This is L.o.v.e. like it should be

XXXVI. Buzz

The hallways seemed strangely deserted for that time of day. Even the receptionist’s counter in the main lobby was empty.

Ava and Phoebe were on their way to the financial department, when just around the corner of the hallway, they came face to face with almost all of the assistants gathered around someone.

"What is going on, gals?", Phoebe shouted, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, look", someone answered back in a sarcastic tone. "It's Phoebe, strangely late for gossip."

The circle of girls broke, creating an opening so the assistant who was talking could see Phoebe.

"I see you have your little friend with you", the assistant continued. "So, you might not need us to tell you the news."

"What news?", Phoebe was getting hot under the collar, especially after seeing who was talking trash.

"Come on, sweetheart. Your bestie there is under the Julien's wing, isn't she?"

Ava's eyes dropped to the floor. "This can't be happening," she thought terrified. A public discussion about her love life was the last thing she wanted. She tried grabbing Phoebe’s arm and leading her away from the cackle, but it was useless.

Clarisse had Phoebe triggered.

"Whatever you are clearly dying to say, just spill it so we can move on with our days.", Phoebe was practically yelling now, all attempts to keep her composure had fallen flat at the snarky tone in Clarisse’s voice.

"You such a spoilsport." Clarisse threw her hair back and approached the pair. "Ladies," she stared at Ava first, looking her up and down, and then locked eyes with Phoebe. "Julien is here for the first board meeting. Isn't it weird that you, dear Ava, were not called to be part of it? After all, you are the only assistant that participated in every single one of these boring meetings."

"So? What’s your point Clarisse?", Phoebe growled, while Ava was trying her best to avoid looking at anyone in the group.

"Oh, it’s nothing. I was just wondering why does the corner office have Ava's name on the door. Funny, after our talk in the bathroom, right Ava? What did you accuse me of again?"

Ava was completely taken aback by the news. While still reeling from the shock, a million questions popped into her mind.

"What? An office? Am I an executive...? Did Julien...?"