Clear

Clear: Chapter 23

Chapter 23: About Face

The next morning, I was a few minutes away from the building when I tossed the wrapper to my breakfast bar in an oncoming trash bin.

How has eating suddenly become this epic accomplishment each time now?

Nonetheless, I was feeling ready to start my day and ascend the steps to the entrance.

Grabbing for the door handle, I felt a sharp turn in my stomach as I caught the reflection of a black car parking against the curb.

Instinct wanted me to turn back, but the right thing for me to do was to go inside.

I returned a smile to the receptionist who was talking on the phone, and I had to admit that it had been a while since I had even bothered to pay attention to anything but that elevator door upon entering the building. The guilt about it was only temporary because things were changing.

I really do feel different.

My eyes were glazing over while I stared at the descending numbers flash on a panel above the door..

Maybe I should call Mom today. I know she's still worried. I need to get rid of the boxes too before Cinna Buns scratches up another one.

"Good morning, Ms. Young," I abruptly heard at my side.

I jumped, surprised at Mr. Leoné's sudden presence.

"Oh, good morning," I nervously laughed.

The obviousness of his eyes wandering around my face made my laugh fade away. I unconsciously began to do the same, also picking up his habit of stopping at the lips.

"Headed upstairs?" he asked with a high brow.

"Mmm hmm," I hummed, now admiring the sheen of his tie.

"Are you sure, Ms. Young?" he smirked, his glance fleeting to the wall.

I followed his eyes and realized that I hadn't hit 'up'.

"Sorry," I quickly apologized, reaching out to touch the button.

Oh no! He's going to think I did it on purpose!

Turning back with an insecure smile, I had to wipe it away the moment I noticed that he was peering at my hands. I insecurely crossed my arms and tucked my hands under my arms. Yeah they were a bit injured from yesterday but the scrapes were really from last night's handful of cardboard box mishaps.

The elevator doors parted and he extended his hand, allowing me to step in first. I quickly hit '31' and '33' before hiding my hands away again.

I could hear him take in a deep breath, "Ms. Young, may I ask you a question?"

Looking up to him, I nervously returned, "Yes."

"Did you have a good evening yesterday?" he quietly asked.

Trying to hide my smile, I dropped my attention to the floor and answered, "Yes. I did. I was in good spirits knowing that the things from my old apartment were still around."

The following silence had me focusing on him once more. I could see him swallow hard, and I was assuming that his distant stare into the elevator doors was his way of acknowledging how messed up the situation was in the first place. In fact, I caught a bit of the resentful fever, finding the doors more attractive as well.

"Well, I am glad you were able to find the unit yesterday," he said, breaking the awkward silence.

Fuck it.