A Way Out

Chapter 8

My nerves filled the small space of the elevator and I think my companion felt it too. He introduced himself to try to ease some tension. "I don't think I properly introduced myself. My name is Cole Hughes," he said as he reached out his hand to me.

"Everly Florence," I answered as I shook his hand.

"My oh my, you are trembling," Cole told me with a smile as he looked at my hand and then back at me.

I awkwardly freed my hand from his and turned my gaze back to the little screen that displayed which floor we were on. The numbers went by so incredibly slow and the button of the eleventh floor was lit up. We were only on the fifth floor and my nerves didn't die down as the numbers went by.

"Relax you will be fine," Cole tried.

"I feel like I'm going to throw up," I murmured, still looking at the numbers.

Cole laughed. "He is not that scary, believe me."

I looked at Cole and wondered what his exact relationship with Donovan Dane was. Cole seemed like a laid-back guy as he had an open and relaxed expression. His brown hair was shorter than Donovan Dane's and his green eyes had a sparkle within them. He also seemed to be a little shorter than Donovan Dane, but I wasn't sure. The little ding indicated that we arrived on the right floor and it startled me. I was even afraid to get out when the doors slid open.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"Nope," I said as I stared at the hallway in front of me.

"You won't regret it, I promise," he reassured. 'Won't regret what?' was all I could think.

I took a deep breath before stepping on that awful green marble floor again, torturing myself with the clicking of my heels. Cole again placed his hand on the small of my back, leading me towards Donovan Dane's office. I was glad he did because I don't think I could make it on my own.

On our way, we passed a reception area, where again a gorgeous lady with blond hair was talking to someone on the phone. What was it with all the blond girls in this place? My brown curls didn't appreciate it.

After the reception area, there was a sizeable space where people were working behind their desks. Some were frowning, some were sighing, and just a few people were smiling. They all seemed so incredibly busy. How the hell did Donovan Dane make time for me when I wasn't even on his agenda? This place seemed to be busy and running, and there was no place to just stop by.

"Here we are," Cole said.

I looked at the big double grey doors and my heart pounded violently against my ribcage. Walking through these doors was walking into something I had longed for, and yet I felt scared. Scared of change and scared of the new.

Cole took the lead and pushed the door open, revealing where Donovan Dane spends a fair amount of time during the week. His office wasn't as big as I expected, but well decorated. His office held dark brown colors, his desk was bright white, and the walls were a light wooden brown. At those same walls hung some abstract pieces of art that I didn't quite understand. The office represented the 'cold' that Donovan Dane tended to possess from time to time, and I became slightly intimidated.

Donovan Dane was standing with his back towards us, gazing at the outside world. He looked strong in that singular moment. It was a sight that had the potential of being painted. Of being a piece of art, which I would call 'the cold mystery' because that's what he portrayed himself to be in the presence of multiple people.

"Ms. Florence is here," Cole said, my eyes widening at the fact that he just made our presence known.

"Welcome Ms. Flore-" Donovan Dane said as he turned around, but stopped talking mid-sentence. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance and I instantly regretted the decision of wearing the jumpsuit. Was it inappropriate? Too revealing? Or just ugly?