada, Alex and I shared the house and we all had our own rooms. I grabbed a plate, loading mashed potatoes and steak onto my plate, then some corn. I grabbed a can of soda and sat down next to Lottie, "who died? Why's everyone so silent?"

"No one died," Kimberly began, "we were just waiting for you."

"Sorry," I began and flicked open the can of soda, "Keaton and I were talking."

"I'm glad you've finally found a joy in your life." Alex said with a mouthful.

I shot a disgusted look toward her and scooped a spoonful of potatoes, "thank Kiki, she arranged it."

I stuffed the spoonful in my mouth and everyone thanked Kimberly. I decided not to be involved with the conversation—and I agreed and disagreed with everyone Alex was saying, just to make it seem like I was listening. I got up, cleaning off my plate and setting in the dishwasher. Everyone else did the same and we all sat down in the living room and watched the movie.