If Walls Could Talk

Fourteen

"What's going on, Skye?" Derek asks as soon as the FaceTime call connects.

"I'm so fucking done with this job, Der..." She sighs, glad she and Nika have the house to themselves.

"I thought you loved it." He frowns.

"I did. But it's become like house arrest now." She sighs, listening for a moment to make sure Nika is still napping.

"Why?"

"Because some fucking pap in Sydney connected me to a celebrity and now I can't go out with Nika because it could cause rumors for people... so I'm stuck here, and it's not like the house sucks or anything, but I'm feeling trapped. And my boss and I are in a weird place... and the roommate isn't sure how to deal with it, and Nika is going through a phase, and I'm tired and stressed, and I miss my family, and I just. I want to go home..."

"Skye, what's going on? You can talk to me. You know that. What's up with your boss? Why are you guys in a weird place?"

"He got offended when I said something indirect about how it would be weird to date him." She sighs, running a hand through her hair.

"Why would you date him? He's your boss..."

"Exactly. That was my point. He's about our age, but he's my boss and that's where that conversation ends. It doesn't matter how attractive he is, or kind, or whatever. He is my boss I don't look at him like that. But we sort of argued about it last week and we've been all weird around each other since. And being stuck in the house where my only real contact with other humans is him and his roommate... I feel trapped."

"So your boss has a crush on you, and he's being shifty about it because you are being professional... that sounds like a asshole of a boss to me." Derek shakes his head.

"But he's not an asshole. He's really kind and genuine. My mom called last week because she's worried about losing the house and everything this summer, and he sat on the couch with me and let me talk through it all. He genuinely tried to listen, hear me, and offer advice.  He's a great dad too, I'm here to help him with his daughter, not raise her for him. It's a good place that way. He just got all weird about the indirect comment. But I'm not going to change my mind on it. He is my boss first, my friend second, and anything else is off the table. I can't chance ruining this for myself. I need this job. I need the money to make sure my family survives this year..."

"Hey, Skye. Listen okay? Just listen." He sighs, waiting until she gives the screen her full attention.

"You made it through 2018 right? You made it through that hell. You can make it through this. I know you can. We all know you can. Just take a deep breath, and maybe try and discuss this with your boss again? Calm and rationally."

"I did make it through that..." She whispers.

"Is it as hard as that was?"

"No... but that doesn't mean it's easy."

"I'm not saying it is, I'm just trying to put it into perspective. You survived thirteen months of pure hell while Jordan had to go through his shit and deal with his consequences. You can make it through a few weeks of paparazzi rumors and grumpy bosses."

"If this attitude of his lasts thirteen months I'm fucking done." She almost laughs.

"Try talking to him? See if you can work something out."

"I'll try. I hate being at odds with anyone. You know that."

"Yeah, I do. So take a deep breath and rationalize all the shit going on, you've got this, Skye. You're going to be just fine."

"I hope you're right."

***

"You okay, Cal?" Luke asks, sitting down beside Calum on the couch, watching as he scribbles things out and the crosses them out.

"Sure. Why are you asking?"

"You've been moody since we came back from Sydney. That's all."

"Is it Skye again?" Ashton smirks from across the room.

"Skye?" Luke asks obliviously, glancing from Calum to Ash.

"Cal has a thing for the hot nanny." Michael answer with an amused chuckle.

"Does it matter? She works for me, so nothing is going to come of it." Calum snaps suddenly.

"Are those her words or yours, mate? Because you've got it so bad." Ashton shakes his head.

"Does that matter either? At least one if not both of us feel like it would ruin our professional relationship if anything like that was even thought, so it won't be."

"Ya, there's definitely only one of you thinking like that... sorry she slammed the door, any chance of prying it open slowly?"

"Doubt it. She was pretty adamant and it's been awkward as fuck at the house since. I'm nearly certain the only reason she hasn't up and quit on me is because she needs me, maybe even more than I need her..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Michael frowns.

"It means she needs the money from the job even more than Nika needs a nanny. We're stuck at a crossroad where necessity of the situation trumps enjoyment of the situation. We are stuck with each other, and I'm getting more and more frustrated with her professionalism on the subject while she is getting more and more frustrated with my lack there of. It means part of me wants to find her another job so I can not be her boss anymore and just her friend, but the sane part of me knows that's crazy and probably not going to work anyway. And the worst part of it all... I fucking know she's attracted to me, she said it online and to my face. But that doesn't fucking matter to her, because I'm her boss..."

"I mean, I get where she's coming from. Especially if she needs the money. Not compromising the job for her heart. But I'm still sorry for you, man. You've never been so angrily captivated by someone before and it sucks that she won't reciprocate the feelings." Ashton speaks softly, and carefully.

"Trust me, I tried not to like her..." Calum's body deflates, falling back into the couch, he isn't even quite sure when he stood up, but somewhere in his fit he must have. "But how could I not like her? She's funny, and genuine, and the kindest person I've ever met. Always going above and beyond with Nika, and actually spending time getting to know her fully. Playing all Nika's stupid little games and make believe scenarios. She cleans my fucking house and cooks dinner like four times a week at least. Not to mention she's fucking beautiful.... but of course, that's why she's the one I've got stuck in my head... because she's the one I can't have..."

"Mate, it sounds like she's stuck in more places than your head. It sounds like she's caught in your heart too." Luke pats his leg.

"Great." He groans, "That's even worse..."

"Maybe you should apologize, and try to start fresh? Give her time. If she's feeling things maybe they'll grow if the situation is right. I mean, she probably has a lot of baggage when it comes to guys. Her dad did walk out when she was a teenager. That sticks with a person, and it makes them defensive as fuck. So maybe just try again?" Ashton pushes.

"Maybe..."

The room falls silent for a moment, the whole conversation playing back through Calum's head.

"Guys." They all jump as Nate pushes into the room, "we are making it a late night."

"What? Why?" Luke turns.

"We have a big problem..."

———————————
Do you know what the problem is?

What's next for Calum and Skye?

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