Where I belong.

Part 21-Comfort

Chantel knocked on my office door.
"Hey, can I come in?"
"Hey, please."
"I was just dropping you a cup of coffee."
"Thanks. Chantel. I really want to say thank you for standing up for me. You don't know what great favour you did me. If there is anyway I can - "
"No. Please. Relax. I know how it gets here. It can be difficult for your man to adjust to it but with time he will. I will continue to have your back until he is okay."

John knocked on the door.

"Ladies." He greeted.
"Uhm... I was just on my way out." Chantel stood up.
"Thanks again, Chantel."

She winked at me and closed the door.
John sat down and handed me some documents.

"Hey, I need you to please fax these and type the rest out for me."
"Will do."

There was a slight pause and a sigh.

"Gwendolyn?"
"Yes?"
"Is that how he talks to you everyday?"
"Uhm...no. He was just upset that's it."
"Gwendolyn. No matter how upset a man is, that is no way to talk to a woman. Especially HIS woman."
"It's no biggie, honestly John. Let it go."
"I can't let it go."
"Just !!! Let it go, John." I was getting annoyed.
"Fine. I want my papers done in the next hour."

He left the office.

10 minutes later I was walking down to his office. I knocked on his door.

"Come in."
I opened the door.

"Are my papers done?"
"Almost...uhm..yea..maybe...John that's not why I'm in your office."
"Why are you here then?"
"I...I'm just sorry for the way I spoke to you."

I was about to walk out when he said "come back."
"Yea?"
"Have a seat and let's talk."
"About?"
"Does he make you happy?"
"...yeah...he does. John...?"
"Gwen...?"
"Are you married?"
He sighed "No...No I'm not."
"Why?" I asked.
"Haven't found the girl...or...maybe I had her then lost her...or she's sitting right infront of me and doesn't know it."
"It can't be me..."
"Gwen...how do you feel about me?"
"You're my boss."
"I know you felt something. I felt it when I held you this morning. "
"John, no." Tears fell down my face.
"You are an amazing woman who deserves everything."
"John , he loves me so much. He's the only man for me, I couldn't do this to him. No."

There was silence between us.

"Gwen. Why hasn't he married you after so long? Why are you still a live in couple? Why do you let him speak to you that way? Gwen..."
"John...you gave me work to do and that's what I'm going to do right now. Excuse me."
"Gwen , wait."
I turned to look at him as he pulled out a gift bag.
"What is this? You can't possibly buy me another gift."
"Business purposes. I can never reach you on time when I need you." He pulled out a mobile phone.
"A cellphone? John,no."
"You need it. I need to reach you for work Gwendolyn" he sounded aggressive.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound aggressive. Just know that if he ever does anything to hurt you, you can tell me." he said softly.

I took the gift and walked out. It was no surprise to see Charlotte walk my way.

"He's buying you gifts now? Oh you are going down, Missy! This man has you wrapped around his finger."
"Mind your own business , Charlotte."
"Oh I will mind my own business alright!. Once you've learned your lesson."

I ignored her and went to my office.