Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 22 - Pursued

When the working hours is over, Alexis eagerly went into the elevator. She had just received a see you later message from Sam and she guessed of a dinner date coming.

As she stepped onto the first floor to clock out,  the image of two men sitting on the waiting couch caught her attention. She was stopped in her tracks and saw both guys standing after seeing her.

It was Sam, holding a bouquet of sunflower, and Jeff holding a full bloom rose. Both of them smiled at her and instantly, she doesn't know what to do. Noticing how all eyes went on her, she felt embarrassed. It was the first time and she can't understand the feeling.

All she knew was that she just want to disappear.

Without further thought, she moved toward Sherry's desk and immediately clocked out.

Sherry gave her the look, making her more embarrassed. She twitched her lips to her and walked briskly towards the exit, ignoring the call of her name from the men.

She was outside, walking on the pavement when the two caught up.

"Lex!?" Sam blocked her way, looking at her with confusion.

She was about to say something when Jeff appeared in her front as well and gave her a pleading look.

She hated the feeling it gave her, reminding her of the past she doesn't want to recall.

Her face became indifferent and she clamped her teeth together as she sidestepped them.

"Alex, please." It was Jeff's voice, and the name gave her a shudder. The more she wanted to get away.

"Please? Can we talk?" Jeff blocked her way again.

"There's nothing to talk about," she replied firmly and made another attempt to get past him.

"Alex," Jeff held her forearm, instantly sending chills down her spine.

"Honk, honk!" A car stopped beside them, making Alexis subconsciously look.

It was Carl's car. The window rolls down, revealing his gentle face. He twitched his lips and gave her a rescuing look.

As relief welled in her, she shook off the hand that had lost its grip and without hesitation, she entered the car.

"Lex!" Sam shouted, making her realize his presence. As she hesitated and looked back, Carl already drove the car away.

She sighed after she watched the men disappear from the side mirror. Sam will understand, she encouraged herself.

"Why don't you want to face them?" Carl glanced at her.

Alexis looked at him. "You saw everything?"

"Yeah, from EDA up to there," Carl replied nonchalantly with eyes still on the road.

Alexis sighed and shook her head. She leaned back and looked ahead. "It's Jeff that I don't want to face."

"Oh," Carl nodded. "Seems that you had a rough past with him."

Alexis smiled sadly and her eyes were filled with nostalgia.

In a split second, she pulled her mind away from the memories. "Let's not talk about it. Can you bring me to a restaurant? I think I need to do something stress-relieving."

"Food?" Carl glanced at her.

"Yeah," Alexis returned a glance.  "Besides, I'm hungry."

Carl shrugged, "Okay."

Some minutes later, they entered a Chinese restaurant.

"Are you really accompanying me?" Alexis asked Carl.