Daddy Issues

Chapter 8

Every successful person had their very own bully at some point in their life. If it weren't for her father Sue would have considered the woman before her, her own.

Jessica Stanfield.

Sue met Jessica back in high school when she was going through her emo phase. All black and a cloud of depression. Jessica made it her duty to make Sue's life hell and did it diligently up till the very last day. She hadn't seen Jessica since their high school graduation and didn't have any intentions of doing so again ever. The universe had other plans apparently.

Sue turned around and blatantly sized up the other blonde. She had gained some weight since high school but not so much that it made her unappealing. She actually looked better compared to her cheerleading broomstick past self. Sue frowned a bit disappointed. She had hoped Jessica would have blown up hideously.

"Jessica." Sue acknowledged her.

"Susie Holder?" Jessica responded incredulously. "It's really you. "

"It's actually Sue now. Sue Raymond."

"Wow, you've really changed. I didn't see your name on the class list, but you looked familiar, so I said what are the chances." She scanned Sue in a similar way Sue did her. "It's good to see you again."

"I can't claim the same. " Sue said blatantly. Jessica blushed. She hung her head in shame slightly.

"Sorry about high school." She wrung her hands in front of her. "I really am. "

It made no sense to hold another grudge, so Sue sighed and waved her off. "It's fine. It's in the past.

Jessica regained her smile. "How are you? What do you do?"

"I'm fine. I run a publishing company. "

"Wow. That's amazing. "Jessica commended. "I just lost my job." She sighed.

Sue contemplated what she should say for a moment. They were both adults now. Their childhood feud was behind them and a livelihood was at stake. It didn't take a genius to figure out what Sue would say next. "Swing by my office and fill out an application form. I'm sure there's an opening somewhere. " Sue headed over to her bag, pulled out her business card which had the address on it and handed it to Jessica.

"Really?" Jessica stared down at the card astonished. Two seconds later her arms were wrapped around an uncomfortable Sue in a bear hug. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you!"

"Off, off." Sue pushed her away gently and recomposed herself. "It's not a problem. You're welcome. I have to go now."

"Goodbye and thanks again."

"Goodbye."

***

At approximately 7:56 a.m. Sue walked through the glass doors of her company building. The last person she wanted to see at the moment was the first to grace her eyes.

Vladimir Mikealson leaned against the receptionist desk conversing with the brunette behind it succeeding in arising a scarlet blush and a barrage of laughter from her. The site irked Sue and that irritated her. Why would she care who he spoke with?

She quickened her pace, but her attempt was futile. "Sue!" He still saw her. She turned and glared at the up at the persistent man. "I mean, Ms. Raymond."

"How can I help you Mr. Mikealson?" Sue sighed.

"About Friday, if you want to talk about it, I'm here whenever you need me. I promise I won't solve all the problems with kisses." He chuckled and Sue's flushed face darted from side to side ensuring no one heard that last bit. "You mom invited me over for dinner again this Friday, I hope that's okay? I think she--"

"Enough!" Sue cut him off. He voice was low but sharp. Vladimir Mikealson was inching his way under her skin, making her lose her cool. She can't remember the last time she blushed so much before he showed up. She found herself questioning her words when speaking to him because she was never sure where he was headed. He was stepping into her safe zone and she didn't like it. "You need to do your damn job, get me my best seller and stay the hell out my life." Her words sat between them settling into a blanket of tension that did anything but keep you warm. As her glare softened, his hardened. Sue could have sworn his eyes were sad, if only for a brief moment. His lips formed a thin line and he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Um, sorry to disturb. Sue?" Sue cleared her throat and turned her head to the voice. Jessica stood before them fidgeting. She obviously felt the tension between the two.

"Jessica, glad you could make it. Just speak to the receptionist there." Sue pointed to the brunette.

"Thanks."

Sue swivelled on her heels and made her way towards the elevator. He held her gaze till the last second when the doors slid close. Sue released another breath. Such small encounters never affected her, not until she met Vlad.

"Good morning Jackie."

"Good Morning Ms. Raymond." Jackie got up and followed Sue into her office and began to read her agenda for the day. The vase of fresh sunflowers sitting on her stole her attention. She was almost certain she knew who they were from.

"Jackie, who are those from?" Sue queried, her eyes never leaving the bouquet as she approached it.

"I'm not sure ma'am, they were on my desk when I arrived, addressed to you." Sue drew a stem from the bunch and inhaled. The smelt divine. A small smile crept onto her lips. She picked up envelope next to it. Indeed, it had her name scrawled across it in a delicate calligraphy. Sue set the flower down and opened it. Printed were the word:

I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect, and I loved you even more."

—Angelita Lim

Sue read the words over and over and over again but she couldn't make sense of it. This couldn't have been from him. It has to be from another. Perhaps David. But what if it was. Sue felt guilt settle in her chest. She was beginning to regret how she treated Vlad just minutes prior. Why? Why was she feeling this way? She had every right to say what she had. He was putting his nose in places it didn't belong.

Sue's hold on the card tightened. She flipped it over, looking for more, anything.

Sue,

This was one of the only decent cards in the store. Who am I kidding? I would have probably bought it regardless of better options anyways. I wish I could be there to see the look on your face. Sunflowers are your favourite right? Your mom told me. Hope you like them. They give your office life.

-V

So, they were from him. Sue thought. She sighed a breath of relief but still felt the weight on her chest. He was just joking, so why was she still feeling this way. He didn't love her, not really and even if he did, he wouldn't anymore. Especially after how she treated him in the lobby. The flowers are beautiful, and she is grateful but what she said was for the best. She needs to get back to her routine and composure. Sue didn't regret what she said, or at least she hopes she doesn't.