Vault

Nineteen

I sighed as I turned off my alarm. Monday morning came way faster than it should've. I would have liked at least a few more hours before I had to return to my routine, but that's what it means to be an adult. Unfortunately.

I got ready for the day, getting dressed in a simple grey dress with my normal black heels. I wear just about the same thing to the office every day, which makes it easy to get ready in the morning. The only difference is I just grab whichever clean dress I find first. I left my hair straight, just pinning some of it back to keep it out of my face. I finished off getting ready with some light makeup and left to head to the office. I stopped at my normal coffee shop on the way and parked in my normal spot.

Normal, it's a weird feeling to go back to 'normal'. My routined life before I ever met Karl. I wish things had gone differently last week. Even if Karl would've rejected me, I could find out a way to live with that, but to see him kiss Jessie hurt so much more than rejection.

And then he didn't even say goodbye to me. I didn't think I was that repulsive.

I sat down at my desk and turned on my computer, getting everything set up for today when Mr. Irwin gets here.

"Good morning Ava," Mr. Irwin smiled at me as he walked in for the day.

"Good morning sir," I smiled back.

"Follow me Miss Montgomery, let's chat."

I stood from my seat and followed Mr. Irwin into his office, shutting the door behind me.

"How was your trip?" Mr. Irwin asked as he gestured for me to take a seat.

"Eventful," I hesitated, "not quite what I expected."

"Did you enjoy yourself though?" He asked.

"I did," I nodded.

"Good, and how are you feeling this morning? After what I presume was a weekend full of alcoholic endeavors," Mr. Irwin smirked.

"I'm okay, I'm currently questioning if a hangover can last multiple days, but I'm okay," I giggled.

"From my experience, no hangovers don't usually last multiple days, you must have had quite a night," Mr. Irwin chuckled.

"Something like that," I nodded.

"So I need to ask you about something, it's kind of a request. It might make you uncomfortable and I want you to know that's not my intention," Mr. Irwin began as I nodded, telling him to continue, "after many conversations with my friends, I don't know if you coming out with my friends and I is a good idea. They seem much more eager to get... close to you than I thought. I obviously knew that they were attracted to you, as most people are because look at you, but I fear their lack of boundaries."

"Mr. Irwin, are you concerned about my well-being?" I smirked.

"Yes, well maybe just a little bit," Mr. Irwin blushed.

"Mr. Irwin, with all do respect, I think that's a cop-out excuse. I think you just don't want to hang out with me one night after work," I giggled.

"No," Mr. Irwin shook his head, "I definitely want to see you outside of the office, but I don't want to compromise you and expose you to their coercion."

"Well Mr. Irwin, I'm twenty-one now so therefore I'm an adult. I accept the risk that comes with spending a night out with you and your friends in order to have some fun. it's just a night out, and I don't plan on going back to anyone's place except my own. So unless you think your friends are going to drug me or something, I think we'll be okay," I giggled, "what happens at the bar or the club or whatever, can stay there if it makes you feel better."

"I just wanted you to be prepared," Mr. Irwin laughed, "as long as your comfortable with the risk. Because they are going to have their hands all over you the entire time, I guarantee it."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take," I shrugged, "but I have a question for you about this weekend?"

"Okay," Mr. Irwin nodded.

"What's your favorite color?" I asked.

"Why?" Mr. Irwin asked instead of answering me.

"You'll never know if you don't tell me what your favorite color is," I shrugged.

"Blue," Mr. Irwin smirked at me.

"Now, if you'll excuse me Mr. Irwin, I have work to do," I smiled as I stood up from the chair I was in and walked out of his office.

I sat back down at my desk after I shut the door to Mr. Irwin's office and sighed. I miss Karl. I admit that. I miss him so much. But what's the point? He made his feelings crystal clear to me. And if I can't be with Karl then I might as well try to have fun with someone else. At least for one day. Even if that someone else is my boss. Right? Or am I delusional?

I was pulled from my thoughts as my phone went off with a text message.

Karl: Hey

He's got to be kidding me. He can't say goodbye to me, but he'll text me the next day? I miss him, I really do, but I don't think I can answer him yet. And I think I deserve more than just hey.

My fingers moved before my brain could tell them not to. Damn my emotions for missing him.

Me: Hey, how are you?