Come To Me | Jerrie

Chapter 8

It's Monday today. I'm gonna see her again. I don't know why I find it hard to deal with Jade. There's just something with her, she makes every part of me go crazy. No one has ever made me feel that way, not even Zayn. I've been with a few girls and some guys. But no one made me a puddle just by their voice, made my skin tingle with their touch, made me wanna jump onto them every time our eyes lock on each other. But with Jade, I'm out of it. I wish I could call in sick today, but I can't. This project is too important to me. I roll off the bed and walk to the bathroom. I need to get my shit together and prove them they picked the right person.

Once I arrive in Manhattan, a new set of emotions overcomes me. Raw strength and determination flow through me. There's something about working in New York City. You can almost feel the power in the streets. It's a breeding ground for success. Being here, working here, living here—it's invigorating.

Standing in front of Jade's building, I see my reflection in the glass. I certainly look the part. I have on a soft cream blouse tucked into a pair of high-waisted gray suit pants. My long hair is pin straight, my bright blue eyes look soft with only a wisp of mascara, and sheer lip gloss accentuates my lips. My black heels elongate my tiny frame, making me feel tall and bold. With my posture straight, I enter the office, heading up to face Jade and start kicking ass.

The same sweet receptionist guides me back to the conference room where my initial meeting was held. I'm a little early, so there isn't anyone else in the room yet. I'm removing items from my bag when I hear the door click open. Jade's voice floats through the space.

"Yes, I'm aware of your opinion on the matter. However, I've made my choice." She sounds irritated.

A second voice responds, but I can't make out what they're saying. It's a female, though, and by her tone I can tell she's trying to make her listen to her.

"I don't care or agree with you," Jade responds to whatever the comment was. Another long pause as I strain to hear her response. The door inches open a little more.

"Well, Ms. Hadid, it's a good thing I'm the CEO."

Shit! Gigi! My blissful mood drains away.

The door opens and Jade steps aside to let Gigi come in first. Gigi looks up and grimaces when she notices me standing here. Jade enters. It's as if the world stops moving. Her presence would cause the energy in any room to shift, but I can't help wondering if I feel it more intensely than everyone else. It's—she's—intoxicating.

She looks over at me and smiles. "Good morning, Perrie."

"Good morning, Ms. Thirlwall" I smile and look at Gigi. "Good morning, Gigi. Nice to see you in a color other than nude." The last thing I wish for her is a good morning. However, pleasantries are necessary, and I refuse to let her to take yet another thing from me. But I allow myself the small dig.

She snorts and rolls her eyes.

Bitch.

Jade doesn't notice her catty behavior. She sits at the head of the table with Gigi to her left and me in the chair on her right. She's so close. I can feel the heat radiating from her.

"Okay, let's get started," Jade says.

We spend the next hour debating and discussing the best way to present the soon-to-be-released makeup line. Gigi tries to undermine my opinion at every turn, but I hold my ground. Jade sits back and interjects only when she feels the need. It seems more like a volleyball game than a meeting. After another hour, she's finally done arguing and agrees with my vision on how to get the company on track.

"Well, ladies, I think we're about done here. It's been rather entertaining." Jade chuckles and stands, gathering her papers as she does.

Gigi leans over to her, trying to keep her voice down. "Ms. Thirlwall, I really think we should talk privately about our options."