My Saviour - Tanner X Woods

Chapter 23 - Acting Childish

Woods' POV

"Look, I know it's not ideal but please. I need this. I wouldn't ask if I didn't." I heard Tanner on his phone outside the office. As I watched him, I noticed his face was red and eyes puffy. He had obviously been crying. I was confused. "Thank you so so so much. I will make it up to you. See ya." He didn't look particularly happy about the deal he had just sealed, more confused by it. 

As he began to head inside, Sam came up behind me and called me into her new office space. I gave her some help and explained a few things to help her. Nobody else was around so I was happy to help. I heard Tanner walk through the door. He sighed and I heard him talking quietly with somebody just outside Sam's office. I couldn't quite make out what they were saying but decided to ignore it anyway. 

Once I had helped Sam, I walked back to mine and Tanners office. I heard the same voice talking to him followed by his voice. I didn't really want to disturb them but I had to get some of my own work done. The coffee had really given me energy and I was feeling quite good. 

"-And that's final, he is staying at Paul's and I am staying by myself at my house." Tanner sounded a little frustrated. I entered our office and saw Tanner sat at his desk and the guy who scared him earlier beside him. Gunner was it? I'm bad at names. 

"Oh hey Woods." Tanner looked up startled. He then looked down to Gunner. "I will sort it. You go, it will be fine." 

Gunner hesitantly stood up still looking at Tanner. He stormed out without another word. 

"What was that all about? Is everything okay? Why have you been crying?" Woods questioned eagerly

"Please stop with the questions" I snapped.

Woods looked a little thrown. "Woah, what's wrong? You were fine until Gunner scared you, then all of a sudden you became really grumpy." I'm trying to help, that's all. Okay??"

I felt bad for being snappy. I just had so much on my mind and it was getting to me. Somehow I had to tell him he had to stay at Paul's because I can't cope with him right now. That's going to go down well...

"Okay fine. Since we met, I've been feeling all these emotions, both good and bad, but it seems to be more bad emotions than its worth. I haven't grieved at all over Will. I have just pushed it aside and carried on as though nothing has happened. But when you told me you had lost your sister, I guess it hit me that my best friend was dead. I haven't stopped thinking about it and I just need some time alone to deal with it, without having to try and manage all of your losses too. Please just remember that I love you and I am here for you but I just have to deal with my own stuff first. And you should also sort yourself out. See a therapist and talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. I've asked Paul if you could stay at his for a few days or maybe longer if needs be. He said it's okay. Please don't be upset."

I was really shocked by all of this, but at the same time, I wasn't. I guess I knew that Tanner would need time. He just seemed so positive that I thought he had already grieved for Will. "I guess that means I get to know other people at the office better too." I did feel a little hurt. He was just palming me off onto somebody else but I understand why. I grabbed my laptop and walked out. I headed to the kitchen and tried to get some work done in there. I didn't want to be sat with him at the moment. It felt childish but I just needed a bit of room to get my head around everything. 

After about an hour of working, I began to hear a fuss in the reception area. The next thing I know, Matt is walking in holding a box of donuts and people are surrounding him. He placed the box on the table. "Hey Woods, Sorry about this." He pulled out his camera and began to record everybody around the donuts. I didn't want to leave in case I looked rude, but this was not what I needed right now. I just put on my smile and completely switched character. I noticed Sam wasn't around so I closed my laptop and and placed it on the side and went to find Sam. She was happily working away in her office.