Forbidden Fruit (gxg)

Part 27

When I got to Jose's office, Kori was already there. Jose was at his desk, and Kori was sitting across from him, looking calm. Maybe too calm.

"Hi Ashley, take a seat," Jose said, gesturing to the chair next to Kori.

My heart was still racing as I sat down. I glanced at Kori, and she glanced back at me.

She then gave me a small smile, which I knew was her telling me it was going to be okay.

"So," Jose started, "I received an anonymous message that stated the two of you are in a romantic relationship."

"Please Jose," Kori stopped him, "We know it was Lisa Amaro. You don't have to say it's anonymous."

"Well...yes," Jose admitted, "However, I wanted to talk to the two of you and get the true story on what's going on here."

Kori spoke again, "Yes, mine and Ashley's relationship has gone over the line of professional and into something of a more...romantic nature. Jose, that's why I set up the meeting with you for today. I was going to see what could be done about Ashley switching departments, and to advise you that we are together."

Jose looked at me, "This is true, you and Kori are together?"

I nodded, "Yes. We are."

Jose looked between Kori and I and folded his hands on his desk, "I appreciate you both confirming what I was told today is true. I know that's not easy."

"So Jose," Kori said, "Can Ashley just switch departments? It really could be as simple as that."

Jose sighed, "So, I wish I could say 'yes' to that. However, due to the nature of me finding this out from another party...this has to be further discussed. This relationship has been going on for quite some time, hasn't it?"

Kori didn't answer his question and she asked, "What do you mean exactly when you say it has to be 'further discussed'?"

She spoke in a firm tone, and I could tell that even Jose was a bit uncomfortable.

"A plan of action for the next steps," Jose said, and he then let down his professional wall a bit and said softly, "Kori, you know I'm unfortunately going to have to tell Daniel Hollis about this. It's a small company, word gets around."

"I know you are," Kori nodded, "I figured."

Jose then looked at me and said, "Ashley, I will message you later to come back to my office again after this has been discussed. That's all I need from the both of you for now."

Kori nodded and got up, and I did as well, my heart still racing at the speed of light.

When Kori closed the door to Jose's office, she said, "Like I said, it's going to be okay, Ash."

"I really hope so, because I am not feeling so good about this right now," I said to Kori.

Kori gently squeezed my shoulder and said, "Let's just see what happens, love."

When I got back to the department, Grace immediately pulled up her chair to my desk.

"Are you okay?" she asked me quietly, "You've been gone a lot this morning. And you look a bit upset."

I swallowed hard and said to Grace in an even quieter tone, "I have to tell you something. You're going to find out anyway, so it might as well be from me."

Grace nodded encouragingly, "Tell me, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath before saying, "I'm likely going to be leaving this department."