Forbidden

Chapter 19

It's been days since Amanda talked to Francine, which was really hard for her. She felt selfish but validated at the same time.

Francine called a meeting with all the supervisors, saying important news needed to be announced. Amanda walked down with Basil. He could sense that she felt nervous about it. He rubbed her back, telling her it would be like a normal meeting.

Only it wasn't. When Francine walked in, she wore a burgundy pantsuit. It hugged her curves and made her skin stand out. Amanda could have sworn the light bounced off of her cleavage.

"Psst," Basil hissed in her ear. "Stop drooling."

Amanda closed her gaping mouth, hoping no one else noticed. Only, Francine noticed. She kept looking at Amanda, making sure she held her attention.

"Well, everyone," Francine started. "I come bearing news. The results for the winner are in."

Everyone started to buzz. This was it. The moment they all were waiting for. Basil squeezed Amanda's hand. "I know it's us."

"The person who received this position has shown a lot of discipline in this company. They helped bring about much-needed updates and customers to us. The data has shown that the reason why we have received more sales is due to this person. And that person is..."

Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Amanda sure was. She knew she did everything Francine described. She couldn't wait to pounce.

"Stella."

The name filled the room. Everyone was dead silent. Not a word was spoken. Except for Stella celebrating on her own. Amanda was shocked. She looked at Francine as if she could explain. Francine gave her a sorry look, her lips quirking up to the side.

Stella was now standing next to Francine, taking her spot at the next CEO. "This isn't right," Basil whispered. "It should have been you."

Amanda stood, so quickly her chair rolled behind her. She walked over to Stella, raised her hand...

And offered her a handshake. "Congratulations, Miss Espin on the position."

Stella shook her hand, surprised. "Thanks."

This started a line of supervisors offering their congratulations. After the parade was done, Stella offered to buy everyone a drink at the bar. With the incentive of free drinks, everyone whooped and cheered. They followed her out of the meeting room.

"Are you coming," Basil asked Amanda.

"Yeah, in a bit."

Basil looked behind her and saw Francine collecting a few papers. "If you need anything..."

"I'll be fine. Catch up with the others."

He gave her arm a squeeze and left the room. Amanda turned around and walked towards Francine. She wanted to follow Harper's advice and finally say something to her. The question is: what?

"So," Francine started, looking Amanda in her eyes. "Am I forgiven?"

"Depends. Are you gonna finally admit that you don't want a relationship?"

"I can't."

"Why not? You did it willingly on camera."

"It's not that I don't want a relationship with you-"

"Then what?"

"It's that I can't have one!"

Amanda stepped back, Francine's sharp tone striking her hard. Francine pinched the bridge of her nose. "I didn't mean to yell, it's just...I like you. No, love you and have for a long time. It's just that we can't have a public one. I'm one of the top people in the science industry. It's bad enough that I'm a woman, but add the fact that I'm in a relationship-"

"There's a target on your back."

"Yeah," Francine sighed, looking at the floor.

Amanda walked closer to her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to ruin what we had or make you feel limited. I wanted you to feel carefree without knowing something was up."

"But you wouldn't have." Amanda cupped Francine's face in her hands. "I want you to tell me these things because I want to know what you're comfortable with. You're in this relationship too. If it means that we have to have dinner in your office so people won't see us, hell if it means we have to dress up to hide our identities, I don't care. I want you and nothing can change how I feel about you."

Francine let out a small chuckle, a tear falling from her eye. "I feel stupid now."

"Why is that?" Amanda wiped it away with her thumb.

"I thought you would hate eating in my office."

"It's not like it's small. I actually like it."

"I still feel dumb."

Amanda smiled and kissed Francine for the first time in weeks. It felt so familiar but just as good as it was the first time. "How about now?"

Francine stammered, trying to pull her words together. "Maybe if you do that again I'll be much better." Amanda laughed, kissing her again. Francine wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Amanda wrapped her arms around her neck, missing how close they used to be. Amanda missed her so much.

"Hey, just wanted to-well you two got busy!"

Francine and Amanda jumped away from each other, surprised by Basil interrupting them.

"Bas, it's-"

"Nope, don't explain Amanda. But if you wanted to make out with your girlfriend, you should have asked." He looked at Francine and gave her a serious look. "If you hurt her, I will skin you and break you in places you didn't even know could be broken. And Amanda, I'm outside if you need me."

He left without another word. Francine and Amanda looked at each other and broke out in laughter. "He seems nice," Francine smiled.

"He's delightful," Amanda sighed breathlessly. "And don't worry, he'll keep us secret."

"Good, 'cause I don't want to lose this." She grabbed Amanda's hips and kissed her ferociously. Amanda moaned, the sound slipping from her lips. Francine squeezed her hips, pushing another moan out.

Amanda finally attempted to push her off. "I think we should hold on that for now." Francine groaned but did as she was told. They walked out of the room, going their separate ways.