RC.

Ch10 . A

This morning I have no idea what state Ryan will be in not to mention what our relationship will be like...

I walk steadily and determined, but the closer I got to the huge glass tower, the less confident I feel.

Something tells me that I'm going to have to face him, and needless to say that these recent events have really weakened me ...

A few steps away from Carter Corporation, I halt. I take a deep breath then walk in.

From the outside, you wouldn't believe the drama that took place here yesterday. A stream of New York workers are going back and forth in front of the gates.

???:"Miss?"

An unknown voice calls out to me. Hidden in the crowd I prefer to continue on my way up to the entrance hall.

???:"Miss?!"

A hand rests on my forearm. I jump.

When I turn around, my eyes meet with a pair of sparkling black eyes.

A young woman of about forty is facing me. Holding a notepad in her hands.

What does she want?

(Probably a journalist!)

???:"You work for Carter Corporation, don't you?"

T:"Uh ... Yes ... but I'm in a hurry ..."

???:"Could you answer a few questions?"

I keep walking trying to ignore her request, but she doesn't let me out of her sight. Great, I've just been accosted by a sassy journalist!

T:"I told you, I'm in a hurry!"

Journalist:"You're the girl in the photo aren't you?"

(What?)

I stop for a moment and stare at her, dubiously.

Journalist:"The one at the inauguration night, aren't you?"

My heart misses a beat!

(Deny it.)

T:"No ... You're mistaken ..."

My hesitant voice doesn't convince her at all!

Journalist:"What is the nature of your relationship with Mr. Carter?"

(Eh?! Why doesn't she mind her own damn business?!)

I get flashed in the face and it dazzles me. I frown and cover my eyes with my hand.

T:"Sorry to disappoint you, I'm his assistant, there's nothing special between Mr. Carter and myself, you're wasting your time."

(Is that so...? Nothing special eh...?)

I turn around and head to the entrance of the building, so close and yet so far.

This journalist is a real leech!

Journalist:"Yet in the photo, it looks as if you're very close..."

(Oh you have no idea how much...)

My annoyance gets the better of me and it shows. I be aggressive. I hate their intrusive way!

I quickly turn to face her and look down at her. That is to say ... not from very high!

T:"Is that a question or do you already have your own opinion on the matter?"

Determined to get something for her papper, she seems totally impervious to my bad mood. She seem determined, I give in and almost run to the entrance.

Journalist:"Do you know anything about yesterday's events? Is Mr. Carter involved in something he shouldn't be? Is.. "

Matt:"Leave her alone!"

Matt puts a hand on my waist and waves the journalist away.

Matt:"If you want to ask your questions, ask for a proper interview but right now give her a break!"

My friend helps me through the doors and the journalist, frustrated because of having to stop there, dissapers quickly out of sight.

T:"Thank you, Matt ..."

Matt:"You're welcome..."

We walk together to the elevator in silence. What just happened has considerably worsened my feeling of stress! I really didn't need that sort of thing today!

 We let several workers rush into the small cramped elevator and wait for the next one.

I watch nervously as the floor numbers change until finally the doors open onto an empty space.

We slide in and Matt quickly presses the 42nd-floor button before anybody else arrives.

I let out a big sigh brushing a hand over my face as if I was taking off a mask.

T:"Goddamnit!!"

Matt:"Will you be ok Tayla ...?"

T:"To be frank ... No. I think I'm gonna go berserk!!"

Matt:"I'll get you a coffee, would you like that?"

T:"Yes, you'd be a darling."

Matt:"I'm always a darling for you, doll."

Matt gives me his silly smile, topped up with his inimitable wink, and he manages to force a smile out of me.

Matt:"Give me just five minutes and you'll have a nice hot coffee on your desk to cheer you up"

Matt gets out on his floor. When the doors close behind him I sigh heavily. I think today is going to be long! Very long!