YOU REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

The whisky took the edge off.

Jesse sat back on the plush sofa, glancing at his watch. He was feeling a little tired. Full day today and now this Christmas party to go to before he could go home and crash. He stared out of the window in Cassie's office, wondering how much longer he needed to wait. It was already dark outside and they were expected downstairs at least fifteen minutes ago. If he knew Cassie well (and he did), she would still be glued to her phone on business whilst getting dressed for the party. Ah well, at least he was waiting with this nice tumbler of whisky.

The whole building had been in a state of palpable excitement all day. He had to let Amanda off early - she was practically squeaking at the thought of the party tonight. If he had heard right, the H&H Christmas parties were legendary. Plenty to eat and drink; plenty of swag from eager sponsors. Plenty of sex.

The door opened.

Jesse looked up and smiled. Just as he thought.

"No. Pull that entire article off." Cassandra Harris strode in, one hand glued to her phone, the other fiddling with her earring. "I don't care how much it will cost. I will not have that bastard holding me ransom. He can very well fuck off and give an exclusive to MODE."

Jesse stood up and walked over to Cassie, who was leaning over her desk. She nodded acknowledging his presence while busy making rapid notes on a pad. Jesse just lounged against the desk, looking at her.

"Nigel, just do what I tell you. I'll deal with my uncle," Cassie was saying now. She let out a frustrated sigh before closing her eyes and saying tightly to her phone. "Ok, fine. We'll deal with this first thing tomorrow. Go and enjoy the party."

"I am surrounded by idiots!" Cassie declared loudly, ending the call and tossing her phone on top of her desk. Jesse was slowly drawing the pen she was holding tight from her grip, before stepping behind her and gently rubbing her shoulders.

"Shhh, you work too hard," Jesse shushed her gently. "That was Nigel, wasn't it? He'll get it fixed."

Cassie just snorted in disbelief, her shoulders still tense. "This whole place needs a firm hand or just falls into pieces!" she ranted. "That bitch Willy is rubbing up Uncle George and I don't know how long he can stay immune to that conniving witch. I really need him to sign on that stupid dotted line before that...that.."

"Hey..it's going to be fine." Jesse quickly calmed her down. She was working herself up into one of those infamous Cassandra Harris' rage and Jesse knew he had to nip it in the bud. Slowly Cassandra began to relax and she turned round to smile at Jesse.

"Thank you."

Jesse smiled in return, carefully looking at her. Only behind the doors like this, with no one around, will Cassandra Harris let her guard down. Her make-up and hair was perfect but Jesse could still see the tiredness in her eyes and how sallow and tight her skin was. That full-length grey dress was beautifully cut but it was not helping her colour and it hung a little loose. She was far too thin.

"How's the doctor's appointments?" he asked. Cassandra shook her head, looking more drawn than ever. Disappointment was clear on her face and Jesse drew her into a hug. "Don't worry about it, babe. Plenty of time."

"No, we don't have plenty of time, Jesse!" Cassandra raised her voice. She drew a quick breath seeing that look on Jesse's face and calmed herself down. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted. I'm just so busy and those doctor's visits are not helping."

"You are doing all the hard work. It's tough on you," Jesse replied, hugging her tighter.

"This is such a big thing for us," Cassie said.