False Start [#1]

O 9

C H A P T E R O 9
a little twerk at work never hurt nobody

"So there's absolutely nothing going on with you and that football player?"

I roll my eyes and suppress a smile, silently mouthing a thank you to Azzy as he places a bunch of paperwork on my desk, giving me the that a gossip call? look.

Shaking my head to Azzy, I reply to my father. "HIs name is Huxley, Daddy. And no, I told you the public has the wrong end of the stick. Me and him are just friends."

My assistants eyes go wide, his pretty little face lighting up at the mention of Huxley, his new man crush, mingled with the other word, friend.

"Well, I sure do hope so. He is not the type of man worthy of my daughter. Especially after how he left you the last time."

I force a tight smile, smushing my lips together to stop anything stupid coming out my mouth. "Right, exactly. So there's nothing for you to worry about." Taking in a deep breath, I close my eyes and release. "Now that's put to bed, can I return to work? I have a whole shit ton to do."

"Language, Malia. So unlady like." He grumbles. "But I suppose. Just remember to show up for your Uncles birthday next week. He's expecting you."

"See ya then. Love you, bye."

When the line goes dead, I throw my phone on my desk, my head dropping back as I blow out a loud, heavy groan that only erupts from me after I've had a tiresome conversation with my father.

"I know I shouldn't ask but... I really wanna ask." Azzy teases when I roll my head back straight, raising a brow up at him. "Ah, c'mon, we're more than boss and assistant, we're friends, and apparently so are you and Huxley. What'd I miss?"

It was only last night I came to the conclusion that I'd rather have Huxley on my side during this whole ordeal, than against me.

He's just the type of asshole to get the fans hopes up with a vague lovey post just to piss me off.

The worst thing is, and something I'm not even liking admitting to myself, is that even though he broke my heart, I feel like there's something missing when he isn't around. He makes our group complete.

And now that we're on the road to navigating our way back to being friends, I wish my dad didn't hate on him as much as he does. I understand why, I don't know, maybe wish he wasn't so vocal about his dislike for Huxley - especially when he's so blunt he doesn't know how to spare his daughter's feelings during the rants.

"You missed nothing, you nosy bitch." I smirk at my assistant, reaching over the paperwork he brought. "Huxley and I have just come to a truce." I murmur with a small shrug.

Azzy blows out a shocked breath, his eyes going wide while his body falls back into the seat. "Not expected, given... circumstances."

"Azzy, I can't hate him forever, it's exhausting." I say, suddenly feeling defensive. "I broke down. Two whole times," I hold two fingers up to emphasise my point. "And while yes he's an asshole who'll forever live to annoy me, he's also had my back the most through all this. I think he deserves a break. Don't you?"