The Complex

The Complex: Chapter 14

10 days until the expo, Continued...

Grant's POV

Bella may think I haven't noticed anything unusual but I have. I noticed the second she entered through the conference room that something was wrong. I found myself glancing at her a lot and I guess that's not an uncommon thing for me to do anymore but this time its because I'm trying to figure out what's wrong.

I mean it in the best way that she looks horrible today. Like she had no sleep or she's on the verge of crying or just somethings wrong, I know that much.

When she zoned out during the meeting and she left, I let everyone take a 5 minute break so I could follow her and ask what's wrong.

When I saw her and heard her sobs I froze. My heart immediately started hurting. I tried to comfort her as best as I could considering our weird relationship. Not exactly friends, but I guess acquaintances? Ugh. IDK

"What can I do to help?" I whisper in her ear

"Just hold me." She whimpers barley audible.

So I do.

I turn her around so she's facing me. I place both of my hands around her waist and hold her tightly. Her head is lowered so I can't see her face. She's embarrassed.

"Look at me." I demand while grabbing her chin softly and tilting it up to my eye level. I cup the side of her face with one hand while the other is still holding her securely.

She still avoids eye contact. Nothing new about that though. I sigh and start to swipe the tears away with my thumb.

After I ensure the tears are gone I pull her into me and hug her properly. I sigh in content as her lilac scent makes me feel better.

She tenses up at the action waiting a few seconds to hug me back as she slowly wraps her hands around my lower back. I feel her start to relax in my arms.

She's in my arms for about 20 seconds before taking one last deep breath and she starts to pull away.

darn.

"I'm sorry..." She says while looking down at her shoes. "I just didn't have a good night, I tried to not let that affect my work but obviously I've failed." She continues.

I sigh aloud. Why is she apologizing for something that's not in her control?

"Bella, stop it ok? Your wellbeing comes before any work here you know that don't you?" I question her in a soft yet demanding voice.

When she doesn't say anything I take it she doesn't want to speak so I continue. "Do you want to talk about it?" I rub her shoulders up and down in a soothing manner. She feels soft.

Now's not the time Grant!

She shakes her head and her eyes finally meet mine, "not really, I just need to get over it." She quickly runs her hand over her face and starts to head to the door.

"We should probably get back huh?" She shoots me a tired smile. She's trying. "Bella, I know we aren't the closest to each other yet, but you can still talk to me about anything you know that right?" I say wanting to know what has her this upset.

It's starting to upset me.

Her fake smile falters just a bit and her head tilts as she stares at me. She tends to do that a lot. A couple of seconds go by and when she determines I'm as serious as they come, she slowly nods her head and turns to walk back to the meeting.

I slowly walk behind her so no one can tell we were together. Alone.

Ok, not in the way that came off but still...

The meeting goes on for about 15 more minutes after Mr. Vern's presentation. I stay behind in the conference room talking to Ryan about a project when I get a text from Bella.

Bella: Sorry I forgot to say earlier, but thank you for earlier...it made me feel a bit better.

Me: You're welcome. My offer still stands though about the talk. Get some sleep tonight btw, you look like a zombie ;)

I hear a tiny laugh coming from outside the conference room and I look up to see Bella standing reading my text. She looks in the room through the glass walls and we meet eye contact. I raise my brow in amusement and she starts to blush and with a little squeal she turns on her heels and rushes away.

Cute.

I shake my head and smile a bit. "Earth to Granty?" Ryan waves a hand in my face. "Don't call me that!" I scowl back at him. My smile gone now.

"Well I wouldn't have to if I didn't see you messing around with a fellow co-worker now would I?" He smacks my shoulder and grins will frantically raising his eye brows up and down like the weirdo he is.

I roll my eyes.

I wasn't messing around.

Its my job to take care of my fellow employees.

Bella just happens to be my first...

"That reminds me Grant..." Ryan says as he adjusts himself in his chair, taking my thoughts away.

"The shoplifter that Bella crashed into the other day--"

"He crashed into her." I interrupt not liking how it sounded.

Ryan rolls his eyes and continues, "Yeah, whatever you know what I'm saying, anyway, that day as you know the police couldn't catch the guy, you asked me to track him down. They found them this morning. Turns out he's actually wanted in the state of New York and Pennsylvania." He reports.

"Good" I reply. I have several connections throughout my years as CEO and from when my dad worked. I wanted to find him because he made Bella fall and bleed. Bastard.

"Your so sweet to do that for your honey aren't you?" Ryan says in a mocking baby voice and starts to pinch my cheeks.

"Touch me again and your fingers will be gone Ryan." I grumble at him shoving his hands away from my face.

"Whatever you say, boss man. But just so ya know, a double date would be fun, you and Bella and me and--" He stops as he thinks of Daria and he starts to frown. He hasn't said anything but Daria's disappearance has bothered him. He really liked her.

"Any word yet of her?" I ask Ryan. "No, its been a few days, I've texted her like 10 times but I guess its not worth it. She'll text me back when she can I guess he shrugs and looks away.

"I hope she does, not just for your and Bella's sake, but for her job too..." I trail off. I didn't want to fire her but no matter what is happening she needs to let her boss know and take the appropriate actions.

Ryan just nods understandably.

I wonder if Bella was crying because of Daria earlier? I need to talk to her again. I won't feel calm until I know what's happening with her. Especially if I can help fix it.