𝐼𝑛𝑘 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡

Chapter 8: Green is the New Red

My alarm went off dispersing a loud ringing around my room as I slowly got up from my comfortable divot I made in my bed. I hit the snooze button before picking up my phone and going to the app to turn it off for good so it wouldn't dare ring again.

It was time to go back to work.

Yay....

I got out of bed and slid into my cute cow slippers before making my way to the kitchen to brew myself my morning wake up call. Black tea with a spoonful of sugar and a little crème.

I go to my coffee machine and start it up so I can get the heated water I need fast. Funny thing is, I never really use my coffee machine for coffee. I don't like how coffee makes me jittery so I only consume it once in awhile. This coffee machine gets used for hot water and those hot chocolate pods you can put in. That's about it.

Once my tea is made, I lean against the back of my counter and take in the cityscape that's right out my window. I observe as traffic halts busy men and woman on their way to work and how everyone on the sidewalk seems to rush to their destination.

After a couple minutes, I take my tea with me to my room as I pick out my outfit of the day. Black trousers or a black skirt are what I go back and fourth on before going with the black trousers to pair with my light purple button up.

I then put on some dainty jewelry and grab a white ribbon to tie in my hair once it doesn't look like something was nesting in it.

I make my way to my bathroom and begin to make myself more presentable. I apply a bit of concealer, liquid blush, lipstick, sparkly shadow, and curl my dark lashes. I don't do much makeup because I look fine the way I am. I don't need to pretend to be a fake face for someone to like me. Also, I prefer to have my face not break out cause I clogged too many pores or some shit.

Next, I move onto my hair. I run my brush through it before pulling back some pieces and tying them with my ribbon to do a half up half down look.

My reflection stares back at me and I stare back at it. I study myself for a second to make sure I blended everything well and that my hair looks neat. And viola!

I finish my tea and brush my teeth before putting on some simple black flats. I grab my work bag and bring my empty mug of tea to the sink to rinse out. I then pack my lunch swiftly and open my door to head to the office.

-

As I walk out of the elevator and onto the familiar floor I notice a flash of green near Heathers office. Heather wasn't a big fan of green. She'd never have that color in her office so that means someone already moved into it!

Damn, I would've thought that they would wait a little longer.

I inch closer and closer to the office since it's in the path to mine and the woman standing in it turns
towards me.

"Morning...I haven't meant you yet. What's your name?"

"Oh morning, my names Veronica Sawyer. I'm assuming your our new boss?"

"I am, my name is Heather Duke."

Heather? Okay, am I just a magnet for that name or some shit?!

She holds out her hand and I shake it respectfully.

"I'll be taking over for Chandler. We were friends actually...I was boss at my company for a bit before I resigned so when my friend passed I thought I would pick back up the boss position take over for her. She would want it that way. Besides, with me in charge, I'll make this company even bigger and better than she ever could."

"That's...great. Well my office is right down there if y'a need anything. Welcome."

I walk away leaving her with a small smile. God, she sounds like another piece of work.

-

"God, have you meant the not so Jolly Green Giant yet?"

"No, she gave me a bit of a side eye though. Don't know what that's about but she's probably trying to figure everyone out."

I pop a piece of pineapple in my mouth from my fruit bowl. It was lunch and me and Jd were having our lunch conversation that consisted of just about everything we could think of.

"She genuinely said that she would 'make this company even bigger and better' than Heather C ever could. I mean I feel like she's going to be either A, a carbon copy of Heather C, or B, an even bitchier version of Heather C. Place your bet now."

He raises his eyebrows a bit and shakes his head.

"Well whatever she is, if she ever tries to hurt you I'll be here to make it better. The world is a cruel place as we experienced and we don't need a repeat of Heather C."

"Agreed. Thank you. It means a lot to me that your here for me. I've been kinda by myself for awhile so i'm glad to have you in my circle of people."

"I'm glad to be in your circle of people as well."

We smile at each other lovingly for maybe a bit too long but it wasn't weird. It was sweet. The kind of prolonged stare that makes your heart swell with happiness and comfort.

We break away from our gazes though as we need to finish our lunch. I eat the last pieces of fruit in my fruit bowl as he finishes off his sandwich he got from the office cafe.

I have to give our cafe credit because their food isn't complete trash. And it's free because people who are employees get perks. Who doesn't like a good free meal?

I pack my containers that once held food back into my lunchbox before setting my lunch box on the floor next to my work bag. Then, I got a sudden spark of confidence to speak what's been on my mind. To speak my feelings. To say the word that means more than 'like'.

"Jd?"

"Yes?"

I take a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

"I l..."

"Veronica! Are you available? Yeah, you are cause I want you to be. Anyways, I need help with something. Come on follow me. Quickly!"

Of course, thanks Heather Duke for barging in. Thank you so fucking much. Couldn't be better timing.