The Broken Road

Chapter Ten

I still can't believe that I slept with Derrick again, and after so long too. It wasn't like the first time we did it; not even close. I roll out of bed when my morning alarm goes off for work. It's Monday, and I get to show the new hire around Fleet Flex today! I'm very excited that this is apart of my job and also honoured that I've only been working with the company for such little time and they already trust me with such a big thing.

I wrap my dripping body with my bright yellow towel, and step out of the shower. I run a brush through my hair quickly, tracing it behind with the blow dryer. I hear Derrick away downstairs but I don't bother, I need to get ready for work; and he has an interview today. I walk back to my bedroom, pulling down a pair of light wash blue jeans, and a basic yellow T-shirt. It's slowly getting warmer here, so I grab a sweater in case the weather changes, and head back to the washroom.

I apply a light touch of makeup, brushing through my eye lashes one last time, before checking the time on my phone.

7:13AM

I have to be to work earlier this morning so I can prep things for the new hire. I brush my teeth, throw my hair into a messy bun, grab my items and head downstairs. In the kitchen Derrick is standing against the counter eating a bowl of cereal.
"Mornin'!" He says with a mouthful of Corn Pops. I ignore him, and his ignorant way to greet someone in the morning, walking to the cabinet and grabbing a pop tart.
"You want breakfast? I can make you something!" He offers, running water into his now empty bowl. I pack my items into my work bag.
"No, I have to get going. I have to be to work early today for a new hire thing." I say, smiling at him
"Thanks though." I finish; sliding on my sneakers
"Good luck today though!" I say back to him while grabbing my keys off the rack, and reaching for my work bag. I'm headed toward the door when he speaks up again.
"Actually. Fuck, I'm sorry. I was gonna ask last night but I forgot. Uh.." he pauses, looking at his feet
"I'm gonna be late, get on with it." I say
"Bus fare." He spills. I chuckle under my breath, and the only thing I can think of is with what happened Saturday night, he should be paying me.
I reach into my wallet, pulling out a green sheet, and slam the twenty down onto the kitchen counter. I flash him a smile and walk out the front door. I hear a faint thank you as the door closes, but I'm already going to be late.

I arrive at work with one minute to spare, if that's not good timing I don't know what is, we will just thank the lack of traffic and no line up at Starbucks for that one. I walk in carrying a tray of four coffees, and a bag with sweeten packets, creamers, and stir sticks. I greet Carol with a smile as I hand her coffee to her over the counter.
"I got the shot of Mocha in it, just the way you like it!" I smile and continue walking. She thanks me while I walk away. I walk to my office entrance, unsure if Nathan is in yet, and set everything down. I press play on my voice system to see what I missed on the weekend, only two very angry customers. I'll return there calls today. I grab my iced coffee out of the tray, setting it on my coaster, quickly signing into my computer so I can get to work. Once I'm signed in, I grab Nathan's coffee; and two extra sugar packets out of the bag, walking to his half of the entrance. I peek around the corner to ensure he is alone; but usually of the door is open he's not busy.
"Knock Knock." I say, smiling
"Kate!" He says, smiling back at me, raising from his desk to greet me. He wraps me in a hug, and looks at me before eyeing the coffee.
"Large, because it's gonna be a long day; and two extra sugar packets, just for you!" I chuckle, waving the sugar packets at him.
"You're a life saver! Here come have a seat, let me walk you through today." I follow him back to his desk, sitting on the opposite side of the desk, and look at him as he grabs paperwork from his printer, and stuffs it onto a folder.
"So, this new hire will be here at ten. He isn't starting today; but essentially he will become my assistant, Carol needs you." He explains. I nod my head; not even one week in and I'm being promoted.
"All the information, his start date, and his start rate, can be found in this folder. His resume didn't load properly, so he will need to bring one in; or try sending it to you, whichever you prefer." He finishes; handing me the folder. I smile, standing to my feet and turn around
"No worries! I'll handle it from here Mr Fleet!" I say, and begin walking back to my office.
"Kate. Um. Ms Stellar." Nathan speaks, I turn around to face him.
"Hmm?" I ask
"Thank you for doing this." He says, smiling
"No problem!!" I say, about to turn around but he stops me again.
"Ms Stellar." He speaks
"Yes, Mr Fleet." I chuckle
"I had an amazing night with you Friday night." His words melt me, because I feel the exact same, but this is not a conversation that needs to be had at work. So I turn around on my heels, walking back to my office, leaving the butterflies in my stomach in his.