Rule 36

Chapter 4

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

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Summer POV

It was the second night this week I had awoken in a cold sweat. Every night it was the same thing. I was getting chased by someone and I knew I was going to get caught. And in the dream, I never see his face, but somehow I know exactly who it is. And right before he hurts me, I wake up.

I slowly drag my hand across my face and into my hair. I drag my body out of bed and into the shower. After I'm washed I get ready for work. Half an hour later I'm grabbing my keys an heading for my car.

For the first time this week I'm back at Porter Industries. I step into the lobby and breath in deeply to compose myself. Walking swiftly to the elevator, I press my floor and wait. Once on Mr. Porters, floor I step out, and into a man.

"Well, hello there gorgeous."

I look up and into the most perfect green eyes and white teeth.

"Sorry lovebug, but I don't swing that way." He said with a laugh and a wink. "I'm Nick... And you are...?"

Realizing I've just been standing there staring, I cough and say, "Sorry. Summer. Summer Jefferson. "

He laughs, "Don't be sorry. With a face like this," he says while shaping his face with his hand. "I get stared at a lot."

I giggle. "Wow. What confidence you have." I say as we walk together.

"Look at me, honey." We stop and he grabs my face with both hands. Slapping my left cheek with his right hand he says, "Duh."

Finally, we stop in front of an organized desk.

"Well, this is my stop. You're very lovely Summer. Let's have lunch together." Without missing a beat, Nick sits down, crosses his legs, and spins toward his computer.

I laugh while walking away.

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By lunch time I had gotten three emails telling me to go home and glares from two women. This building is getting so weird. I'm knocked out if my daydreams by the phone ringing.

"Porter Industries, Ms. Jefferson speaking. How may I help you."

"Hello. If you were a man I would have so many things to say to you right now. But, sadly, you're a woman. So disappointing."

Laughing, I finally splutter out, "Nice to hear from you too."

"Let's go to lunch Chica!"

He hangs up on me before I have the chance to say anything. Slowly, I make my way to his desk.

Once there, he silently slips our arms together and makes his way to the elevator. And, just our luck, Mr. Porter walks out.

As soon as he sees us his face hardens and anger flashes through his eyes. "And what are you two doing?"

"We're having lunch together." Nick says while slipping his arm around my waist instead.

"Oh really?" Mr. Porter replies looking even angrier.

Attempting to move from Nick, I say, "It's not what you-"

"Well, Mr. Porter, we must be on our way, be back in an hour!" Nick shouts out as we slip through the doors.

"Oh my god. He thinks we're dating. We have to go back!"

"Girl that boy has some major googley eyes for you!" Nick giggles. Yes, giggles.

"What? No. He just doesn't like office relationships."

Nick rolls his eyes before replying, "He didn't seem to care when he found out Sarah and John did it on her desk. Or when they made out on the printer. Or when-" I cut him off.

"Ew. That's so gross."

"Anywho, we have to make Mr. Hottie jealous!"

"If you mean Mr. Porter then no, no we don't. He doesn't like me." I say in almost a depressed tone.

"Ahh! You like him! I knew it."

Over our talking, I didn't realize we had made it to our destination. Stepping inside the cafe, we get seated quickly.

Our orders are taken by a cute waiter who kept flirting with Nick. Once we're comfortable, Nick leans towards me over the table.

"So time for Project Mr. Serious gets Ms. Perfect."

"Wait, what-" I'm caught off my him rapidly saying.

"Now I'm gonna go get his number. Be right back sweetheart." He blows a kiss and leaves me sitting in the booth.

I finally get my food and Nick isn't back. I sigh before picking up my fork. But I drop it when I hear, "Hello Ms. Jefferson."

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