Personal assistant

Overdue

Rupert passed me another glass of wine as we watched everyone below the balcony dancing to the heavy rhythm from the speakers. This party was a hit, Dragon's lair was teeming. Sofia had thrown a public celebratory event for winning the case and the queue for entry stretched all the way down the block. The atmosphere was fluorescent, everybody was dancing, smiling and having fun, the woman really knew how to put on a show. With Rupert's help of course, he looked smug as we watched them all dancing below, the revolving lights sweeping over the bustling crowd.

I was alerted to two hands sliding either side of me, latching onto the balcony rail and boxing me in. Stacked with rings and that signature watch glinting under the lights, I grinned. The smell of sugary vanilla wafted towards me as the woman pressed her lips into the side of my neck in greeting. I faced her, and planted a soft kiss on her lips as she stared through heavy eyes, lush with content.

"Are you having fun?"

I nodded vigorously, and she gave me some room to sip my wine as Rupert protested that we were being far too gay, even for him. Sofia laughed and stepped back, holding up her arms in surrender, leaving me in full view of the woman walking towards us.

Fuck.

"Hey Lana!"

She embraced me quickly and nodded greetings to Sofia and Rupert.

"I didn't know I would see you again so soon!"

I chuckled nervously, I hadn't had a chance to tell Sofia yet that I'd gone for that drink with Evan, and yet here she was, clearly about to spill that little titbit of information for me. Miss Bardot looked intrigued, but wary, eyeing Evan. She definitely recognised her.

"Thanks for that drink the other night, it was nice to see you!"

Read the room Evan.

I wanted to smack my palm to my forehead, or maybe hers for being so damn open, her timing really was typical. Sofia coughed lightly, and turned her attention towards me with raised eyebrows, Rupert doing the same.

"Yep, it was nice to see you too."

My voice was flat even though I meant what I said, and Evan flicked her stare between Sofia and I, finally putting two and two together.

"Oh! We were just catching up as friends, nothing happened."

Sofia's eyes were glassy and cold, zoned out after Evan's casual statement. My boss pushed her hand in her pocket, I knew she'd balled that fist again and didn't want anyone to see. She always did when she was mad. She stole Rupert's glass from his hand and gulped the small amount that was left, turning to face Evan directly.

"Mm, well I don't own her, she can screw you if she wants."

"Sofia."

I reprimanded, and frowned in disapproval at her display. She stared back wordlessly, before putting the empty glass on the table and excusing herself from the circle.

"Speaking of friends, I should probably go and find mine," Evan awkwardly departed, mouthing an apology towards me as she did. Rupert shot me a questioning look, and I confirmed that it truly was just a friendly meeting, despite the short fling we had those months ago. He suggested I let her air out her temper a bit before going to talk to her. 

I searched the rooftop, maybe I should have left it longer, but I hated the fact that she was upset. The elevator dropped me off at the top floor, and I saw her stood near the edge in front of the glass railing, watching the spires of the city sparkle. There were others up here too, some smoking, the latter just looking for a bit of quiet. Her hair lifted gently at the ends as the light breeze stroked, and I walked over slowly.

"It wasn't like that."

I began awkwardly, turning to the side and glimpsing her jaw tighten a fraction.

"Did you fuck her?"

"What? I just said it wasn't like that-"

"Sorry, let me rephrase," she flashed her eyes towards me and stuffed her hands in her pockets again like earlier.

"Have you ever fucked her?"

I was reluctant to nod, she was already pissed and I didn't want to make it worse. Then again, lying wasn't an option, mainly because she'd pick up on it immediately, but also because I never wanted to lie to her.

"We hooked up for that week when we fought over Kiera."

She chuckled bitterly, shaking her head and gripping the railing.

"Nice."

Her voice dripped with a wryness that irritated me. I didn't owe her an explanation, nor my fidelity since she'd never asked me to date her.

"Like you were so keen to point out earlier, we are not in a relationship, so I'm not sure why you're taking this personally."

She furrowed her brow at me, standing tall and sighing.

"Is it just the label, that equals exclusive? Does the word 'girlfriend' constitute more to you than 'I love you?'"

She stepped into my space, carrying the concept of guilt and throwing it at me. She was right, what the hell did I need a stupid label for anyway. I didn't meet her eyes, and fiddled with my hands nervously.

"Do I have to declare what's mine publicly, to confirm what we already feel inwardly? I don't want you to see anyone else."

She shrugged, a coquettish smile which wasn't arrogant, only fond.

"When I first inherited a large sum of money, women would throw themselves at me shamelessly."

I understood, I mean who wouldn't, she was absolutely stunning.

"You see, wealth is attractive to many, but I don't find many attractive."

She stared at me, pointed and intense. Telepathically, she screamed that I was her biggest love, yet aloud she said nothing. She'd shown me a new realm, and to be honest, I couldn't imagine navigating it with anyone except her. Sofia's hands slipped into mine, warm and inviting as she gazed into my eyes hopefully, seeking an answer.

"Lana, I'll announce it from the rooftop if you want me to. I'll climb to the tip of the spire on the fucking Empire State building and broadcast it if you ask. I just want you to be mine, and only mine." 

My eyes welled, hung with emotion at her display. She was everything I'd ever dreamed of, I felt like the luckiest girl alive that these feelings were returned.

"Give me your necklace."

"What?"

I was perplexed, and touched a hand to it, her impatience was bizarre but I'm sure she had her reasons.

"Just give it to me."

I obliged and unhooked the dainty gold chain, handing it over. She slipped one of the rings off her fingers and looped it onto the chain.

"My name is on the band. Maybe that will remind you not to go drinking with old flames when you're supposed to be my girlfriend."

My heart was glowing so warm and bright, it could be seen for miles. I felt like I was floating with elation, and grabbed her by the lapels on her blazer, pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Her hands clutched my waist like I was her lifeline, the necklace dangling between her fingers, tangled as the ring glinted off city lights.

Her lips tasted like heaven, and I submerged myself in her, melting as my girlfriend held me steady in our moment on that New York City roof top.