Life in the Friend Zone

Chapter 8-Rachel

Chapter 8- Rachel

I had spent three very long weeks in Japan, and I couldn’t wait to get back home. I was planning to spending as much time as I possibly could with Kylie; she needed me, and I had every intention of being there for her.

Growing up it had just been the two of us. We did everything together; always had each other’s back, so this time would be no different. I would be there for her like every other time, now more so because this was when she needed me most.

However I couldn’t deny that I missed Alex more than I thought I would and that he added to my excitement of going home. I decided I was going to take two weeks off from work and leave Jason in charge; he enjoyed running things anyway.

The phone rang for a while before he finally answered, “What do you want Emily?”

I was taken aback by his tone; he had never spoken to me like that before unless we were arguing of course. “Is that any way to speak to your favorite cousin who happens to be your boss?” I replied

He sighed loudly and I heard his pen drop on his desk, “I’m sorry, I’ve just been stressed out ever since you left.”

“Why? Did something happen while I was away?” I was concerned. Jason was one of the people I knew who were hardly ever stressed, and if he was, he didn’t show it. So this was new to me, and I had no idea of how to handle it.

“Uncle Bob has been putting me under a lot of pressure, and it didn’t help that the board would not listen to me unless you personally authorized my proposals, which couldn’t happen because I know how much pressure you were under in Japan so I didn’t want to stress you further…” he rambled for over five minutes, and I let him.

I figured that the best thing for him was just to let it out. Even the strongest people needed someone to just listen sometimes, and I would be that person for Jase.

After what seemed like forever, he took a deep breath and apologized. “You don’t need to apologize silly,” I laughed, “You’re always there for me. You’re always there to listen when I need you, and you support me despite all the craziness and bad decisions I make. I’m just glad that I can return the favor, even though I technically didn’t do much.”

“You’re awesome Em, thanks” he replied sounding relieved. “So what is it you wanted to talk to me about? I know you didn’t call just to listen to my sexy voice.”

I laughed loudly, attracting the attention of the air hostess who came to check if I was alright. I smiled and waved her off, signaling that I was alright.

The charming Jason I knew was back. “Well dear cousin,” I spoke in a formal business voice with a bit of a British accent, “I’m taking the next two weeks off, I need to spend some time with Kylie, so I’m leaving you in charge, well formally.” I tried not to laugh at how ridiculous I sounded.

Jason on the other hand was in a fit of laughter, “That was a terrible accent,” he choked out between fits of laughter, “You sound like a dying pig.”

“Oh shut up,” I laughed along; I was terrible at accents. “I’ll pop in the office when I land and make a formal announcement to the board. I know this is a crucial time for the company and they won’t be happy, but I know I’m leaving the company in good hands.”

“And they won’t give me hell anymore,” he added

“No they won’t,” I chuckled, “Will you be alright though?” I asked. Not many people showed concern towards Jason. I guess everyone took it for granted that he’d make it through anything because he was always so strong.