curvy girl, and god knows, the next time we’re together I’ll ravish her like a beast. But until then …
8
Addy
* * *
Having an office of my own has been one of the biggest adjustments of the last month because it’s too quiet in here. Occasionally, I can hear people going in and out of Marcus’s office, or even talking outside in the large shared workplace, but it feels lonely alone in these four walls.
Then, I scold myself. I’m head designer now, and I’ve earned my privacy! But the truth is that I enjoy being out among my co-workers, sharing ideas and the occasional gossip. It felt like I was part of the team then, instead of leading the team.
I sigh, dropping my head into my hands. I love this job, but it really takes a lot out of me. And I appreciate Marcus’s concern for my welfare, but I don’t want him to stress either. He already takes care of me so well, and the CEO has enough on his plate. He doesn’t need to hear about how I’m hating having my own space.
Abruptly, I stand up from my desk. It’s actually Marissa’s desk, a Scandinavian blonde wood thing with spindly legs. Maybe that’s part of the problem. This office isn’t mine, and I should try to personalize it. But that’s something to deal with another time. For now, I’m going to try and get work done somewhere that’s more comfortable.
I make my way outside to the design floor, and a couple people look up.
“Hey, Miss Maplethorpe,” calls an intern.
I smile.
“No Miss Maplethorping because it sounds like I’m a character in a Dickens novel. Call me Addy.”
The young man grins cheekily at me, at fabric sample between his fingers.
“Sure thing, Addy.”
I walk away, already feeling heartened. I head over to my old workspace, and sure enough, there’s my co-worker Jemima. The pretty blonde sees me and brightens.
“Addy! Welcome to the slums,” she exclaims.
I roll my eyes.
“Oh please. We both know this isn’t the slums. That’s accounting.”
Jemima laughs.
“You have a point. I don’t understand how they can get anything done in the basement with no windows, too! There’s no air either. How do they even breathe?” But Jem doesn’t wait for me to finish. “So what brings you down to my neck of the woods? We haven’t seen you in a while.”
I nod and sit down gratefully at my old stool.
“I’m at a standstill when it comes to ideas. I needed to get out of the office for a second and just switch up the scenery.”
Jem looks sympathetic.
“How can I help?”
I bite my lip for a moment.
“Well, I need to not think about work right now.”
My friend immediately brightens.
“Girlie, you’re in luck because I have some gossip for you!”
This time it’s my turn to brighten. I forgot how much I need human contact, and even these few minutes have been beneficial.
“Gossip? What is it? Something juicy, I hope.”
But then Jem frowns.
“I don’t know, Ads. Should I be gossiping with you? You are the boss now.”
My shoulders slump.
“Come on, Jemima. I’m going crazy here. Do you have any idea how lonely it is sitting by myself in that office? I really miss our good times!”
Jem relents a little.
“Yeah, it must be hard. I know that’s not what I would want, and you were the social butterfly too, helping so many people all the time.”
I curl into myself even more.
“Exactly. Being in an office is torture, and to be honest, I’m thinking about moving back out here, but I’m not sure it’d work out.”
Jem tilts her head at me curiously.
“But why not?”
I bite my lip hesitantly.
“You don’t think my being here would stifle things? I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.”
Jem laughs.
“You could never make anyone uncomfortable, Addy. You sat with us for years! Yes, things have changed, but not that much. I think we all miss you down here, anyways.”
I nod happily.
“Good. I’ll think about it because I’ve missed you guys too. Now, you promised me some gossip.”
Jem grins devilishly.
“Oh, right! I went on a date last night.”
I roll my eyes because going on a date is not exactly news for my friend. She goes on a lot of dates, and runs through guys in New York like they’re water. Thankfully, nothing has changed.
“Okay, I’ll bite. How was it?”
Jem melts a bit, her eyes going dreamy.
“We met online. His profile pic was like, Leonardo di Caprio hot.”
I nod, impressed.
“Oh, damn. That’s hot.”
But then Jem squints.
“Yeah, but that’s the problem because this was