All Over You

Only One In His Reach

Once the sun has long gone and the office has darkened shadows cast on every wall, a sense of doom settles in my stomach once more. The only light source is my computer screen blaring into my swollen eyes that can barely stay open. Without Keira and Geoff here, the office is so dull. I wish I didn't have to work late, the studios don't feel as exciting anymore without the man who had unknowingly stolen my heart. 

My phone rings and the tune jolts me awake, I grab it - hesitant but knowing I have to face this harsh reality. The only reason I am working late speaks back to me as I answer the device. 

"I'm here." His voice snaps harshly. His moods have been so foul lately, He's like a different person. I can only hope than the anti-depressants will help. 

"I'll get Lesley."

"No, what do we need her for?"

"She has to authorise your presence in the building."

"Whatever, hurry up."

He hangs up abruptly and I sigh, throwing my phone down on my desk before heading out of the empty office. I make a point of slamming the door. Being rough with inanimate objects is the only way I get to release my frustrations recently. 

There's a certain hush to the studios after hours, especially as winter looms and the sun disappears so fast. It makes me uncomfortable somehow. Almost as uncomfortable as going to find Lesley and asking her to watch her former employee grovel.

I knock at her door and she greets me with a gentle smile. It's a stark contrast to her usual all-business, harsh personality. It's quite comforting to watch her face soften for once. She's usually so brash, but I suppose you have to take no nonsense as a CEO. Her grey, wiry hair is pulled to the side in a loose bun as she hunches over her desk. She looks so busy and I feel uneasy for disturbing her. I have always had a slight fear of authority, so this is way out of my comfort zone. Once again I'm putting myself in displeasing scenarios for Liam. 

"Working late, Tiffany?"

"Somewhat." I fight the urge to giggle at the horrible situation. It's far from funny, but I have cried and yelled and screamed and hurt so much that laughter seems like a viable option. 

"Have you been coping okay after Liam's dismissal? I know you two were close." Lesley asks, tapping away at her computer.

The words sting but it isn't her fault. Someone externally recognising Liam and I's close bond reopens wounds that have barely healed. I fight my mind to find some words while appreciating her huge and organised office. Everything seems to have a place and is kept tidy. There's barely any storage space but what is there is utilised properly. I can only wish to have an office like this one day. The view from the bay window is incredible. Lesley deserves prime spot as the company owner, but the hardwood desks seem more intimidating than marvellous under these daunting circumstances.

"Actually, about that," I begin, purposefully dodging the question. "Liam is here and was wondering if you'd oversee the collection of his belongings."

"Of course." She stands up and follows me down to the cafeteria. We walk in uncomfortable silence.

The door opens and Liam sands there with his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish. His t-shirt is stained and it's as if he's been forced here with a gun to his head. 

"Liam." Lesley nods at him, a little more hostile than usual.

Liam nods back wordlessly, matching her hostility. The three of us wander up to his old office in complete silence once more. The sounds of three different pairs of shoes scuffling over the polished floor creates a sinister beat and my heart pounds in my chest. I cannot believe this is happening. If someone had told me in the summer that this would be the way things end, I would have called them a liar. Or worse. Lesley unlocks the office door and throws it open for Liam. He glances at me hesitantly and my heart aches for him. I nod encouragingly, reassuring him with my eyes.