Please Remember Me

Chapter 12

Monday morning was a drag. 

Not even the makeup I wore could help hide my exhaustion. Thank goodness Mr. Sikeouti was out of office for the day with meetings and business elsewhere. Our lobby had been silent, only a few upper management employees nodding in my direction as they passed on the way to their offices. 

In his absence, Mr. Sikeouti had left a lengthy list of tasks he wanted me to complete before his return tomorrow morning. I knew just from studying it that I would be staying later than usual today unless I hyper-focused. At least the workload kept me busy, stopping my mind from wandering.

I silenced the group chat I had with the boys, but cutting myself out of their lives was proving difficult. 

Everyone had individually texted me, asking if I was okay. They wanted to know what had happened. Sean, Gabriel, and Luke had even apologized which made my heart ache. I felt like I was letting everyone down, which only solidified my decision. 

Nathan was right; if this happened later on down the line, they would hurt much worse. It didn't matter how my chest duly ached or that my eyes never seemed to stop stinging. I eventually muted all of their numbers and didn't bother looking at my phone after that.

When lunch break rolled around, I decided to take it at my desk. I didn't want to risk going to the employee lounge and running into Victor, Kota, or Mr. Blackborne. While I was eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a secret comfort meal of mine, the elevator dinged indicating a new arrival. 

I scrunched my brow unsure of who it could be. 

All of the employees who needed to be on this floor were already here.  There were no meetings being held in our conference rooms today either. I quickly wiped my mouth shifting my sandwich so it was out of sight from whoever was exiting the elevator. 

Glancing up, dread began to pool into the pit of my stomach. 

I made sure to keep my face carefully blank as Mr. Blackborne walked up to my desk.

"Mr. Blackborne. How may I help you?" 

I figured it was best to keep my tone professional. 

Maybe he was here to schedule a meeting with Mr. Sikeouti? He paused in front of me and narrowed his eyes. His frown could rival North's. I was surprised his emotions were open for me to see; worry seeping from his pores.

"Tulip...are you free at the moment?" 

His tone was too light for me to not be suspicious of his intentions.

"Actually, I'm not. I apologize. Mr. Sikeouti has been keeping me very busy. However, if you need to schedule a meeting with him, I can help you with that." 

I avoided his gaze turning my attention to my computer. 

I pulled up our program that allows me to organize my boss's schedule and meeting times, ready to help Mr. Blackborne, even though I knew that was not why he was standing in front of me.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'm here to check on you. We are all very concerned..." 

I couldn't help the derisive snort that left at his words. 

Yeah, everyone but Nathan would be concerned. 

I wasn't sure how they hadn't asked him about what happened; or maybe they had and Nathan lied? 

It wasn't my business anymore, if it ever was. 

Mr. Blackborne's eyes narrowed at my action.

"I am fine, Mr. Blackborne. If there is nothing else I can help you with, I really do need to get back to work."