Where Iris Bloom

Ch 12. The Rise of Casper

After a busy week of attending endless board meetings, I made it home to Nana and spent some time with the old lady. Being back in the city, I had to go back on my usual routine in taking care of the business.

It's much bearable to deal with business matters but I know I have to get back to Iris who, I'm well aware of, I ghosted for more than 2 weeks. I'm figuring out how to ask her out for Nana's birthday without any mention of what happened.

"Have you asked Iris already?" Viv asked. We're currently in my office discussing some matters on hiring new operations manager for Love, Nana.

"Uh...not...yet." I bit the insides of my cheeks feeling the guilt.

"You've been here for weeks straight, you haven't been to Love, Nana. Not even once." She squinted on me like confirming a suspicion.

It's like being cornered and no other choice but to confess. "Uh. I kinda ghosted her for more than 2 weeks and Nana wants her to be there on her birthday. Now, I don't know how to ask her."

Genevieve's brow were at her forehead with an incredulous look. She leaned back and sighed.

"Kim, you can't go around letting people get attached to you then suddenly push them away. You'll bleed on people who didn't cut you." The truth on her words were like daggers that I wasn't able to dodge.

I got scared and overwhelmed at the same time. I didn't know how to digest everything as it felt so foreign and surreal.

"I got scared." I confessed averting my eyes elsewhere. "The way she calmed the brewing storm in me. It's so scary how she manage to do it effortlessly and I don't think I deserve it. I got so accustomed of letting that whirlwind ruin my peace and had to pick up myself after." I swallowed the lump in my throat while admitting to it.

"Just simple touch, Viv. She dissolved it and I felt so serene. I don't think I deserve that." I sighed and raked my fingers on my hair feeling anxious.

"Kim," Viv sighed and crossed her legs. "You really have to let go of that guilt. It won't bring you anywhere but stuck on the same dark place. You already let her in so might as well, be receptive on what she does unbeknownst to her."

"When did you become so smart?" I saw her roll her eyes and chuckled.

"Really such an ass." She commented and we both laughed.

"I really don't know what to do." I slumped and sighed.

"How 'bout start with saying sorry?" I nodded but I really don't know how start with my apology.

When things turns sour, I'm really not into making up to it. I'm gonna avoid it as much as I can coz I hate conflicts and I hate confrontations. I keep it to myself and distance myself until I feel alright. I know it's something I shouldn't do but it's how I cope.

I spent the rest of my day working on proposals and business deals that are long over due. Genevieve might have taken care most of it but there are prospect clients that are eager to talk to me personally.

There are some projects that have been waiting for quite a bit now that needs finality. I am currently working closely with a new business venture that has been wanting to list us as their main commissary. This will be another plus push in expanding our business.

My head started to hurt with my ass long screen time. I pinched the bridge of my nose and turned my chair closing my eyes in the process. Then the thought of Iris crossed my mind. I really need to reach out to her coz she might have prior commitments on the weekend.

I dragged myself up and walked out of my office. Glancing at my watch, it's already 4 in the afternoon.

"I'll be out of the office, Jamie." I informed my assistant and walk past straight to the elevator. She didn't even had the chance to revert coz I'm already out on my way.