My Peculiar Man

Part seven

                 dedicated to @jessie-bear for her amazingly hilarious comments.

The clicking of heels stopped just next to me.

 A light scent of jasmine filled the room.

 I was frantically dabbing at my eyes and face. I really really didn't want to find out who it was.

I wondered if I should pretend something got into my eyes. That would probably not be a very smooth cover-up since the person had heard me crying not so silently moments ago.

"Elizabeth?"

The voice was gentle, testing waters. 

I had a horrible feeling I knew whom that voice belonged to.

"Hello," I smiled brightly, looking up into the puzzled face of Carla West. 

I stood up automatically, not knowing what else to do. Through my blurry eyes, I could see that she was radiant even in simple beige business formals. I was overcome with shame.

This is not happening. Carla West didn't just see me bawling like a baby.

"What's happening here, Gianna? Why did you make Elizabeth cry?"

 Was it my imagination or was there a note of severeness in her voice? Like a mother scolding her child for having too many cookies, not unlike the tone in which she had reprimanded her brother last night at the party.

"And why would you assume I made her cry?" There was dark amusement in Mrs Green's question.

God. I really hated her. What wouldn't I give to punch that arrogant face of hers?

"Because I know you, Gianna." 

Carla turned to me.

 I tried to look cheerful, trying to act like nothing was wrong.

She sighed.

  "Looks like I have to apologize to you again Elizabeth. I am sorry for whatever nonsense Mrs Green said to you. I'm sure whatever she said to make you cry was all stupid crap no one cares about. She can be quite a pain in the, you know what."

I laughed. I couldn't help it.

She called Gianna Green a pain in the ass, right in front of her. Maybe being the boss gave you some rights but Mrs Green seemed like a formidable woman. And one would have to be very brave to cross her.

 And I loved Carla West even more now.

"You don't have to Miss West. I am absolutely fine."

"--not that I said something wrong--" I decided to ignore Mrs Green muttering under her breath.

"Now why don't you come with me to my office Elizabeth?" She gave Mrs Green a look before starting to walk out of the office.

I followed Carla West out of the Marketing Head's office without a backward glance. I could feel the daggers she was glaring on to the back of my head.

I could feel the tension leave my body the moment I was out of the office. All the crimsonness and sickly sweet smell of flowers had gotten under my skin.

"So you didn't like Gianna much huh?"

She had a smile that made you feel comfortable at once, making you feel like you could trust her. Like she was an old friend.

I laughed uncomfortably, not wanting to badmouth Mrs Green. Even though I had nothing good to say about her, I could tell that Carla respected her.