I went to bed early and layed in bed all night. I couldn't sleep knowing that I kissed my boss and if anyone finds out my ass will get fired. All the what-ifs and what-happens were flooding my mind. What if HR finds out? What happens if my coworkers find out? What if my dad finds out? What if my brother finds out? What happens if John makes a slip up?
After finally relaxing, Phoenix managed to fall asleep. John and Phoenix stayed in Sacramento until the 27th, then they went back home. The entire car ride, Phoenix and John didn't say a word. As soon as Phoenix reached home, she slumped onto her bed. It was the holidays, so Phoenix wouldn't see John until the 5th of January. It was December 31st, New Years Eve. Phoenix was visiting her family. As usual, she would stand in a corner drinking fruit punch and watching her family have fun. For some strange reason, this holiday felt...different. Phoenix didn't know why she was feeling odd, but she knew that she was missing John.
January 1st
I could hear people shouting Happy New Years across the street. This new year didn't feel like a new year. Phoenix hasn't spoken to me or Hannah since Christmas. I blame myself. I kissed her and now she's avoiding me. But a part of me is angry. Angry at her. She told me to kiss her, so I did. And now she's avoiding me? Just wait until we get back to work.
January 5th
Phoenix woke up not being prepared for work. Knowing that she's gonna see John for the first time in, like, 14 days.
"Gud, ge mig styrka." (God, give me strength)
John woke up feeling anxious and excited. Anxious to talk to Phoenix and excited to see Phoenix.
"Señor, que este sea un buen día." (Lord, may this be a good day)
Phoenix got to work and quietly went to her desk. She sat down and sighed.
Calm down, he probably isn't even in yet. Help me, Pappa, what would you do? Probably not put yourself in this situation in the first place.
"Miss Forte."
"Mr. Vera! You startled me!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you jump. Can we talk? In my office?"
"Uh...sure."
This can't be good.
Phoenix and John walked into his office and Phoenix felt uneasy.
"Can I speak first?" Phoenix asked.
"Uh...ok, sure."
"I think we should re-evaluate our working situation."
"What do you mean?"
"On Christmas, you and I made a mistake. But I think that it happened because we don't have a particularly professional relationship. If our relationship was the same as everyone at the company, it never would have happened. So I think that we need to be strictly Mr. Vera and Miss Forte."
"Is that what you want?"
"I think it's what needs to be done."
"So be it then. Strictly professional it is."
"I'll get to work, call me if you need me."
Both Phoenix and John sighed. She left his office leaving him upset.
I ruined it.
Phoenix went back to her desk. Her coworkers were giving her death glares as always.
Doesn't it feel good to be back? It's what had to be done. It'll just end badly. Why does it hurt this much?
Phoenix went back to work and tried to get her mind off of things. Hours later, Hannah walked in.
YOU ARE READING
Smile
Romantika"Quick question: why do you live in a two-bedroom apartment when it's clearly just you alone?" "I have 5 brothers. Life...falls apart on some people. Life is full of disappointments. There's people who make you believe they love you. But they don't...
