Conflicted

Chapter 47

Ada Johnson's P. O. V

The plastic hamper rests easily in between the side of my perfectly poised hip and the rumbling washing machine where I'm currently depositing linen to be freshly cleaned so that I can then pluck them out and deposit the clean clothes into the awaiting dryer. The task, although increasingly monotonous, is something I find comfort in since it's almost grounding for me, as weird as it is to think. I'd rather be doing this than something that'll have me pulling my hair out in chunks and tatters, more so than I already have. The one thing I'm avoiding being precisely something that'll have me banging my head against the wall out of pure frustration, the unread files on Gregory's bed ready to be sorted out calling my name but I conveniently tune it out by focusing on the humming of the washing machine.

Deciding to simply wait and watch the clothes in the washing machine, I press the appropriate buttons and place the hamper down, glancing at the wrist on my watch with pursed lips.

Thankfully for me and the rest of the interns, we all have a day off and pair that with the fact that I don't have to visit Marjorie today nor head over to Denise's shop, the day is full of luxury for me and by that I mean sleeping in and lazing around the house till I decided I might as well help Gregory with things since I'm practically mooching off of the poor man.

A ringing around the house has me startled as I nearly drop the empty hamper onto the floor but manage to catch it just in time, I frown wondering what on Earth that noise is until it rings up again but this time followed by a swift knock. My fried brain realises much too slow that a ringing bell should signify someone's arrival at the front door but this simply makes me frown deeper in confusion.

Who on God's green Earth is at Greg's door and at a time like this no less? I mean not that people are banned from coming to my boyfriend's house it's just that I already know I'll feel awkward to however it is standing on the opposite side of the door. It isn't the mail man nor will it be Marjorie or Eva popping in to say hello since they always text beforehand and they'll obviously know Gregory will be at the office today.

Maybe Greg forgot his keys? Nope. Not possible. I specifically saw him place the keys in the pockets of his slacks and he'd have probably called me to open up instead of ringing the bell. Another sharp knock has me pulling myself out of my deep thoughts as I realise I should really answer the door right now.

Setting the hamper down, I let out a loud, 'coming', even though I'm not sure the person will be able to hear me so far away. Scurrying out of the room, I make a dash for the front door and pull it open without looking at whose on the other side through the small glance window which is why I come to a huffing halt. My breath slightly gone as I gasp both in shock and to get air in my lungs from my lack of fitness.

Here standing right in front of me is a man I definitely didn't think I'd ever meet like this. Alone. I don't think I want to meet him like these either, especially with that fearsome scowl on his face.

"D-Damien?" I splitter out in absolute shock while his scowl deepens and he tilts his head to the side probably in confusion, black hair falling into his eyes as he does so.

"What are you doing here?" He mutters, voice passive and for some reason I can tell he's not being rude, just unabashedly blunt although I'm assuming quite a few people mistake him for being downright rude. Hey maybe I'm just being too nice and he might be telling me to get lost internally.

"Would you like to come in?" I ask instead, choosing not to answer his question as I open the door wider and signal for him to come if he wants with a wave of my hand. Damien takes a moment as he glances from me to the wide open door and then back again. A curt nod is all warning I get as he practically marches through the front door and leaves me shocked that he actually took me up on the offer. Nonetheless, I simply shrug before following after the man and letting him know what I'm sure he desperately wants to.