All Over You

Untainted

The next morning I try again. Instead of being defeated by my own emotions, I push through and have a do-over. I cover my face in makeup and throw on one of my favourite black pencil dresses in an effort to seem put together. I ignore the fact that this dress was also one of Liam's favourites due to the lengthy split at the back. It's not about him anymore, I need to start living for myself. I pull tights up over my thighs to help with the October chill. September was one of the worst months of my life and the atmosphere changing as the seasons roll on make it slightly lighter on my chest. 

I barely have time to run a brush through my messy hair before running out the door and sliding into my car. I make it to work just in time to sprint into the main meeting room for this season's board meeting. I slip into the seat between Keira and Geoff while Lesley and associates bang on about the post production of the things we've been working on. I listen intently to Lesley's segment, and even Scott's. This is the first time I've seen him since his mysterious leave of absence. He claims sickness but no one has believed him. I wonder where he went, but choose not to ask and keep a limit on our conversation time. He flashes a few friendly glances in my direction but they don't seem as intense as before. I'm not sure if he's heard the rumours or assumes that Liam and I are still together, but he has been keeping himself to himself lately. I don't mind. I still smile politely at him from over my notebook. 

Liam stands up to speak and Keira rolls her eyes. He seems a little irritated as she throws her pen down onto her clipboard dramatically and begins whispering away to me and Geoff. She makes it clear that she isn't interested in anything he has to say. I can't help giggling to myself knowing that I have a best friend in the world who'd risk her professionalism to make a point and protect me. My heart thumps with pride for her, so I throw my pen down with a clatter and gossip with her too. Geoff just stares down in his lap, twiddling his thumbs anxiously. 

Regardless of the attitude I'm giving, I still can't help but gaze over at Liam a few times. He does look so deviously handsome up there doing his thing. Working with him is becoming unbearable and sometimes I wish he'd just leave so I could have a fresh start without him poisoning my veins every time he breathes the same air as me. He finishes his segment of the talk, seeming visibly annoyed and running his hands over his gelled hair repeatedly, his eyes narrow daggers at Keira. She seems unbothered. Lesley thanks us all and wills us to have a good day as the room begins to empty. 

"Oh, before you go, we have to acknowledge the success of the camera team lately." Lesley flashes a grin in our direction and I flush Scarlett.

Geoff seems too depressed to be fazed, only flashing a brief and polite thumbs up. Keira adores the attention and does a little mock twirl while people laugh and clap accordingly.

"They have worked so hard of late, especially Tiffany who has stepped up and taken on so much more than she's paid for as camera supervisor last month!" Lesley continues, joking lightheartedly.

I laugh awkwardly as a hundred pairs of eyes direct towards me. I keep my gaze firmly focused on a frayed patch of carpet but wave gratefully at everyone who mumbles in praise. The heat leaves my body as people continue to filter out. I head towards the door, chatting to Keira in attempts to avoid any uncomfortable conversations. Hope is dashed when Liam winks at me, leaning cooly against the doorway with his hands in his pockets. Suddenly, I am trapped by him once more. He just can't leave me alone. It's horrifically unfair after everything he put me through. 

"Davenport, you got a namecheck." He smirks as I head past him.

Hating him is much harder when he refuses to veto the stupid nickname I have grown to adore. Especially not when it has become somewhat of a fond endearment - which are few and far between by Liam's standards.