They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 17 - MAYA

Tuesday
9:39 PM

"Ayo I'm done. I've color coded all of your files, I vacuumed this thick ass carpet, I reorganized your bookshelf, and I made sure to fix everything on your desk. Are we done here?"

No response. I looked over my shoulder as I held the stack of books tightly, seeing what the hell was keeping her from replying to my question.

"Lauren!" She glanced up from her phone.

"Oh, right. Sorry. I was talking to a client of mine. What were you saying?"

I frowned. "I asked you if I was done here. I have to go home and finish packing."

"Oh that's right. Your ship does set sail in the morning. Are you excited?"

"I'd be more excited if I could leave and go home."

"Well, since you have been here all night and seem to have cleaned up rather well, I guess you're free to go."

I placed the books back onto the shelf in their respective order, ready to go home. "Thanks. I'll see you.....never."

Before I could leave she sat on the edge of her desk waving a hand. "Aht aht aht, not so fast. I want to make a toast really quick before you leave."

"Absolutely not. You don't even have drinks in-"

Lauren reached behind her desk and grabbed two glasses and a bottle of chilled wine.

"Never underestimate the power of a mini fridge. Come on, I want to commend you for your hard-work."

I rolled my eyes but decided to take a seat. My mind was focused solely on going home to pack but I guess one glass wouldn't hurt.

"I have to say, I'm really impressed that you actually went through with all of this. I know the whole parole thing has been hard for you but I promise that I'll make it as simple as possible."

"Gee thanks," I mumbled as she continued to pour the liquid into both glasses. "But seriously, you didn't have to do this."

"But I wanted to. I know you think I'm just this bitch who's only here to make you miserable, but I honestly have enjoyed your company. This office tends to get lonely sometimes."

"Sorry to hear that. To be real, being here isn't that bad. It gives me something to do instead of just going to work or sitting at home."

"Well I'm glad I can be an escape for you."

"Yeah. I guess I can appreciate the gesture."

"See, I'm not so bad after all." She passed me my glass before placing the bottle back on the desk. "Maybe you can learn to trust me. I'm not your enemy you know."

"For now. I'm sure the fangs and claws will come out soon enough." I laughed, taking a sip of my drink.

I could see her expression clearly through my glass. Lauren was staring at me and I wasn't sure if I should be alarmed or not. It took her a moment before she spoke again.

"And there it is....."

"There what is?"

She sighed, "That smile. It's so, infectious. I see why that Jamila girl likes you."

"How do you know she likes me?"

Lauren giggled, slowly sipping her drink. "Well for starters, the day that I went to have a chat with her, she was very tight with any information regarding you or your whereabouts. She seemed overprotective, much like you were when I first mentioned her name to you weeks ago."