Yours, Eternally(2015 Revision)

Chapter Seventeen

Matt called once after he left, but I declined the call and shut my phone down. Kylie and Tyler came home in the afternoon and I didn't speak a word to them about the situation.

After the disastrous events that transpired with Matt, I was embarrassingly dwelling on it for the remainder of the long weekend, racking my brain trying to give myself any justification as to why I wouldn't allow myself to be with him. The only idea I could come up with was the Lydia ordeal, and that was not a good enough reason. I definitely couldn't take back what was already done, especially after the act of love that was committed, but I had to swallow my pride, apologize to Matt and confess the truth that I'd been trying to push away all along - I was utterly, head over heels in love with him. I had every intention to open my heart to the man that unequivocally wants to be with me as much as I to be with him.

As I stepped up to the Adtastic door a half hour late Tuesday morning, I took in a deep breath to clear my mind before walking into the office lobby. I plopped down in my chair behind my desk, tossing my bag onto the floor. In the years I worked there, I'd never felt like not being there as much as I did that day. The morning dragged from the sadness lurking over my head and I realized I hadn't seen

Matt walk by at all. Had I hurt him so much he was avoiding me? I dug for my phone at the bottom of my purse and stared at the screen for a long minute, as if somehow, I could telekinetically make it ring. I flipped it open and sent Matt a message. Hey, just me. Wondering if you're Okay.

I didn't notice my voicemail icon until then, so and I checked it, hearing a message from Matt on Saturday night. Funny, he never showed up, he must have decided it was best to give me my space.

I mentally rehearsed everything to tell Matt. So many things flooded my head and I became too anxious to sit anymore or wait for a reply from him. I stood up to stretch my legs. I had been so absorbed with the thoughts of Matt, that I did not see Vicky approach my desk.

“Addison, James need to speak to you.” She came around the desk and embraced me. I thought she was being her usual bitchy self, but I caught her sincerity. I was sure I was about to catch heat for being late this morning and not calling, but when Vicky pulled away with tears in her eyes, my head was left spiraling with panic and wondering why she'd be upset if I got in trouble. She'd probably get off on it.

“What's going on? Why does James need to speak to me?”

Vicky stared at me with a grim look. I put my hands on her shoulders and shook her lightly, a knot twisting in my stomach. “Vicky, tell me what you’re talking about! Is everything alright?”

“Come with me, Addison.” She took my hands of her shoulders. “You have to talk to James.”

Mania set in, and I didn’t budge from where I stood. “I don’t understand. Am I losing my job or something?”

“Please, Addison, come with me,” Vicky pleaded, holding out her hand. “James is waiting for you.”

I sensed something was gravely wrong and the knot now felt like a fireball. I took Vicky's hand and she led me to James’ office, where the door was open and he sat behind his desk. “Come in.” He said, voice sounding distraught.

Vicky walked me thought. She turned to me, now holding both of my hand in hers as she whispered, “Addison, I know we've never given each other a chance, but if you need anything, please don't hesitate to come to me.”

I was past the limit of impatience. “Will someone please tell me what is going on!?” I blurted out.

“Well, I guess I can’t put this off any longer. Vicky, please shut the door.” James instructed. Vicky nodded and saw herself out, shutting the door firmly behind her.