Rash Decisions (PREVIEW)

Chapter 5 - Red Meat

JULIA FERRIS

When I stroll back in the offices of S.F. Design I notice that the once empty desk next to my open office door is occupied by a redhead with a loose bun sitting atop her petite face, who seems engrossed in her computer, her nose nearly touching the screen.

My morning feels like it is looking up, and I have a hell of a day ahead of me. I chew my lip wondering if she will be willing to talk to me. Who’s side will she be on, if any?

I notice the bustle in the office seems to be picking up as I look around. For being the new girl, no one seems to take much notice of me. They are all much more preoccupied with their tasks, and I guess I can’t blame them. This is a top ranking firm, with an involved list of clientele.

I approach the redheads desk realizing that the want of having this girl like me is insane. Technically I am her boss, but I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.

As I get closer I notice a ballpoint pen stuck into her bun, as she nibbles on one of her acrylic nails, her pink, nude lips silently chattering to herself as if she is reading.

I know I shouldn’t feel like I am intruding, but I do.

I straighten my throat to get her attention.

She immediately springs back from her computer screen, her green eyes widen as she forces a comical, but oddly sincere grin.

“Ms. Ferris! Hi!” 

Her voice is sweet, but it’s chirp causes me to flinch, and maybe an eye twitch. She obviously knows who I am.

I extend my hand to her over her desk. Her smile is dazzling and I add her to the list of gorgeous woman I have encountered in this city. As she reaches for me she knocks over her cup of coffee.

She can now also be added to the list of clumsiest woman in the city, and lucky for her, I too claim that list as my own.

“Oh my god! I am so embarrassed, Ms. Ferris!” She peers down, and manages a tight smile and a shrug of relief as she grabs for the mug. “Phew. I drank most of it.”

This time my giggles squeeze their way through my lips as I watch her sop up the minimal mess and quietly thanking her lucky stars under her breath.

“No worries. I had my own coffee debacle this morning all over this blouse.”

The redhead whips her head up, her eyes lighting up in recognition. “Your shirt doesn’t even look stained.”

I purse my lips and nod. “Club soda, that’s key. Oh, and steering clear of jerks in coffee shops.”

I clasp my had over my mouth. Although I mean it as a joke, and the girl begins a warming round of laughter, I realize the jerk I speak of his also her boss, and my equal. I try to decide if I should call myself out on it, or let it go unnoticed and hope for the best.

“I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name?” I ask.

Yep, we’ll just ignore it.

“Claire. Claire Preston. Nice to meet you Ms. Ferris.”

“Please. Seriously just call me Julia. Actually, please call me Jules.” I take in a deep breath. “It’s about time I start treating this place like home.”

Her brows tighten, but she is still smiling. “Jules it is. Gosh, I thought you were gonna be mean or something.” For being the assistant, her natural abrupt, boldness shocks me, but I like it. 

“Mean? Well, I hope I’m not. But then again, you might want the jury still out on that one. It’s barely my first day.”

She nods, still seemingly accomplished by the encounter, and I am curious to know what it’s like to work for Troy.