Forever and Always

Chapter 3

My alarm blaring woke me up from my sleep. I groaned, grabbing my phone to shut off my alarm and sat up. I did not get enough sleep. I sent a text to Alice 'Morning, Kyle's not in today. Pick us up coffee's and I'll repay you 😊" I got up and got ready for work putting on leggings, boots, a long sleeve shirt noticing that the bruise on my shoulder did look horrible, accompanied by my overcoat. I fixed my hair and went to grab my stuff from the counter. The blanket and pillow Steve used was in a neat pile on the coffee table. I walked over to my bag and looked at the note that was beside it. There was a phone number, 'if you feel comfortable putting a stranger's number in your phone – Rogers' I laughed adding the number to my phone saving it under Steve Rogers and sending a text 'Hey stranger' Gathering up my stuff and getting a 'yes' text from Alice I leave my apartment and head to work thinking today would finally be the good day I deserve.

It was another chilly day as I headed toward the office. Once I was inside, I was greeted by Alice. "Morning, here you are" she cheerfully handed me a cup of coffee. "Lifesaver, I got to bed late, so this is needed" She gave me a look, "What time do you want me over today?" "I started making my way to Kyle's office, "is 6 okay so I have time to clean up?" "Perfect" I walked into the office keeping the door open giving out a sigh of relief seeing that Kyle is indeed not here. I went around the desk to sit in his chair and look at the small notes he left behind. I decided to keep my time occupied by staying up to date on what Kyle usually had me keep up with so I wouldn't fall behind. Just as I was setting up, I received a call on the desk phone. I picked it up introducing myself and asking how I could help. "Ah, it's nice hearing your voice first thing in the morning sweetheart." Kyle, I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Morning Mr. Michalis, what can I do for you?" "Nothing, I just wanted to hear your voice and make sure you're paying attention today." "No worries on that sir, thanks for checking in" There was a moment of silence, "Be good today, sweetheart, I'll be in touch" "Goodluck with your meeting sir" with that I hung up. I ran my hand through my hair 'what a creep'

I get distracted with my work way too easily, forgetting about the world around me, besides some of my coworkers coming in from time to time to get a second opinion. I completely immersed myself with recent trends happening right now. I looked up to the door when hearing someone clear their throat. "Hey Alice, what's up?" she looked at me and smiled big, I looked at her confused. "You have a visitor" "Visitor?" I asked curiously, getting up from my chair. She stepped back letting the visitor into sight, "Steve?" "Hey Doll, I hope you don't mind but I brought you some lunch" he held up some takeout boxes with a sheepish grin. I smiled loving the nickname he gave me, "that sounds good" I closed the door and motioned him to the table. "I assumed you haven't eaten yet" he looked at me knowingly. "Geez we talked for not even 2 days and you're already pointing out my flaws." "Stop that, you don't have flaws" butterflies swarmed my stomach. I took a seat across from Steve. "Thank you, I do appreciate the food, but I won't be able to finish all of this by myself so If you could help me out" I smiled and so did he. I cleared off the desk as he distributed the food. "Did you sleep good last night?" I questioned, taking the food box he was handing me. "Your couch is way comfier than it looks, thank you"

Just then the phone rang. "Sorry one sec" I picked up the phone introducing myself once more hoping it wasn't Kyle again. "Good afternoon, this is Ms. Davis, is Mr. Michalis available?" "I'm sorry he's not in the office today, may I please take a message" "Yes, one of the designs he sent through needed a second opinion and ended up not being approved which puts us at a major setback." I could feel life slowly leave me. Steve was looking at me concerned written on his features, "Uh, may I ask how far a setback this is?" the line was silent before she started speaking again, "The next column for the magazine won't be ready for next months issue" I let out a slow breath, "okay, if I were to send in another design by the end of the day could that avoid the setback" there was another moment of silence, "yes that could work but we would need Mr. Michalis' signature" "If I got permission from him to sign it would that be acceptable?" "Yes, just tell him to send an email verifying it's allowed and have the design in by 5 today." "Okay, thank you so much" "you're welcome, buh-bye" with that she hung up. I put the phone down leaning back in my chair and pinching the bridge of my nose. "Is everything okay?" Steve questioned. "I don't know yet, but I have to call my boss. I'm sorry one moment" "don't be sorry, you're working, and I bombarded you" "No, I'm happy you came, just give me a second" I picked up the phone to dial Kyle. I took a few deep breaths. "Kyle Michalis" "Hi, Mr. Michalis" "This better be good, I'm busy" "yes really quick, can you send Ms. Davis an email telling her my signature on a design is okay" "why?" he questioned coldly.