Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 13

"Okay, I'll have the pictures to you by the end of the day." I said into the receiver of the office phone, running a hand through my hair at the roots.

I hung up the call after Anthony had said goodbye and I sighed to myself, opening up the file. I began touching up some of the photos and tried to keep myself from falling asleep. Niall stayed the night last night and we just stayed up talking. I didn't mind it, but right now, I wished the cubicle came with a blanket and pillow. I yawned and took a sip of my coffee, looking up as Niall came into my cubicle with tired eyes.

"Can we nap instead of eat today?" Niall asked and I nodded, getting up from my chair.

I didn't bother grabbing my bag, knowing we were just gonna go to his car, and followed him to the elevator. I leaned my head on his shoulder, momentarily closing my eyes. We walked through the lobby and to the parking lot, heading to his Range Rover, getting in the backseat. Niall had put the seats down from yesterday and there were already blankets and pillows. Let's just say, we spent some lunch breaks in the trunk.

"I'm so tired." Niall mumbled as I kicked my shoes off.

I nodded, too exhausted to reply, and climbed under the big comforter, adjusting a pillow. Niall climbed in too and held me closer to him, resting his chin on top of my head. I breathed in his scent and nuzzled my nose in his neck, smiling a bit. Niall drug his hand up and down my back and his movements became slower as we both fell asleep.

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"Hey, can we talk when you get home?" Louise asked and I furrowed my eyebrows, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder as I put the pictures in an email to send to Anthony.

"Yeah, what about?" I wondered and hit send, leaning back in my chair.

"I'll see you later, okay?" Louise didn't answer my question and I was confused as she hung up.

I rolled my eyes and continued working, ready to head home. I just wanted to sleep in my own bed and for a long time. I heard my name and I looked up in confusion to see the receptionist walking towards my cubicle with a man behind her. My heart fell into my stomach at the sight. He was an army man. He had the typical outfit of a serviceman and I stood up from my chair, practically shaking. This has happened once before.

"Ari Sutherland?" I nodded and he handed me an envelope. "I'm very sorry for your loss."

I just nodded again and sat down, opening the envelope. I shakily read the letter, my tears blurring my vision slightly. I finished reading and took a deep breath, shoving the papers in my bag, not wanting to cause a scene at work. I walked out of the office and took the stairs, not wanting to wait for the elevator. I jogged to my car and got in, feeling tears sting my eyes. I took deep breaths so I wouldn't not be able to drive and began making my way home. Once there, I stumbled inside and saw Louise and Harry on the couch.

"Hey, girl." Louise said and I blankly sat down in front of them, not having words. "You okay?"

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked quietly and Louise sighed.

"Harry and I have been really serious for a while and I asked him to move in with me. And I think that the apartment will be really crowded with three people." She trailed off and I nodded.

"You want me to move out?" I barely got out. I was on the verge of a panic attack by now.

"I'm really sorry, Ari. I just don't want you to feel bad about being here with us." She said and I stood up. "Please don't be mad."

"It's fine." I muttered and grabbed my bag. "I have to go."

"Ari,"

Louise called for me, but by that time I was already halfway out of the apartment. I ran down to my car and got in, barely being able to put my keys in. I started driving and didn't even realize where I was going until I had parked at the apartment building. I didn't see Niall's car so I just walked up and sat down in front of his door, across the hallway.