Chapter 24
Melissa
I sat down on the swivel chair with my head buried in the documents I was reviewing.
Nothing else around me bothered me enough to raise my head and stare even if they were making some funny noise.
The only time I raised my head was when I heard my laptop ding.
I leaned forward and reached for the mouse on the desk.
I checked the screen and clicked on the mai but my heart skipped when I saw the heading. It was the type of mail that you expect and you still don’t want to expect.
To: Melissa Kane
From: Robert Griffin
Subject: Senior Project
Miss Kane, I’m writing to inform you that I’ve accepted your thesis topic; Conducting a market analysis and creating a business plan for a startup.
As you know, we require students to undertake a senior project at the end of the college year as a culminating academic experience.
The due date for this is two weeks. I assume you’ll be able to handle the workload. I’ve already been in touch with your adviser. I suggest you abide.
Warm Regards,
Robert.
I stared blankly at my computer, confused, tired, and without any plan. I ran my hands through my hair first and then
scoffed.
“Is something wrong?” Chloe asked.
I don’t think anyone is as conscious of their surroundings as her. Hardly can a thing pass without her noticing.
I’d have thought it was some type of strange gift but it’s just the way she has trained herself to be. All five senses are always on alert.
“I noticed you sighed twice in thirty seconds.”
I shot a small smile. “It’s my senior project. My topic got approved.”
“Then that’s good news,” she smiled. “Or am I missing something?”
“Uh- the deadline to turn in is in two weeks.”
“Holy crap,” she blurted. “Now I see why you kept sighing and scoffing.”
I gave a nod.
“So what’s the plan?”
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“I really don’t know. Trust me, I’ve been preparing for this all along but the moment it’s right before me, I feel so unprepared.”
Her hands reached for my shoulder and she slightly stroked me. “It happens, hun.”
I gave another nod in response.
“But the earlier you have a physical list, the better for you.”
“I guess so.” Chloe was full of intuition and she was also the kindest person at the company. “I’ll try to start something tomorrow so it doesn’t start piling.”
“That works. What would you like to start with?”
“Interviews. It’s the easiest way to get what I need so I’ll do some interviews first and work with what I have.”
“Need help? I can stop by your place one of the days and see how we could come up with something real quick.”
“No–you really don’t have to. You are contributing a whole lot already.”
“I am?” She asked not convinced. “By talking?”
“You’ve not just been talking, Chloe. You’ve been talking like my friend.”
Calling her my friend wasn’t exactly what I wanted to say but she was the only person I talked to like this.
Helena was barely available due to reasons I don’t know about and Ian- he’s my boyfriend. Just that.
“That’s such a sweet thing to say,” she smiled. “But you have to get a kick out of my presence now that I’m still here.”
“What?” I asked.
“He has asked me to relocate to Europe with him.”
My jaw dropped. “What the hell? Really?”
9
I swallowed hard and thought of my reaction. I probably should have started with congratulations. “Uh- I mean that’s good. England is such a uh- a lovely place.”
“Of course it is.”
“No, I’m serious. I have always dreamt of going there. This is so nice Chloe, I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
The shock was still all over my face. I know she’s engaged to her long time boyfriend and they have plans of getting married but the whole thing about England was coming as a shock.
I’m definitely going to miss the only person I’ve come to take as a friend.
“Also,” she added. “We’re thinking of starting up a business. We don’t have the whole idea yet but we are working toward something and I think it’s going to be big.”
Her expression saying it just showed how excited and eager she was. I loved it for her, to be happy and to be with someone who was going to support her dream.
“That is amazing, Chloe.”
“I have not spent a second not thinking of it. It’s like I have all the ideas in my head and trust me, this is going to be a good
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plan.”
“Then maybe I can interview you for project?” I paused. “This is exactly what I need.”
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“No it isn’t. I mean, it’s all fun until you have one question and I have no response to that. Remember we’re just kicking off?”
I hummed a yes and remained tight–lipped. What was I going to say?
She looked like she was certain of what she was going to say and I just remained there, looking at her.
“But I know someone you can ask.”
My eyelid turned to her and just like I expected, she blurred his name. “Mr, Hills.”
She noticed the look on my face. “Don’t do that. I know he gave you a strike but he isn’t a bad person. I’ve worked for Mr. Hills for four years and I must say he’s the best Boss I’ve ever had. You should speak to him, Melissa. You won’t regret it.”
Of course I won’t regret it but staying in an enclosed space with Marcus for even five minutes wasn’t going to do me any good.
I may just end up with another painful hormone switch and fuck. “Okay, okay.”
I placed my hands on the desk and stood up. This is my project, the only thing keeping me from being a graduate and I needed to ace it.
If Marcus is my only option, then I need him.
