Finding Her Joy

Happy To Be Here

A/N- Sorry, this one is a little short, but to be fair, I am already working on the next 2 chapters. Hope you're enjoying it, and don't worry. We're getting to the actual relationship bits.

(MIA POV)
I woke up early the next morning to get ready for what I knew was going to be a long day. I was still slightly irritated from my intense call with Roger. The only thing that made me feel better was knowing I would get to see Charlotte all week.

I turned on some music as I got ready. Obviously, I had to play my favorite song first as I did my hair and makeup. Listening to it always puts me in a better mood. Who listens to "I like the way you kiss me" by Artemis without getting hyped up. It's impossible.

I changed my outfit 3 times trying to find the perfect thing to wear. I wanted to impress Charlotte. I knew something was off between her and her husband, and I figured I could tell how bad it was based on how she reacted to me.

My mind could've been playing tricks on me, but I swear she liked it every time I called her "Sweetheart" or complimented her in the morning. It sounds awful, but I was hoping my instincts were right with thinking her and her husband had split. There was just something sad in her when she showed up to work. I could tell how much she was hurting by the look in her eyes.

She had children, so I'd assumed they were already splitting custody. I could tell there were days when she came in more exhausted than others. Charlotte didn't seem like the type of girl who enjoyed sleeping alone. She was with her husband for a little over 10 years, and after a while, it feels like a part of you is missing if the other side of the bed is empty. I was with Reece forever, and I knew the effect it had on me when I had to get used to sleeping alone again. I love him, but I wasn't in love with him, so my experience with this would be different from hers. Didn't mean it hurt any less.

I made a quick coffee before heading out the door to the nursery.

When I arrived, Charlotte was already in the office, taking to Marjorie. I heard her say something about the owner and how he'd changed who should be in charge. I quietly entered the room.

She was giggling from nerves and trying to use her nursery voice on Marjorie. I had to stop myself from laughing as I heard Marjorie get concerned on the other side of the phone.

Charlotte was just about to tell her who was put in charge of Marjories nursery since Siobhan was over at mine. I decided to step in and have a little bit of fun.

"Charlotte," I said, stepping closer to her, "Are you snitching on me to marjorie?" I put my hands on my hips and smiled at her. She was unable to form words now. I could hear Marjorie yelling on the other side of the phone. "Marjorie, not happy about me being here?"

Marjorie was mad and told Charlotte to tell me she wasn't happy, but I stopped her before she could. "It's alright, I heard all that. I can't wait to get settled into this office." If I was going to get the plan to work, then I needed to poke the bear a bit. I was having a bit too much fun, though. "That chair looks really comfy."

Charlotte furrowed her brow as she went to repeat what I'd said, "Marjorie, I-" She was cut off by Marjorie on the other side. Was she planning on letting her speak? She was so loud on the other side that I heard her telling me not to mess with her staff or the children. I think by this point, Charlotte had had enough.

"Marjorie. I can't be a go-between between you two. I just wanted to call and give you a heads up about... who was here." She tried to whisper, but I was standing so close to her I heard it anyway. Marjorie said something else, and then Charlotte hung up the phone.

She tried to make herself look more intimidating by placing her hands on her hips and sticking her chin further in the air. I couldn't help myself. I had to say something. "You know, out of everyone here, you're definitely my favorite." I smiled at her before continuing, "You're so cute."

I could tell my last comment made her flustered. She looked over at me and said, "Well, I'm not being cute for you." She blushed slightly out of embarrassment for the words she let slip.

I took a step closer to her. I was close enough to where I could smell her perfume. She was holding her breath as if taking another would cause her to malfunction in some way. Trying not to get distracted by her piercing blue eyes, I smirked at her and said, "Sure." I winked at her before stepping away and going to sit down at Marjories desk.

Charlotte stood there for a few seconds in shock. I knew she was irritated at herself for what she said, but she didn't want to show any sign of weakness towards me.

I turned back around in the chair to face her. I could sit and watch her all day, but then I wouldn't get anything done. "Off you go then." I said. She must've been lost in her thoughts because my words made her jump. She looked over at me quickly before walking out of the office to start work.

It was only a couple of minutes before Charlotte came back into the room. I thought I heard someone pacing outside the office, but I assumed it was Carly trying to spy. I was glad to see I was wrong.

"Did you forget something?" I asked her as I stood up. Her cheeks turned pink again. 30 seconds, and I was already making her nervous.

"W-why are you here?" She crossed her arms and asked me.

"I told you last night why I was here. Autumn is sick, and the owner wants someone with my... qualifications to run things until either her or Marjorie comes back." I sat on the edge of the desk, so I was closer to her.

"No. I know that. I mean, why are YOU here? Why isn't Siobhan over here instead?"

"Are you not happy to see me either?" I stuck out my lip and put on my puppy dog eyes, "That hurts my feelings. I was hoping to spend more time with you."

"That's not what I meant, I-" Charlotte starts, but I cut her off.

"So you are happy I'm here. Good to know." She's unable to speak now, and I love it. Before I can scare her away, I change my tone and start to speak again, "I'm just teasing, Sweetheart. I don't know why the owner sent me over here either." I reach over and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "But I'm happy he did." I left my hand on her cheek for a moment before resting my arms back at my sides. Her face was bright red now.

"I, um, I need to get to work. Parents are starting to arrive." She runs out of the room again, but this time, I knew she wasn't coming back.

I sat back down at Marjories desk and started thinking to myself, "That woman never ceases to amaze me." I let out a small laugh before getting back to work and waiting for the next phase of my plan.