Sparks

Chapter 8.... Maybe? Okay yes!

The first month was the worst. She immersed herself into her work and sometimes did not leave the office until midnight. She was working her body ragged because anytime she was not working she thought of Derick.

Lian knew things had to change.

She was an independent woman and she would not let herself be dragged down by Derick's rejection. She realised that work was the one area where she had control and it never let her down.

She dragged herself home after a hectic week. The magazine was having a tribute to renaissance artists and although she was the main editor, she had taken charge to do the actual interviews. She had flown to San Diego on Tuesday, then to Georgia and Florida the following day. Yesterday she had flown back to New York for a 9 am meeting which had lasted for five hours. Then she stayed in office to edit the interviews. She was sleep deprived and brain tired.

Her phone buzzed as she was unlocking her front door. She got inside her condo and searched for her phone in her bag, she picked it up not checking who the call was from.

'Hello?' she answered distracted.

'Lian.' Came the voice of the man she wanted to forget.

'I'm here.' She said softly trying to sound impassive.

'Could we meet up to talk?' He asked politely.

'About?' She was unsure what Derick wanted.

'About us.' Lian inhaled sharply at the response she got to her question.

'I need to check my diary to see when I am available.' She responded still shocked by Derick's suggestion.

'I am flying to London tomorrow afternoon. Come to my office during your lunch break for 12.30. See you then.' Derick rang off.

Lian stared at the phone in her hand. It felt like she had been summoned by the judge. She was annoyed that Derick had commanded her like she was his employee. She almost called him back to give him a piece of her mind but since things were such a mess between them, she decided that she owed him an explanation at least.

Lian had a shower and went to bed. Her body was too drained to do anything else.

Lian stood outside Derick's office building. She had been here before but today it was different. She felt like she was about to be put on trial. She squared her shoulders and entered.

She stopped at the crescent reception area.

There was a young blonde woman who greeted her.

'Good afternoon, welcome to Rencor Financial, how may I help you today?' The woman's cheerful voice did little to lift her mood.

'I have an appointment with Mr Derick Travers, my name is Lian Keaton.'

The woman typed into her keyboard all the while smiling. Lian wanted to puke.

Too happy?

An overkill?

Oh Yes!

The woman looked at her, 'You may proceed, Charles will escort you.'

Lian looked behind her and sure enough Charles was waiting. He gave her a smile and led her to the lift. Lian was silent throughout the ride. She was too emotionally wound up to engage in casual conversation. She thanked Charles as she stepped off the lift and onto the plush carpet.

Julie, the executive personal assistant, met her at the doors.

Julie was a tall glamour model looking woman. Today she was wearing a well fitted grey suit with matching stiletto pumps. She looked flawless.