Strictly Business (ON HOLD)

Chapter 4

Hope y'all had a FANTASTIC start to the new year!! Here's my update for going on hiatus for a while. Enjoy :)

Christian's POV

A couple weeks after that fiasco, I had absolutely no luck in finding a new job. My selections ranged from law to medicine, and as the days went by, I became so desperate that I decided to apply for a job at the gas station. But even still, the stores always had too many employees already which is great for the economy, but for me, not as much. 

Truthfully, I really have enough money to last me for years, but I'm that type of person to just always be ready for anything. 

I wanted to purchase tea from The Lil' Bean, a cafe a couple streets away from my condo, for now at least, and now has never seemed like a better time. Who would've known I would have a run-in with the woman I have spent a lot of my life with, but now we are so distant that we could be strangers?

The bell rang throughout the small building as I left barely visible prints on the wood floor.

I've never been one up for change so my order remains the same since I moved to San Francisco: as in, the year Alexis and I grew apart.

Crap. Why am I thinking about her, again? I haven't thought about her for three years now (total lie) so why start now? Just because she saved my sorry arse? Pathetic. I shook my head.

I sat down at a small corner table, surfing on my Instagram feed.

Hm, Anthony won his case against Kalvin's Law's attorney. Good for him.

My fingers tapped lightly on the screen to congratulate him, but after giving it a second thought, I pressed and held on the backspace key until my message disappeared.

"Pomegranate Fruit Bomb Tea for Mr. White?"

That's me.

I started walking to the counter to pick my order up while still keeping my eyes on the screen. After successfully thanking the barista, I turned on my heel to head back to that dreary home that is stuffed with thoughts of not being able to find a job on time. 

Tip: always keep your eyes on the road, even when walking, and especially have a drink in your hand that easily stains white shirts or blouses.

How did I get a hold of this tip? Simple, really. I just happened to walk into a woman that seemed to be in a rush. Who is that woman you ask? Well, I'm sure you can figure it out yourself.

"Shoot, that's cold!" A familiar voice rang through my ears.

Realization of the current situation dawned on me after I finally got over the shock.

"Sh*t, I'm so sorry. I really did not mean for this to happen."

Note to self: pay attention dunce.

Looking down at Alexis, I was met with a pair of cold eyes.

"I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you. How much does dry cleaning cost?" I asked, pulling out my wallet that was only stuffed with a few bills.

Silence hit me like a wall as no one in the building dared to make a sound. I looked at her to see her reaction, but it was the same as before: no change at all. I looked helplessly at the staff, but they all looked sheepishly to the floor with no clue of what to do.

"Follow me."

I looked up, not completely understanding what she meant with this statement, but she was already half-way out the door. I placed my feet in front of each other hurriedly, one by one, and eventually caught up with her.

"Keys." Dainley held out her hand expectantly. 

"I didn't drive." She raised her eyebrow and gave me a questioning look.

"I only live a couple minutes away. Plus, I have some extra free time now." I rushed to explain.

I didn't know what exactly it was, but something about her made just want to be as helpful, pleasing, and submissive as possible. What a blow that is to my ego. I mentally rolled my eyes.

She slightly paused in her stride before continuing to walk quickly. 

Shortly after stopping on the sidewalk, a sleek car pulled up with the glint of the sun on its sides doors. A man quickly stepped out of the car to open the door for the CEO, but she quickly waved him off before he got the chance. Her chauffeur looked disappointed but bit his tongue, and he retreated the same way he came from.

Without telling me to do so, I stepped inside of the car and sat myself down on the leather seats. 

We sat there in the silence, not saying a word, yet we seemed to be embracing the quietness coming from our lips.

A notification went off, and Alexis looked down at her phone. Frowning, she continued to read through the message, and I took advantage of the opportunity to study her.

Without bothering to look up she inquired, "Is there anything you'd like to say, Mr. White?"

Narrowing my eyes at her snarky response, I curtly replied, "No. I wouldn't dare, Alexis."

Her breath seemed to hitch once her name slipped out of my mouth, but I didn't think too much of it. It was probably just her reticent personality that was getting the best of her. On the other hand, the Alexis Dainley I knew never let that happen. But who am I kidding? We've been avoiding each other for five years so God knows what Dainley is like now.

The car jolted to a stop, and her driver notified us of our arrival. Our arrival to where? I assume her business. For what matter? I have no idea.

As the door on Alexis's side slammed shut, I quickly unbuckled the seatbelt (A/N safety first people) and stepped out the door. Taking in the view of the building standing in front of me, I followed Alexis to the front doors.

I stepped where she stepped, and after placing both of my feet on the cool, marble floor, the doors slid shut.

**Did Alexis purposely avoid Christian too, or was he the only person evading the other in their relationship?🤔🤔

Thanks for reading! Don't be shy! Be sure to comment some positive (as in not rude, negative, or discouraging in any way) feedback on ways to satisfy you guys as readers more, vote, and have a great week!

Love, Daila