The Bad Boy's Decision

Chapter 19: Surprise, surprise

The beginning of my week goes by surprisingly fast and oddly enough, Mr Knox isn't being his usual over baring self. His smiles are full of sincerity and on two occasions he's even gone as far as to make me a coffee at my desk. At the time I was in that much shock I ended up drinking the damn thing even though I despise coffee with a burning passion and although I still remain firm in my dislike towards the caffeine-packed drink, it was a kind gesture nevertheless and one in which I was grateful for.

Sally is still avoiding my desk like it's the plague and when I brought it up at lunchtime in the safety of the staff room, she mealy shrugged it off and changed the subject by asking me about my 'mystery man' instead. After that, all conversation remained firmly on my personal life and by the time I've caught her up on all aspects, I'm rest assured that whatever her problem is with avoiding my work area, it doesn't lie with me.

"It's not ideal but if he makes you happy and you're sure it's helping?" she assures, finishing off her tuna sandwich and offering me a friendly smile. "Just make sure you tell him everything you want to these next few weeks. You'll regret it if you don't." she adds, ridding her lunch by disposing of the left over apple she failed to eat in the trash.

It's upon watching her do this that I notice Mr Knox striding towards us with a determined expression on his face, his powerful intensity somewhat putting the fear of god in me.

"Amelia, why don' you get yourself home, you've worked hard today." he states, appearing from behind Sally as she stands over by the doorway, kettle in hand.

I silently sit in my seat for a few seconds, stunned by his suggestion and weigh up the possibilities of this being some sort of test to see where my professionalism lies. It's only 12.30pm and if I'm being completely honest, today has been a breeze in regards to work. I would hardly say I've 'worked 'hard'.

"You don't have to look so shocked, I can be nice sometimes, you know." he chuckles, sending Sally a look which appears to rather desperately state 'back me up on this one' but of course, Sal doesn't bite.

"If by 'sometimes' you mean never, then yes, I'd have to agree." she replies, quite frankly putting Carer Knox in his place, whilst dropping a tea bag in her mug.

The pair's working relationship has always been somewhat amusing to watch and I think the fact that Sally works over in the photography department has a huge part to play in it. She doesn't work directly underneath him and that helps her put him in his place, so to speak. She doesn't have to worry about pissing him off because he legally has no say in whether she has a job by the end of it.

"Fine, I'll admit I can be over baring at times," he admits, triggering a scoff to fall from Sally's already smirking lips. "but I'm working on being a better boss and I appreciate all you do for me." he adds, aiming his statement in my direction, whilst simultaneously offering up a genuine smile.

I desperately glance to Sally for help but find her admiring his bold revelation much like a school girl would towards her crush. The green in her eyes prominently sparkle in wonderment and the slight curl of her lips would suggest pride in her expression.

Oh no, she doesn't?

I'll admit, I suspected her reasoning for keeping away lately was due to Carter but I never would've thought it was down to a crush she's developed for him. Her insistence on constantly badmouthing him, alongside her inability to say one nice thing about him would have anyone convinced she hates him, yet the yearning in her eyes tells me something completely different.