 
It's All About You!

## It's All About You

### Laura Lawrence

Copyright © 2013 Laura Lawrence

All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the author. Exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

This book is licensed for personal use only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The places mentioned are real places but based on the authors opinions and experiences.

Other books by Laura Lawrence

The Best Friend, Boyfriend Theory

Isabella's Last Request

Isabella's Last Gift

The Best Friend, Husband Theory

Acknowledgments

I want to start by thanking my husband, who this book is dedicated to. When I'm caught up with writing he puts up with a lot, a messy house, a distant wife and a lot of extra play time with our little dude. He is always first to give me advice on what to add to my books (although usually it involves killing someone off or guns which don't really fit into my books!) He has almost finished reading my debut novel even though it's so out of his usual genre that he has taken over a year. I also want to thank my gorgeous son who has to listen to me brainstorming the next chapter of my book on the bus or when it's story time even when he is desperately trying to hand me his favourite book to read. (He's two so has no say!)

I want to thank my superb friends and family who always support and love me no matter what. A lot of them have given me feedback and ways to improve my books which is fantastic. Also thank you to those I have stolen stories and anecdotes from, a lot of the clumsy behaviour and stupidity in this book is loosely based on things I have done in the past but I have taken little snippets from others and made some up. Those of you that know me or have read about me will know I work in a finance department I want to point out here that none of the characters are based on my colleagues, the department these characters work in is not the department I'm in and any similarities are purely coincidental.

I want to say a big thank you for a beautiful front cover to Francesca Day. You can see her designs at; https://www.facebook.com/CescaDayDesign do pop along and say hi to her.

Finally thank you to everyone who has bought this book and any of my previous ones, I'm so grateful and honoured that you have taken the time to read my books.

I love you all!

About the author

This is my fifth book and I have loved writing it just as much if not more than my others.

I live in Somerset with my husband and toddler, with most of my family just a short drive away.

I have been writing as a hobby for years but 2013 has been the turning point for me. I decided that as thirteen is unlucky for some I would make it my best year. I started in April by has self publishing my debut novel, The Best Friend, Boyfriend Theory, on Amazon and I have been sitting on the clouds ever since my first sale. My goal for this year is to start sending my work away to agents in the hopes of getting traditionally published.

To find out more about my writing and get updates from me please visit my Facebook page -

www.facebook.com/LauraLawrenceauthor

Follow me on Twitter at @LLAuthor

Visit my website - <http://lauralawrenceauthor.webs.com/>

This book is dedicated to my amazing husband who I love very much and almost never stalk!

# Contents

Prologue 10

Chapter 1 12

Chapter 2 20

Chapter 3 27

Chapter 4 35

Chapter 5 41

Chapter 6 47

Chapter 7 54

Chapter 8 61

Chapter 9 67

Chapter 10 73

Chapter 11 79

Chapter 12 84

Chapter 13 89

Chapter 14 96

Chapter 15 102

Chapter 16 106

Chapter 17 113

Chapter 18 118

Chapter 19 125

Chapter 20 131

Chapter 21 137

Chapter 22 142

Chapter 23 147

Chapter 24 153

Chapter 25 159

Chapter 26 165

Chapter 27 167

Chapter 28 173

Chapter 29 179

Chapter 30 185

Chapter 31 192

Epilogue 201

##  Prologue

'Are you sure about this?'

'Shh don't think about it just enjoy.'

He kisses me and my knees go weak. I can hardly hold myself up so I wrap my arms around his neck for support. The cause of my weak knees could be the amount of alcohol we have consumed or just the power he holds over me, either way it's a scary but wonderful feeling.

As his kiss gets deeper and more intense I start to feel a bit giddy, almost like the time I tried smoking that joint I was given in college.

Is this a good feeling? It's all I've dreamt of for as long as I can remember but is this how I wanted it to happen?

He lifts my legs up and wraps them around his waist, I cling tighter to his neck as we collapse onto my sofa.

He stops kissing me once he's lay on top of me and just stares down into my eyes for what feels like a lifetime. I can feel my face redden, why am I embarrassed already? What will I be like in a few minutes?

'You're so sexy, I always thought you were pretty but wow look at you right now!'

'So are you! You're gorgeous!'

He starts to unbutton my top and I feel like a giggly teenager then a thought strikes me. We are on the sofa in the front room of the house I share, we can't do this here and now. Anyone could just rock up.

'Let's go to my bedroom.'

'Ok lead the way.'

He sounds seductive as he says this, I can feel the hairs standing up on alert all over my body and my tongue suddenly feels too big for my mouth. My chest almost explodes as I grab his hand, aware mine is now quite clammy but not caring as I pull him along after me until we reach my bedroom.

I open the door and instantly regret not tidying, the mess doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest as he quickly and skilfully undresses me down to my black lacy underwear almost before I know what's happening. My clothes fall to the top of a huge pile of clean washing waiting for a lifetime to be put away.

He's standing watching me waiting for me to undress him but my hands have stopped working, I've stopped working I don't think there is anything in the world right now that could make me move.

'Are you sure about this Eves?'

'Oh yes! Now take off your clothes!'

Obviously sensing this may be a front to cover up my anxiety he slides back over to me, grabbing me around my ample waist and lifting me up before throwing me onto the bed with a lot less care than before. He rips off his own clothes while I lay deadly still staring on amazed at the body I never thought I would see in the flesh. I feel like I'm having one of my many dreams about him, this can't actually be happening to me.

He climbs onto the bed and straddles me and his warmth radiates through me, then he starts to kiss me trailing light kisses from my earlobe down to my knickers line before stopping to look up at me with those sparkly eyes and cheeky grin.

I've died and gone to heaven.

##  Chapter 1

My palms are sweaty as I sit in reception staring up at the motivational posters lining the stairwell. It feels like I've been sitting here for hours, I think in reality it's possibly only been about ten minutes but either way it's too long.

More footsteps on the stairs, I look up hopeful but he's not there, it's just another smartly dressed woman flashing me a sympathetic smile.

'You excited then love?'

I turn to look at the security guy on the front desk. He seems genuinely interested; I wonder how many people he sees in my nervous position on a daily basis? A fair few I would imagine for a building this size.

'More nervous than excited at the moment if we're being honest!'

He grins at me and I can see sincere warmth in his eyes, this is not a fake smile, he clearly cares about people.

'It's alright sweetheart, they're a nice team from what I've seen. I deliver their post each day and they are very friendly, they always have a joke with me. Not like some teams who are deadly serious and boring.'

I'm finding it hard to age this man, his hair is shimmering silver but his face looks so young. I would say he must be at least fifty but he could be closer to retirement age. Either way his kind and comforting nature reminds me of my dad.

'Thank you, that's good to know. I love a joke and some banter so I think I should fit in nicely.'

'That's why I hired you Ms Garcia. I know you will fit in just fine, now would you like to come on up?'

My attention quickly goes from the friendly smile of the security guard to the stairs where my new boss is standing in his check shirt and smart pinstriped trousers. I can't help but wonder what was he thinking when he got dressed this morning. The shirt and trousers clash terribly and I can see a hint of luminous yellow socks poking out the bottom of his trouser leg. I wonder if he's married or has a partner? I wouldn't let my man out looking like this, well if I had one that is.

'Yes of course let's go. I'm looking forward to meeting the team.'

'As they are you Ms Garcia.'

'You can call me Eva if you like?'

My new boss who has been marching up the stairs at least one step ahead of me stops in his tracks and turns to look at me. He startles me in doing so causing me to catch my new heel on the edge of the next step and literally fall at his feet.

'Aaahh!'

As my face smashes into the next step I silently curse myself for daring to wear high heels instead of nice reliable flats.

I feel his hand on my arm helping me back to my feet but I'm too mortified to look at him. I can feel the heat rising through my body and I know my face must be glowing even through this thick layer of makeup.

'That's one hell of a bruise already; would you like me to call the first aider Ms Garcia?'

'No I'm fine, please will you point me to the nearest ladies though?'

I can hear the threat of yet to be shed tears in my voice as I ask. All I can think is I need the safety of the toilets.

'Of course, they are just at the top of this flight of stairs. Would you like a hand getting up them?'

'No thank you, I'm quite capable.'

I step up the next stair and to my horror I realise that the heel I caught has actually snapped!

I bend down and take off my shoes still trying my best not to cry.

'Where's my handbag?'

Richard looks to my shoes in my hand before gesturing the bottom of the stairs.

I turn to see my handbag and its contents scattered down the stairs! Oh my God could this get any worse? Oh yes, yes it could there is now a man about to walk up the stairs and over my scattered make up, food and oh no! Tampons and sanitary towels! How has my first day of a new job come to this?

I thrust my broken new shoes into Richards hands and rush to clear a path for the man trying to get to his office, he kindly stops to help pick up my belongings and hands me my bright pink flip flops that I wore in as I could hardly walk in my heels, this should have been the sign I needed to know heels were a mistake.

'You may need these now, looks like Richie has stolen your shoes.'

The man smirks at Richard as he carries on up the stairs.

Richie? And here's him being all formal and calling me by my surname. Once I have all my belongings safely back in my bag I compose myself and give him what I hope is a confident smile.

'Okay I'm just going to nip to the loos then I'll be ready to finish the tour, Richie.'

'You may call me Richard or Mr Hargrove but you may not call me Richie! I hate that name. I shall wait here for you, we do have a long morning ahead so please be quick.'

Oh ground swallow me up now!

As I push the door open to the ladies toilets the overwhelming smell of lemon air freshener hits me, the decor is old fashioned for a building of this grandeur which is surprising. The pastel pink walls and paintings of secret gardens and dainty flowers are comforting. That mixed with the lemon smell remind me of being at my grandparents house in Spain. Grandma loves anything old country garden style and loves my dad's English heritage. It was my Grandma that introduced my mum and dad, she met him when he was on his gap year and visited her shop every day for two weeks to get his lunch. She liked him instantly and soon persuaded my mum to meet him. That's pretty much how the story went, Grandma told him to take my mum out for a date he did and the rest is history. If only Grandma, or my mum would do the same for me, find me that special man.

Thinking of my family cheers me up until I get to the floor length mirror and see the state I'm in. I tried out a new hair serum this morning that was meant to calm my crazed frizz and give me soft sleek hair for up to seven days, once I had applied it I thought it was working but seeing birds nest hair now I know this is yet another failed hair product. The whites of my eyes have red tinges where I've been fighting the tears back and my long lashes have scattered flakes of mascara down my cheeks. I look a little like I've been caught in a rain storm then shaken dry.

The bump on my head is about the size of an egg and it's painful to change my expression. I know as soon as the shock and adrenaline wear off I will be in a whole lot of pain but for now I just need to compose myself.

After longer than was strictly needed in the toilets I was ready to go back out and face Richard. When I emerged from the loos he was on his mobile phone talking quietly but in a stressed manner so I waited by his side until he finished the call. As soon as he noticed me he hung up and directed me up the stairs and into my office, stopping along the way to show me the canteen and fire exits.

'Finally this is our team, Candice will be your direct manager so I will leave you with her for the time being but first I'll introduce you to the rest of the team.'

Richard starts to point out the team members telling me their names, once we get past Candice and Leah I stop listening because I see _him_. Sitting there chatting on the phone like it's the most natural thing in the world. My heart jumps up into my throat and my palms start to sweat.

'Ms Garcia?'

'Oh sorry... Erm... Sorry Ritchie carry on. Richard! I meant Richard!'

I can't believe I've called him it again! 'Oh crap!' I mutter under my breath but judging by Richards's reaction he heard me. Oops.

'Well I shall hand you over to Candice, her name is Candice not Candy just in case you were going to ask.'

Richard gives me a wry smile as he glides away to his office on the other side of the room.

'Sit down Eva, just ignore Mr Grump he's got no sense of humour!'

I'm still a little dazed from seeing him here that I don't quite know what to say or do.

'I didn't mean to... It's this bump to the head...'

I trail off again feeling my face redden for the second time today.

'That looks like a very nasty bump, what did you do?'

'I erm, I... Sorry, I fell up the stairs. My heel broke.'

To emphasize my point I lift up a foot and waggle my pink flip flop under Candice's nose. I have embarrassed myself enough now. Time to snap out of it and get to work. I need to set a good impression in the hopes that everything that has happened so far today will be forgotten.

'Hey Eve right? We went to school together!'

Any composure I was hoping to gather has now gone instantly, He remembers me. The man I love knows who I am... He got my name wrong but he was close enough so I'm not bothered. Can I faint now? Actually I don't think I have a choice in that so instead I take a deep breath and turn to smile at him.

'Eva, but yeah we went to school and college together. I was in your Business Studies class in college, we sat on the same pod.'

'Wow you have a great memory. I don't remember seeing you in there. But I do remember you from school, I think we had maths together?'

'Hah college was only a couple of years ago, that should be the one you remember most but you're right we had maths, science, drama and History together at school, well in the last years anyway I don't remember the other years my memories not that great.'

'Wow I don't know whether to be impressed or a little worried that I'm being stalked.'

Oh shit why did I have to go and say so much? I could have just left it as "yeah we had some lessons together" but no I have to open my big mouth and embarrass myself as usual.

Candice snorts at his stalking comment.

'You wish you were being stalked! Like anyone would take an interest in you! But seeing as you two sort of know each other I think I will buddy you up. Jet you will be in charge of teaching Eva all she needs to know and getting her fully up to scratch. I will show you the systems now Eva then you can go and sit with Jet. Is that ok with both of you?'

Jet and I turn to look at each other, I think I may be smiling manically as he gives me a half smile half worried look before nodding to Candice.

'Sure thing boss, just send her over when you're ready for the proper training to begin.'

'Eva?'

'Yes that sounds amazing! Ahem I mean sure whatever works best for you and the team.'

Candice grins at me and I feel at home instantly. This may not be the best start to the job but at least they are all lovely. The fact Jet works here is just a bonus. I knew he worked in finance but I had no idea it was here. Now he will be my very own buddy which is beyond amazing, it may just be the best news ever!

'Right well Jet there's a call waiting if you could take that one? Eva come sit with me. Do you have any questions before we start?'

'Can I use my mobile phone here?'

'Not the sort of question I was expecting but yes that's fine, did you need to contact someone?'

'I need to send a quick message to my house mate that's all. It will only take two minutes if that's okay?'

'Sure go for it, I'm going to go make some tea would you like one?'

'No thanks, knowing my luck today I'll spill it on the pc and blow up the building or something. A water would be lovely though please.'

Candice regards my bulging bruise and pink flip flops before rolling her eyes at me and offering the rest of the team drinks.

"Jorja! He works here!!! I've had the worst first say so far making a right fool of myself but he's here!!! E xxx"

I text my best friend Jorja, who is not just my best friend but also my house mate. She knows me so well that I won't need to expand on the "he" reference.

"Shut up! He's not!? Tell me all when you get home, I will get the wine you get the food! Xxx"

I love that no matter what Jorja is up to she will instantly reply to me. I'm looking forward to discussing this in great detail tonight with a curry.

##  Chapter 2

'I can't believe that someone I sort of know has just started working on my team but I didn't know they were starting, do you know what I mean?'

I give Jet a sideways glance. That sentence made him sound a little dim and I remember him as one of the smart guys from school, not that he would ever admit that of course. He would be far too worried that would wreck his street cred.

I've been watching Jet through his social networks since we left college and parted company, this sounds a bit creepy but I don't think of it as stalking like he said, more gaining information. Jet doesn't look quite how he looks in his profile picture but I guess you can't show your full personality through social media. Photos can be edited to make you look the best you can and most people only post things they think will get likes or shared or just make people react in either a positive or negative way, they don't usually care which.

'Erm yeah I know its weird right? I didn't know you worked here.'

It's not a lie I didn't but I thank God that he does. I now get paid to stare at his beautiful face.

'Are you alright? You've gone a bit spaced out.'

Come on Eva hold it together he's just a boy, the most gorgeous boy you've ever seen in your life and now you get to sit with him and be taught by him but he's still just a boy.

Jet is tall dark and handsome, I would say he's the perfect stereotype but I don't think he quite meets some people's taste. By dark I mean black hair that falls almost to his shoulders, he has dark brown eyes the colour of hot chocolate and luscious red lips with a silver stud on his top lip. He also has a piercing through his eyebrow, one at the top of his ear and I can only imagine where else they may be on his body.

Today he is wearing black trousers and a dark grey and black pinstripe shirt. He looks gorgeous. My hearts beating so fast just being this close to him, how will I ever get any work done with him here to distract me?

Jet clears his throat and I realise he's waiting for me to answer his question.

'Erm yeah I'm fine. I guess Candice just gave me a lot of information and I've got a banging headache so it was hard to take it all in.'

'Do you think you should go to hospital and get that seen too?'

Jet gestures towards my head and I'm oblivious to the fact that Richard is now standing directly behind me.

'No I'm fine really; it's mainly my pride that was hurt. Well that and my head and my ankle oh and I think possibly my ribs are a bit bruised.'

'In that case Ms Garcia you leave me no choice, either you come with me to the hospital or I shall phone an ambulance.'

I spin around in my seat to see Richard towering above me with his hands on his hips a look of authority on his face.

'Which will it be?'

'I'm fine, I promise I am.'

'Ambulance it is then, Jet pass me your phone.'

Jet turns to look from me to Richard clearly torn with what to do.

'Fine I'll go but it's a waste of time like I said I'm fine!'

'If you could step outside now Sir I need to lift Eva's top to check her ribs.'

Richard has been amazing today, he sat with me while we waited in A&E for almost an hour. He got me some drinks and magazines in between making important sounding calls and sending emails on his phone.

'Oh of course. I'll go to the waiting room shall I?'

Richard directs this question at me but seeing as I don't know how long I'll be here I don't know how to answer him, luckily the doctor steps in and answers on my behalf.

'Yes that would be good, we won't keep her long.'

As I unbutton my shirt and expose my hot pink bra I realise that Richard hasn't quite left the room yet and has seen everything. Well that's it, officially my worst first day ever!

I lean back into the pillow and close my eyes as my tears start to flow.

'Is it the pain? Would you like some relief?'

'No I'm fine thanks, it's just been the worst day.'

'That man that claims to be your boss, did he do this? It's just the two of us now you can tell me anything you need to in confidence. Would you like me to call anyone?'

'NO! No, he's not hurt me... He actually is my boss and unfortunately I'm just genuinely this accident prone most of the time!'

'Are you sure?'

'Unfortunately yes. I mean not unfortunately he's my boss or that he didn't hurt me just unfortunately I'm this stupid.'

I quickly correct myself when I see the look of worry cross her face, as if anyone wants to be beaten up. Although I've heard some people like that sexually, weirdo's!

'Shall we carry on with the examination?'

'Yes please let's.'

***

'Are you sure you're alright to work? I'm happy for you to take some time off; maybe you could start over next week?'

'That's sweet of you to offer but we are back here now I'd rather just get on with the rest of today and start working.'

'But you've got two broken ribs. They told you to rest and take it easy for a while.'

Richard looks genuinely concerned for me as I push the call button for the lift.

'I am taking it easy, I'm taking the lift!'

I grin at Richard and I can see his stern exterior melt slightly.

'Oh and while we're on the subject if we'd caught the lift in the first place I wouldn't be in this situation.'

'The reason we didn't go in the lift was because I needed to show you around the building, if we caught the lift to the office you wouldn't know where to go tomorrow.'

'Hmm I suppose.'

"Doors open"

'After you Ms Garcia.'

Richard gestures to the empty lift and I march in crossing my arms in a fake grump. Instead of following me into the lift Richard reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.

'I have to take this and get no signal in there so I'll walk up the stairs. Race you to the top?'

Before I can argue Richard has rushed for the stairs talking on his phone. I didn't hear the phone ring and wonder if it actually did or if he's looking for an excuse to get away from me.

Once the lift doors open and I am greeted again by Richard in that terrible shirt I realise how crazy I sound. Why would he make up a call just so he could walk up the stairs?

Richard opens the door to our office and I instantly feel everyone's eyes bear into me as I walk through the long office to my desk right at the far end. Everyone must be thinking there goes that idiot who ended up in hospital on her first day just because she wore the wrong shoes.

'Nothing to look at, back to work please!'

The control Richard has over this office and all the staff in it is unreal, I wish I had this sort of authority over at least one person let alone a full office.

'Jet please take good care of Ms Garcia for the rest of today. We don't want her suing us for her accident today.'

Richard gives me one of his why smiles before pacing back to his office.

'Are you going to sue us?' Jet asks sounding more intrigued than worried about the impact that would have on the company.

I sit down next to Jet and wince through the pain.

'No of course not! Now shall we do some training?'

Jet has been talking almost nonstop, well in between angrily texting his girlfriend. My head is now swimming with knowledge and notes, lots of notes both about the roll and about why Mel, Jets girlfriend, is a mega bitch right now.

To start with I was making notes purely about work and the systems and processes I'll need to learn, but then I just started making notes about everything he told me, including every detail he said about Mel and their argument. Well I did that until he asked me to stop documenting his life. Oops, although it will make for interesting bedtime reading later.

'Do you have any questions so far?'

Yes so many you wouldn't believe it!

'No don't think so.'

'Good 'cause I do! What's Richards car like? Did you talk much? Was he friendly?'

Jet is practically rubbing his hands together in glee at the thought of getting some gossip but as much as I want to make Jet happy I don't want to share the soft side I saw of Richard today. I think it was a rarity and I'm not going to spread it around and risk losing him any respect he holds here.

'He was a good driver and has a lush car. What's Mel said now?'

I nod towards the vibrating phone on his desk, thankful for the distraction.

Jet picks it up and scans the text message.

'She says if I don't start treating her better and taking her out more that will be the end of us. She thinks I'm embarrassed by her or something just because I don't want to prance around night clubs with her. She doesn't stop to think that maybe I just don't like clubs and would rather spend quality time with her instead. You know what sometimes I think she's more hassle then she is fun now!'

'Maybe it's time you called time?'

'What does that mean?'

Jet gives me a quizzical look, he must know what I'm getting at surely! Why does he want me to spell it out?

'It means maybe this should be the end of the relationship.'

'Jet! This doesn't sound much like training! All I've heard from you all afternoon is moaning about Mel and your phone going off. This is not the first impression I was hoping for when I sat Eva with you. If Richard was to walk past and catch you what do you think he would say?'

As if on cue Richard struts past us luckily he is busy talking on the phone so manages nothing more than a courtesy nod in our general direction.

'See what I mean Jet? I trusted you to do the job properly. I'm actually going to call rank right now and say as your boss I want you to train Eva in a professional manner from now on.'

Without waiting for a reply Candice marches back to her own desk looking smug with herself.

'She's a pussy cat so nothing to be worried about but she's right we should talk work from now on. Ready?'

I nod and just like that my little glimpse into his life is snatched away.

##

##  Chapter 3

'So? Tell me all?'

I'd barely put my key in the front door when Jorja burst through it, practically jumping on me.

'Steady Jorge I've already broken a couple of ribs today.'

'Shut up have you!'

Jorja playfully punches me in the stomach but when I fall to the floor in pain she quickly rushes to my aid, picking me up and helping me into the house.

'Shit babe I thought you were kidding!' Jorja helps me up and pulls me into the lounge with a wince. 'Come on sit down I'll get you a drink.'

Once I'm settled on the sofa with my feet up Jorja rushes off to fetch me a glass of coke and a slice of lemon cake to enjoy while I explain about my day.

'He likes you! Oh my God it's so obvious he likes you! What are you going to do? You could totally use this to benefit you!'

'Were you not listening to anything? He has a girlfriend. Just because they aren't talking at the moment doesn't mean he likes me, as much as I'd love that to be true!'

'Not Jet you pleb, Richie rich.'

'Eww no shut up! He doesn't.'

'Err yeah he does! I swear you have no clue when it comes to love.'

'I do, I've been in love before and I love Jet. If, and I mean a big fat _if_ Richard likes me then that's his problem because it's not him I want, I want Jet.'

'What is it about this guy? Why is he so special?'

'Jet? I don't know, I guess he was my first crush and the first one that got away. I fancied him from the moment my eyes first fell on him on my first day at secondary school and it wasn't long before I fell in love with him. I've waited long enough, today was a sign that we are meant to be together. You need to help me make it happen!'

'Babe you kind of sound like a stalker, maybe you should give up on the boy and try out the man instead, at least we know he wants you.'

'Firstly I would say Richard is only a couple of years older than me, and Jet is my age so he's not a boy. Secondly even if Richard does like me I bet he has some rule about not dating an employee and thirdly I don't want Richard I want Jet!'

'Alright I'll help you, what are best friends for eh? Before I help you I feel I need to know more about him, where's your laptop?'

'In my room, will you get it for me?'

I give Jorja a pitiful look before rubbing my bruised ribs. Jorja rolls her eyes at me nodding as she stands up and heads to my bedroom to retrieve my laptop.

My stomach flips and I'm filled with nerves. Am I making a mistake here? Jorja has always known of my secret love for Jet but she knows nothing about him, I've always kept that part of him secret. She knows his name, the fact that we went to school together and a brief description of what he looks like. No one else knows about him, it's not like I'm obsessed. Also I have had plenty of decent relationships and even a true love along the way but Jet has always been there in the back of my mind deep down in the centre of my heart, I truly believe he is my happily ever after. How very fairytale of me but I can't help how I feel.

'Eva you need to keep your room tidier, no wonder you're so accident prone you must fall over all that junk every day!'

My cheeks redden slightly I know my room is a state, I've tried my best to keep the rest of the house clean and tidy as it's our communal space but I'm the biggest slob at heart. I'm not dirty or anything like that just no good at keeping things tidy and ship shape as my dad would say.

'I'm not that accident prone.'

'Err yeah you really are! Anyway here's your laptop bring up his profile!'

Unfortunately this is not something new to me, I load up his personal profiles on each of the social networks he's on. I then tear my eyes away from his gorgeous profile photo of him on some Mediterranean beach with no top on and his sunglasses resting atop his dark hair. His smile is natural and he looks genuinely happy. I reluctantly hand the laptop over to Jorja for her to check him out. Clearly Jet hasn't heard of privacy settings as all of his information is public and available for anyone to see.

'While you take a look at those I'm going to go find the take away menus. No wine for me though as I'm on strong pain killers now.'

'You party pooper! You could still have a little glass of wine, what's the worst that could happen?'

'I guess one glass wouldn't hurt would it?'

'No way. Now go get the food I'm starving!'

'Usual?'

'Of course!'

Jorja and I have been living together since University when we became best friends. We both moved away from home and were both home sick more than our other housemates when we lived in halls so we kind of just clicked.

The difference between us was Jorja went to all her lectures and studied hard whereas I started off the model student but then decided I was a bit bored and maybe didn't really want to do my selected degree but it was too late to change so I just went to lectures as and when I felt like it and spent the rest of my time socialising and shopping. Luckily it wasn't a complete waste because I still got decent enough grades but nothing compared to the first Jorja got.

When it came time to graduate and leave, Jorja and I decided to stay where we were rather than going back to our respective parents and home towns. That's when it became us against the world. I've never admitted this but one of the main reasons I decided to stay in Plymouth rather than moving back to Somerset was because I saw an update to say Jet was moving here.

Also I'm only an hour and a half drive away from my parents, home, friends and family so it's easy to just pop back, unlike Jorja who's about as far away from her home of Manchester as she could get. He older brother Sebastian moved down a few months ago when an opportunity arose with his work and he was offered a large bonus if he moved to the new office in Plymouth. He wasn't going to but I think Jorja's parents practically forced him so he could keep an eye on their baby girl as well as bettering his career. It's worked quite well for both of them although they don't see as much of each other as I thought they would.

'Have you ordered yet Eva?'

Impatient as ever. Luckily I've lived with Jorja long enough to know how to handle her so I quickly, well as quickly as this excruciating pain will allow me to, I grab her a glass of wine and pop it on a tray along with a bowl of crisps before retrieving the selection pot of half eaten dips and some ready cut carrot and cucumber batons from last night. I very carefully lift the tray wincing slightly as I head back into the lounge.

'Here you go, something to tide you over while we wait for our food to arrive.'

Just as I'm getting to the coffee table to place my tray down I trip over some sort of imaginary object. In slow motion I see the contents of my tray go flying towards my best friend and our beige sofa which was a very expensive gift from Jorja's parents when we moved in together.

'Nooooo... Jorja... Moooove!!'

Too late, the wine is the first to land in a splatter across her chest before the glass slides down her dropping into her lap. Next is the dips which plop straight into her lap and the seat of the sofa and finally the crisps and vegetables which just about make her feet.

The look on Jorja's face is a one of shock mixed with anger and distress. I'm not sure how she will react but I find myself slowly backing away.

'EVA! For fucks sake! How clumsy are you?'

Just as Jorja launches herself from the sofa at me I hear the doorbell. Phew saved by the bell. I spin on my heel and rush to the front door ignoring my breathlessness.

'I'll get the door, why don't you go clean yourself then I'll clean the lounge.'

Jorja marches after me unbuttoning her jeans and slipping them off as she walks towards the stairs. She leaves them in a pile by the lounge door. Off comes the jumper (which _was_ a beautiful Snow White colour) the jumper doesn't get deposited on the floor instead it gets launched at the back of my head just as I open the door, causing me to fly into the arms of the delivery man spilling his bags of our food everywhere and hurting my poor bruised body in the meantime.

'Oops sorry!'

I hold up my hand in the international gesture of 'sorry' I don't know why I'm now shouting at the delivery man.

'I speak English, no need to shout please.'

I feel my face heat up for the hundredth time today. This poor bloke has just had me fall into his arms, no doubt he saw my naked house mate stomp past and up the stairs and now I'm shouting at him like some racist that thinks just because he's delivering Chinese take away he won't know English! Luckily this is where my Spanish mother comes up trumps, I'm half Spanish and it's very clear from looking at me that this is the case. I have olive skin and dark black frizzy hair, my dad says I look more foreign than my mum which is weird considering my dad's so white he's practically see through. I have my dad's smile and dark green eyes but other than that everything screams out my mum and our Spanish heritage.

'I'm not racist, I'm Spanish!'

Hmm not sure that's helped things in the slightest.

'Here's your food, don't worry about tip.'

The delivery man lifts the bags from the floor and thrusts them into my hands before turning and walking back to his car shaking his head and muttering something under his breath.

'Thanks! See you soon!'

This may sound like sarcasm but this is our favourite takeaway so chances are he will be our delivery man again. After today he will probably refuse to deliver to us again, maybe we will be the house that the newbies get sent to as a test?

I wave him off before shutting the door and heading to the kitchen. The food smells lush but I best clean up the mess before I start dishing up. I don't want it to stain and it would be rude to start the banquet without Jorja.

'You're lucky that all came out, especially the red wine.'

Jorja admires my cleaning skills through a mouthful of spring rolls.

'Well I guess that's one good thing about being so accident prone, I'm quite the expert on stain removal.'

'Will my top survive?'

'Should do, it's in the wash as we speak. If it doesn't I'll buy you a new one'

'Yeah you will. Now shall we start planning your attack on the unsuspecting Jet?'

I grab another couple of chicken satay sticks and a second helping of cashew chicken staring expectantly at my friend.

'You've no ideas of your own then?'

'Erm no not really... What did you think of him by the way?'

'Oh yeah I was too distracted by you throwing food over me to give you my honest feedback.'

Jorja pauses to eat some food as I wait with baited breath to hear what she has to say about him.

'Well?'

'He seems nice, good looking, funny updates, I like the things he shares. The one problem is this Mel, she seems to be quite a firm part if his life.'

'But...?'

'But you're much better and perfect for him so I'm sure we can get you to take her place. I'm not entirely sure how yet though.'

'DVD's? '

'Yes! Go now, quickly!'

If ever Jorja and I are unsure on how to handle something we find the relevant films and keep watching until we find our solutions. I think tonight could be a long night, just as well we always order enough food to feed about five people. That and we have a super comfy, if not slightly damp right now sofa and lights that can be dimmed so are perfect for mood lighting depending on the film choice.

'Let's start with a chick flick, what have we got about boyfriend stealing?'

##  Chapter 4

'Morning! How's your ribs today?'

Jet is surprisingly chirpy for this time of morning and it makes me regret having quite so much alcohol last night. I knew it was a bad idea.

'Hi, they're sore but thanks for asking. How are you?'

'Much better today thanks, Mel and I made up last night if you get what I mean?'

Jet winks at me with the biggest smug smile. I feel a lead balloon fall through me and land with a thud in the pit of my stomach.

'Ha yeah I can just about crack your code.'

I can't even muster a smile, the thought of him with another woman is too much to handle.

'Oh Eva you're not a prude are you?'

'Me? No of course not it's just a bit early in the morning for me to be thinking about you having sex!'

'Oh eh you want to think about me having sex then do you? Ha nah it'd fine that's a fair point. I'll wait until after lunch to tell you all then shall I?'

If only he knew just how close to the truth this joke was, he would be mortified if he knew I'm sure. Actually he would probably love it and get some sexual gratification at being wanted so much.

'Hmm something like that.'

Jet is grinning like the cat that got the cream, I think he will actually stick to his word and tell me all about last night later which is going to keep this ill feeling all day. Saying that at least by then I'll be mentally prepared by then so I can picture myself as Mel. I may actually enjoy the stories.

'So do you have a boyfriend then?'

'No... Yes! Erm no not really.'

Oh God I can't even string together a sentence, why did I say yes? I just sound like an idiot now!

'Oh I get ya, one of those relationships eh? Well I wouldn't have thought you were like that at all but I guess that just proves how little I know about you doesn't it.'

'No I'm not like that at all! I meant, I... We're... It's complicated that's all.'

Yeah it's complicated alright. The fact that I'm just making things up for the sake of it and lying which is something I'm no good at.

'Ah the old "we were on a break" thing right?'

'Yeah something like that.'

'You're being rather secretive about the whole thing. I thought all you women like talking about feelings and boys the whole time! I was just trying to make you feel welcome by taking about feelings and shit.'

'Nice feelings and shit! I think you'll soon find I'm not like most women.'

'Oh I do like a mystery woman, I look forward to learning more about you as time goes by.'

Jet winks at me and I have to look down at my training pack on the desk in front of me to stop him from seeing my crazed smile.

The office is really warm today and I regret wearing such a thick jumper, but then it is October so if I didn't have it I would freeze when I was outside.

'I'm really hot.'

'Alright vein, shouldn't I be the judge of that?'

'What?'

As soon as the question is out of my mouth I regret it. He was making a joke not questioning if I actually felt warm. Stupid Eva!

'You're right Eva you're not like any women I know. So as you've got your pack out let's get to work shall we? We'll start with train tickets.'

Just like that the fun banter stops and serious Jet is back. My little insight into Jet is whipped out from under my nose and its all down to my naivety and stupidity.

I spent the rest of the morning listening to Jet explain how we handle the calls, what different areas the rest of the team deal with and where to find all the documents we need to use on a daily basis. I then listen in to some phone calls and even manage to take some myself with a lot of help from Jet who frantically writes notes for what I need to say while I'm on the phone.

It's a lot to learn but the staff are all really friendly.

'They're not always nice mind. You get stores that have left things too late and they phone you and ask for a train ticket for the next day or for a skip to be collected and replaced that afternoon. When you tell them it's too short notice some of them get really angry and abusive. If that happens and you can't handle it either pass it on to Candice or one of the senior members of the team, you can always give it to me.'

Why am I blushing at the phrase give it to me? Man I need to invest in some better make up if this is going to continue for any length in time. Thank God I've already told him I'm feeling warm so I can use that as my cover story for my now glowing cheeks.

'If they get really rude though you warn them to calm down and stop shouting and if they still won't stop you terminate the call.'

'Really? I can hang up on someone if they are nasty?'

'Oh yes! We don't put up with it on our team. Those types of call are few and far between though so don't worry too much about it.'

Candice comes over to see how we are getting on, she must notice my look of worry because she puts her hand on my shoulder in a comforting manner.

'How are you getting on? Is he behaving?'

Candice shoots Jet a warning look and he grabs the arm of my chair and wheels me closer to him so I'm sitting at his side. Candice falls forward as her hand is quickly removed from me as I glide away.

'Eva is doing just fine thanks, she's MY buddy so she will be the second best on our team, after me of course.'

Jet leans in to me resting his side against mine and crossing his arm across his chest. Candice frowns slightly before rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

'You're such a child Jet! I'm only letting you get away with this behaviour as you already know each other, this is not acceptable behaviour for any other new starters you may be required to train in the future. Eva if he's too much for you please let me know. Saying that I'm hoping you'll be sitting alone, obviously with our help, by the end of today.'

No way, she has got to be kidding! There's no way I can be on my own and I really don't want to leave Jets side just yet. I am loving him being so close after all these years.

'I can see you're worried but there's no need to be. You can set up at this desk so you will be right next to Jet. What we should do is the two of you go to lunch now then when you come back Jet will help you set up your desk and sit with you while you take the calls and do the work for a few hours then the last hour today you can go it alone.'

I feel like I may be glaring at Candice, I really hope I'm not because I really like her but I just don't like the sound of her plan.

'Sounds good to me, especially the lunch part!'

Jet is already standing up ready to go. His warm body leaving my side sends a shiver up my spine and for the first time today I feel cold.

'Eva?'

Candice is still waiting for an answer, she's completely ignoring Jet instead watching me closely with a look of concern. I nod my head in agreement and I'm about to say sure when my attention is drawn away from Candice and even momentarily from Jet as Richard walks past. It's the first time I've seen him today. He looks very smart in his brown pinstripe suit with pink shirt and tie completely different to the terrible outfit he had on yesterday. I am taking in his full outfit when I notice a hint of lime green sock poking out from his left shoe, what is it with him and his fashion sense?

'How are you settling in Ms Garcia?'

'Fine thanks Richard. Are you having a good day?'

Richard stops in front on my pod of desks and looks thoughtful for a moment.

'Busy but yes I suppose it is good thank you.'

He gives me a small smile before setting off on his path to his office, calling over his shoulder as he does so.

'When you have a moment will you join me in my office Candice?'

This doesn't sound like a question she has any choice in the answer more a demand. Candice quickly follows him without as much as a goodbye for us.

'So lunch?'

'Sure, shall I meet you back here in an hour?'

'Yeah you could or you could join me on a stroll around town followed by a coffee and a sandwich?'

Oh my God Christmases and birthdays... All in one!

'YES, I mean that sounds good to me. I think I could do with some fresh air.'

Jet gives me a sideways look before handing me my coat and leading the way. I follow him like a lamb to the slaughter.

##  Chapter 5

'You know you've stepped over the line now don't you?'

'No. Why have I?'

'Because before you were just saying you wanted him now you're actively planning and plotting how to break him and his girlfriend up!'

'Jorja; I'm not planning to break them up but he has said multiple times now that he's not happy anymore.'

'What actually happened while you were on lunch?'

I think back to lunch, it was only a few hours ago but it feels like a million years. It was the most perfect lunch break ever, a nice romantic stroll along the chilly streets of Plymouth and then into a little hidden away coffee shop that I've never been to before. Well as romantic as it can be walking through the busy city centre with the lunch hour rush of people trying to get everything they need in the short hour they have for their lunch break.

'So you and Mel have made up then?'

'I don't want to talk about Mel.'

Jets jokey, happy mood vanishes and is replaced by a look of depression and heartache the second her name is mentioned. The look on his face both makes me pleased and breaks my heart at the same time.

It's clearly not all sweetness and roses with Mel which pleases me but he looks so sad and I never want him to feel sadness. I can't help but dig for more information as much as I hate myself for causing him any more distress in doing it.

'Ahh I thought you said you'd tell me all the gory details after lunch?'

'We're still eating though, I don't want to put you off your Panini, you've barely touched it as it is.'

'I'm disappointed I was expecting a decent story from what you were saying earlier.'

Jet gives me a lopsided smile then takes a swig of his coffee.

'Go on then, you've twisted my arm! So you know Mel and I were arguing yesterday? Well I went home and tried out the "we need to talk" thing. Only we didn't talk, we did what we always do which is argue until we realise that no one is going to admit defeat and give in and then we have make up sex, which is amazing but it just means another issue gets buried under the rug.'

Hmm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this, this sounds like what a woman would say in this situation. I would expect a man to say something like she was nagging so I distracted her with sex. Maybe that's me being very stereotypical and in actuality I've just not spoke to the right man about it!

'But you love her so isn't it something you can just work on? Maybe try to talk more and shag less?'

Jet has just taken another gulp of his coffee when I say this and he practically chokes on it, waving his hands in a 'no more' motion at me before over dramatically swallowing.

'That's one of the best things you've said!'

He laughs at me and I feel I'm being mocked which is heartbreaking coming from the man I love.

'Why?'

'Firstly you said shag and it was so unexpected coming from you. Secondly think about what you've just said, what man in his right mind is going to choose talking over sex?'

'What's wrong with shag? Would you prefer make love? And I'm just following on from what you just said! You said you wanted to talk rather than burying your problems!'

'If we're honest I would prefer fuck but that definitely wouldn't sound right coming from your mouth! The problem is she's manipulating me with sex but I love sex so I give in!'

'Could you just not _fuck_ her?'

I put extra emphasis on the swear word in my sentence and am rewarded by a look of shock on his face.

'You know what let's stick to making love shall we?'

Said this way it sounds like he's asking to make love to me. Butterflies swarm through my stomach until I realise that I'm being crazy.

'Ok fine. So do you want to be with her?'

'That's the thing, I love her but we have nothing in common anymore we just practically live together but have completely separate lives. The only times we are together is when we are sat in front of the TV or having sex. Even after the sex we roll over to opposite ends of the bed without as much as a good night kiss.'

'So you need to talk to her, find something you can do together.'

Why am I counselling him? Giving him advice on how to make his relationship work?'

'Is that what you and your bloke do?'

'Pretty much. I guess we should head back to work now.'

As much as I want to stay in this cosy little coffee shop all day I want to avoid any mention of this mysterious boyfriend of mine.

'You're right, but let's go to the bakery and get some cakes to take back to work first.'

Jet stands first and reaches a hand down to me to help me, I give my hand a quick wipe on my trouser leg to remove any sticky residue or excited that he's about to touch me sweat before I take his hand. He's warm to the touch and it feels so natural to hold his hand in mine, almost like we've been together a lifetime although the fizzle of sexual energy buzzes through my fingers and I guess that would wear off like it did with other boyfriends.

As we leave the coffee shop he holds the door open for me like a true gentleman. Once out in the fresh air he links his arm through mine and this is how we walk for the rest of our journey to the bakery and then back to work. Well until we get to the front door at work and then suddenly my arm is dropped for him to open all the doors for me and call the lift. He's so lush, such a keeper.

'I'm not entirely convinced you're doing the right thing trying to split them up. I know you Eva you would never be able to live with the guilt of splitting them up.'

'I'm not intending to split them up but Jet made it clear enough that he's fallen out of love with her. I'm just showing him how things could be that's all.'

'Ok well I guess that makes a bit more sense. So we still need a plan!'

'We do, and I think I have it.'

'Please tell me it starts with ice cream?'

'Yes Jorge so go get it and some fizzy, I can't handle wine again after last night. I'm going to get my laptop.'

Jorja and I rush off to fetch our items and meet back on our sofa ten minutes later. I power on my laptop do a little search via Jet's details until I find Mel's profile. I click on her profile picture to make it full screen sized before I put the laptop down on the coffee table and start on my ice cream.

'Eva why is there a woman with pink hair watching us eat our ice cream?'

'Jorja, meet Mel. Look at her, scroll through some photos of her.'

I relax back into the soft squishy sofa and smile a self assured slightly smug smile as I remember how this plan came to me. Weirdly enough it was while I was sitting in that intimate booth with Jet at lunchtime. I wondered if we looked like a couple to other people. When he was busy eating I took a sneaky look about. What I saw were lots of couples of perfectly matched people, a couple at one table wearing similar clothes both blonde pretty things. The table next to us were a couple of grungy looking tattooed people covered in piercings and another table were a power couple in their suits with their laptops out and phones in hand.

That's when it came to me, to get Jets attention I need to look like his "type" and to do that I should learn more about the women I'm intending to imitate.

'Why am I stalking her? It was a bit weird stalking Jet last night but it feels really weird stalking women!'

'When you keep saying stalking it makes it sound a bit mad, can we call it deep investigation? Anyway the plan is I need to try to become one of them. I need to look like his type so he'll find me more attractive.'

'No Eva! You're not changing yourself for a man!'

'Not changing no, just trying out a new look. It's the same as other people dying their hair or changing their style. I've never dyed my hair so I want to try it, you know live a little!'

'Oh put that way it sounds exciting, I love a good makeover. Let's go for it but are you sure?'

'Yes I'm sure!'

We quietly start to flick through Jets online photos, anything we can find with a woman in gets examined and Jorja takes notes, such as brightly coloured hair, punky funky, piercings, and dark hippy clothes.

I'm not entirely sure her description is politically correct or whatever you'd call it seeing as it's not a political thing. However it gives me a clear idea of the sort of clothes I need to wear and I'm definitely going to try some exciting colours in my hair. Where to start though, I can't just rush in to it and rock up to work one day completely transformed.

'Time for some online shopping then Eva?'

'Did you say crack out the wine and shopping?'

'Haha sure if that's what you heard. Now go get a bottle while I start looking. We have a busy night ahead of us.'

##  Chapter 6

'How about these?'

Jorja holds up two boxes, one of luminous pink and one vibrant purple. I cringe inwardly as I see them. Am I really going to do this just to get some blokes attention? No I'm doing this for me as well, it's time I had a change. I've had the same look for longer than I can remember, I've never dyed my pure black hair as I was told from a young age it was part of my Spanish routes. Even when I was going through my teenage rebellion that was the one thing I never touched.

'Do you honestly think I should do this? Am I being a bit crazy?'

Jorja regards me for a moment before breaking into a grin. Her shoulder length red hair shines in this light and her green eyes sparkle wickedly.

'You are being a bit crazy but live a little! Think how many times I've dyed my hair, hell I don't even remember what my natural colour is.'

'Yeah I know but you've never done colours like this have you?'

'Never that bright, I had purple before but it was similar to how I have it at the moment, mainly dark with a shimmer of colour.'

'Screw it I'm doing it! Chuck them in my basket.'

'I think you may need to lighten you hair first though, you know if you really want them to stand out.'

Oh God how will I explain bleaching my hair to my parents? They would flip, although I suppose the colours will hide the bleach...

'Fine grab me some of that as well.'

Without stopping to read any labels Jorja rushes to grab a box of blonde, assuring me she's used this one before and it's the best one.

'Right we have the hair sorted now we need the makeup.'

'What's wrong with my makeup? I have loads already.'

'But not the right type! We'll go to one of the makeup counters and get them to give you a makeover.'

Why do I get the feeling Jorja is taking great pleasure in this, she has a wicked smile as she gets to play makeover's like I am her very own walking talking Barbie doll. She is taking too much pleasure and it's beginning to scare me just a little.

'I look like a clown; a sad clown!'

'Eva don't be so ungrateful you look lush just a bit erm... different. I think she's done a good job though.'

I look at my reflection in the mirror again, my practically Snow White face a stark contrast to the thick black eyeliner that's layered so deep I feel if I shut my eyes they may never open again due to gluing shut. Then I have the black eye shadow with some pink glitter to add the wow factor apparently. The only thing I really like is the bright red lipstick, although I wouldn't wear it with the rest of this makeup.

'This is not a good job, if she thinks I'm buying any of these products she's wrong.'

Just as I'm about to have a melt down and scratch the terrible make up off my skin the sales advisor comes rushing back over with a big fake smile on her perfectly made up face. Now why couldn't she have made my make up look like hers?

'Sorry about that, my managers off for a week now so just needed a quick chat. I think we're done now, have you had a good look in the mirror?'

I want to say yes we are done and so is your career if this is what you turn people into. That or I've had a look in the mirror but it wasn't a good look but instead I smile sweetly and say yes thanks.

'I've put together all the products we've used today and if you were to buy them you would also get a free goody bag worth £60. There's no pressure to buy though of course.'

No pressure at all only the temptation of a free gift and the fact she's already bagged up my order.

'Oh lovely, can I have the lipstick and the eyeliner then please?'

Why did I just say that? I don't want to buy them, I have so much make up at home that I've never even worn, I don't need any more and can't afford it even if I did.

'Of course but unfortunately you wouldn't be entitled to the free gift unless you purchased all the items,'

The sales advisor gives me a faux look of sadness and Jorja standing behind her shakes her head at me.'

'Oh, ok then I'll take it all.'

Why!? Why do I do these things?

'Great that's £135 then please.'

My jaw nearly hits the counter as the assistant enters all the details into her till and holds her hand out to me waiting for my credit card. I reluctantly pass over my card, I can't look either the advisor or Jorja in the eye anymore.

As we walk away with my bag full of the most expensive makeup I've ever bought firmly in my hand I want to cry.

'So maybe we go clothes shopping another day?'

'Yes Jorja, good plan I'm most definitely shopped out now!'

'Me too, spending your money was rather stressful. Let's go do something exciting like dye your hair.'

***

'Do you want to do your hair straight away or shall we have something to eat first?'

'Erm lets do my hair first or I'll just worry and chicken out by the time we've had some food.'

'Great let's go!'

Jorja grabs the carrier bag containing my hair dye and climbs the stairs two at a time, she's definitely enjoying this. I on the other hand am starting to feel a little stressed. I slowly follow her up the stairs. If I'm feeling this nervous should I really be doing this?

'Eva! Come on!'

By the time I get up the stairs and into the bathroom Jorja has changed into her hair dyeing shirt which was an old boyfriend's top that she found after they had broken up and worn until it practically fell apart. Then one day she decided she was over him and this was now her painting / decorating and general messy play top.

'You need a top you don't mind wrecking, you can borrow my towels from when I do my hair.'

Oh great so now I'm going to wreck a top as well as my hair. But still I head off to find an old work shirt from when I was at the bank, I'm more than happy to wreck that after they made me redundant.

'How do I look?'

Jorja grins at me as I re-enter the bathroom in my jeggings and old work shirt.

'Are you wearing sensible pants or sexy pants?'

'Erm that's a rather inappropriate question that I'm not sure I want to answer.'

'Chill Eva I'm not coming on to you but you can't wear your trousers, I'm a messy dyer, so if you take your trousers off now will you be left with your dignity or will I get an eyeful of your lady garden?'

'Lady garden? Oooh gross Jorja! I don't have any underwear like that!'

Reluctantly I slowly peel off my jeggings aware that I'm practically naked and in full mercy of my best friend.

'Great now sit on the toilet and don't move we don't want you to get dye anywhere or we won't get our deposit back on this house.'

'I've already come to terms with the fact I've lost that money. You know how accident prone I am, can you imagine me making it through a whole year without damaging the place much less the many years we'll hopefully be living here!'

'That's true... Ok well let's not stain the place if we can help it yeah?'

'Of course.'

I sit down obediently and watch as Jorja unpacks the contents of the box and starts to mix things.

'What's that? It stinks!'

'This my love is your hair dye. The smell is the peroxide which will make you blonde so we can then make you bright and colourful.'

'It's making my eyes burn!'

'Stop winging Eva and sit still I'm coming in.'

Jorja then sets to work in silence manoeuvring herself around me and lifting chunks of my hair at a time. Her creamy toothbrush looking device combing through my now matted half slimy hair. Out if the corner of my eye I can see patches of hair that appear to be covered in snowy goo that stinks, I choose not to look it's probably best to wait until it's finished.

Instead I focus my attention on the tiles of the bathroom, they are small white squares sitting in diagonals like tiny diamonds. It's quite effective considering they are probably the cheapest tiles the landlord could have got hold of but they are pretty. The bathroom like most rooms in this house is natural neutral safe colours. The landlord said we can change anything we want, within reason, as long as we redecorate how they want it before we leave. Saying this we've yet to make any changes other than room decor but we plan to paint as soon as we can be bothered. Well that and when we can agree on what colour to decorate all of our communal space.

'Finished with the blonde. You need to leave it to set for a bit so let's go eat. No peeking.'

Jorja puts a carrier bag over my hair, how very glam, before leading the way downstairs.

'Can I look yet?'

'Err I'm not sure you should.'

'WHAT? Why not?'

I jump up from the bathroom floor and spin around to the mirror above the toilet. No, oh God this can't be happening!

'What the hell have you done!?'

'Ok calm down Eva I'm sure it will look tons better once it's dry!'

I turn back to Jorja with tears burning the back of my eyes already and then I notice the state of the bath.

'Jorja what the actual hell! Look at the bath it looks like someone's set off fireworks in our bath!'

'Its fine I'll wash it now quickly and it will come out a treat. Pass me the bathroom cleaner then go blow dry your hair.'

I thrust the cleaner into Jorja's hands before stropping off to my bedroom to dry my hair.

As I'm drying it all I can smell is burning. I don't want to look in the mirror until it's dry so I turn my back to my desk which has become a makeshift dressing table.

As I run my hand through the dry section of hair I can feel the damage to my already frizzy hair, a handful of hairs fall out and they are as orange as a carrot.

I can't help it I have to look, I've waited long enough and it's nearly dry.

Oh my God! I'm going to be sick!

'JORJA!'

Jorja bursts into my room, takes one look at me then backs out slowly. As soon as she's in the hall I hear her break down into hysterics and that's when the tears really start to flow.

'What have you done to me Jorge?'

I wail as I join her in the hall. She's still laughing but I can see she's trying to gain her composure for my benefit.

'It's not too bad... It's colourful that's for sure.'

'I can't even see the pink, my hair is now purple, ginger and blonde, I can hardly see any of my own natural hair and the bits I can see are just a frizzy mass!'

'Right first thing tomorrow you need to phone a hairdresser and get an appointment to get it fixed. Hopefully before work.'

'And if I can't get an appointment before work?'

'Hat shopping?'

'Bitch!'

##  Chapter 7

'How long do I have to wait?'

'It's hard to say. Use this shampoo for a week then pop in and let us take a look. I know that's not what you want to hear but if we do anything more right now your hair will just snap off or fall out. In future make sure you do the blonde first then wait a while before adding other colours. Also read the instructions clearly, the colours you've used clearly say on them no need to pre lighten. Oh and finally please make sure you do a test strip first so you know your hair can handle the dye.'

'There's really no need to tell me all of this because I will no way be dying my hair ever again.'

The hairdresser gives me a look which I can't quite work out if it's sympathetic or if she thinks I'm an idiot who deserves this.

'It's a hard lesson to learn but I'm sure with a professional job it will look just lovely. The purple bits suit you'

'Ok great, well thanks for your help. I'm going hat shopping now I think!'

'Good luck, see you in a week.'

I turn to walk out of the very posh hairdressers and am confronted with Jorja trying her hardest not to laugh at my hair disaster, still as if she didn't laugh enough last night.

I can't make a scene because the hairdressers is so calm and full of well groomed people relaxing while they are made to look even more beautiful. The calming smell of shampoo and hair products is welcoming rather than the harsh chemical smell I endured last night. Why didn't I just come here in the first place?

I clutch my bag with hair saving shampoo and conditioner in; this bag is not leaving my side until we get home.

'Let's start with hats shall we Eva?'

Jorja's still finding this funny, she hasn't even apologised for wrecking my hair yet. Well I'll get my payback, I don't know how and I don't know when but I will.

'Yes hats are first on my list.'

'Don't be grumpy, this isn't my fault!'

'Of course it's your fault! You were the one who chose the hair dye, you were the one who told me you knew what you were doing and you were the one that actually dyed my hair, and without reading the instructions.'

'Ok I guess it's a little bit my fault. Come on then let's go.'

Jorja sounds so blasé as she says this. I'm so annoyed with her even though I was the one who asked her to do this to me. I want to run and hide until my hair can be fixed but instead I reluctantly follow Jorja back out into the real world. The world full of people pointing and staring and talking about me as I walk past.

'Everyone's laughing at me.'

'No they're not, you're imagining it.'

Just as Jorja says this a woman walks past with a small child. The child stops directly in front of me and stares open mouthed. I want to shout boo at her but she's too young to understand.

'Mummy look at that girl's hair.'

'Don't point darling.'

'But mummy look!'

'Yes I can see sweetheart, I can see. Move out of her way now please.'

'But mummy!'

'Ruth, don't be rude! Now come here.'

Ruth gives me one last stare before walking over to her mum. Her mother grabs her hand and mouths sorry to me before dragging her off in the opposite direction lecturing her on good manners as they go.

'Ok so they may be staring a bit but come on you must admit you do look quite funny!'

'You're buying me my hat.'

'Yeah yeah, come on then!'

'I'm not in the mood to try anymore things on, we've shopped loads and I've got enough new clothes to fill both my wardrobe and yours now!'

'Go on just a few more bits, how cute is this dress?'

I glance at the black and purple dress in Jorja's hand. It is pretty and once my hairs fixed it will match it perfectly. Ok why not, it's what credit cards are for right? I do have a new job to pay off my debts now.

Without saying a word I take the dress from Jorja and head towards the dressing room, I can feel her smug smile from behind me but I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of telling her she's done well picking out my new outfits today.

'Just the one item to try on today?'

'Yea please.'

'Great go on through and to the left.'

'Can I go in with her please? I'm her stylist.'

I turn round to see Jorja barging past the dressing room attendant without waiting for her reply.

'Yeah sure just go on through.'

The girl's sarcasm drips through her words, the warmth and smile she extended to me has now gone.

'Thanks babe.'

I head into the cubicle and pull the curtain tightly shut behind me, if Jorja thinks she's coming in she's got another thing coming.

'Have you got it on yet Hun?'

Hun, Jorja's code for don't be mad at me for being myself. Much better than when she calls me "babe" her I'm annoyed with you and you will soon know all about it.

But "love" is the worst of all, if she calls you love you run, run as fast as you can.

'The zips stuck. Will you come in and help me?'

Jorja whips open the curtain without hesitation and exposes my half naked self to the rest if the changing room.

'Sorry Hun I didn't realise you meant the zip was stuck down and you were showing your bits off!'

'Just close the curtain please Jorge!'

Jorja obligingly pulls the curtain across before turning to assess the situation I've got myself into.

'Spin round, let's take a look at this zip then.'

Jorja manhandles me, turning me around to face the mirrored back wall so she can see the zip of my dress.

'Christ you're properly stuck Eva! How the hell have you done this?'

'Well I didn't plan it so I don't know how. I pulled the zip and it got this far before stopping and leaving me in this situation.'

'Alright babe calm down will you. Stand still! Eva for God's sake stop wiggling.'

'I'm not bloody wiggling you're shoving me and pulling me about!'

'Ok find something to grab hold of and hold on tight.'

I look about the small cubicle the only thing I can really hold on to is the peg to hang your unwanted clothes so I throw my coat on the floor and do as I'm told, grab hold.

'This may hurt a bit so be brave.'

'Hurt? Why will it hurt? You're only unzipping me.'

Rather than answer Jorja demonstrates how it will hurt me. She pulls my jammed zip so hard I feel my arms may actually be ripped from their sockets as I hang on for dear life to the peg.

'Well that didn't work! Can you wiggle out of it?'

I start to pull the dress down around my waist but it won't budge.

'Nope.'

'Over your head?' Jorja asks sounding hopeful.

I start to pull the dress up but it gets stuck under my boobs.

'Nope.'

I almost cry, how embarrassing I'm going to have to get a sales advisor in to help at this rate.

'So it won't go up and it won't go down. You know what the solution is then don't you?'

I look to Jorja hopefully, anything other than call for help would be good right now.

'We need to cut you out!'

'Cut me out? Erm no, I don't think we will be doing that.'

'As in cut the dress not you.'

'Gee thanks for clearing that up Jorge. No one else would feel the need to expand on that statement but this being you I do feel comforted to know you wouldn't want to cut me just to save the dress.'

'Alright drama queen do you have any better ideas?'

'We could... Erm... No.'

I admit defeat, I can't see any other way around this.

'How will you cut it though? Do you happen to carry around scissors for this sort if occasion?'

'Weirdly enough I've got some nail scissors in my bag. Are we doing it then?'

'Yes ok just hurry up and get me out of this bloody dress.'

'Ok, oh wait. Are you wearing sensible pants or will I get a shock once the dress is down?'

'For God's sake Jorja just cut me out and stop asking me about my underwear all the time!'

'Do you think we should go underwear shopping for you after this as well? In case things go further with you and Jet, or you and Ritchie!'

'No! I'm quite capable of choosing my own underwear without your interference. I dread to think what you would put me in, oh and eww to the Richard thing! Now please get me out of this bloody dress!'

Jorja very carefully starts to cut the material without touching my skin once.

'Right try it now.'

I wiggle in the dress and am very pleased to feel the loose material slide easily down past my hips and land in a neat pile on the floor. I want to jump up and down and cheer, or hug Jorja but both options would be inappropriate with me just in my underwear.

'Right get dressed quickly then we just need to walk out as calmly as possible and tell the girl the dress was unsuitable.'

'Do you not think I should just tell her what happened? It's an honest mistake. It's not my fault the dress is faulty.'

'Are you girls alright in there?'

'YES! Thank you.'

Jorja and I both shout frantically at the sales advisor just outside the cubicle. Ok Jorja's right, hand back the dress then run.

I rush to get dressed then follow Jorja as calmly as I can manage; I hand over the dress before starting to walk away.

'Was it no good?'

'What?'

'The dress. Was it not suitable? You were in there a while for just one dress I was a little worried something had happened.'

The girl sounds suspicious and I panic, what can I say? Luckily Jorja steps in to save the day.

'I'm sorry, I promise we weren't up to anything naughty!'

As she says this Jorja wraps her arm around my waist and rests her chin lovingly on my shoulder. Oh great we're lesbians now apparently. Well I guess that could explain the time taken.

'Oh right, I'm sorry I didn't mean to imply anything.'

The sales advisor reddens looking from me to Jorja. Well this has been an awful experience that I hope to never repeat again.

##  Chapter 8

I hesitate as I get to the front door for my office; I doubt they will allow me to wear a hat indoors which means everyone's going to see the state of my hair.

Ok deep breath... Now open the door. Well done Eva you have managed to open the door so I guess now would be a good time to walk through that open door and start the day. There's no point in hiding here any longer.

'What are you doing Ms Garcia?'

Oh typical, of all the people to be walking in the same time as me it would have to be my grumpy boss!

'I'm just, you know about to go to work.'

'You seem to be contemplating whether to go in or not. Has something happened?'

'You could say that.'

I hear the sorrow in my voice as I say this but it's only when Richard shuts the door and puts his hand on my arm silently walking me away from the office and into one if the small side rooms that double as a meeting room that I realise how this would seem to him.

'Sit down Ms Garcia.'

'No it's fine, I should get to the office. I've still got a lot to learn so I can't be late.'

'You're worried about something. What sort of manager would I be if I didn't at least try to make things better? Now sit down.'

I've never known someone who's trying to make you feel better do it in such a stern and demanding way. But I do as I'm told and sit down.

'So tell me Ms Garcia what is the problem.'

It's not a question it's a demand for answers that I now don't want to give because I think he will shout at me for wasting his time.

I've hesitated too long and I can see him getting impatient.

'Are you being bullied? Has something happened? You can tell me anything.'

Aww now he sounds more caring maybe he won't be annoyed with me for wasting his time. I'm going for it, I've kept his attention this long.

'I dyed my hair and it went wrong and now I'm too scared to go in to work because I know everyone will laugh at me. If the shoes were on the other foot I know I'd laugh.'

I've been starting at my hands in my lap whilst I've been explaining the situation, I'm now aware that Richard is still completely silent so I look up to gauge his reaction.

Richards earlier look of concern has turned to a grimace that makes me want to melt through the ground and never be seen by him again.

Richard locks his eyes to mine and stares until I can take it no longer, I cough as I look away and it's just enough to keep my tears at bay for the time being.

'Do you understand how busy I am?'

He sounds calm, far to calm for such an angry expression. I can't bring myself to meet his stare again so instead I just nod my head.

'Do you realise that my day is planned from the moment I wake in the morning to the moment I go to sleep? I don't have time for ridiculous non issues like this. Usually Candice handles staff issues but I thought perhaps you had a complaint against her or something on that level. People worldwide have bad hair days and they don't keep their boss busy when he has a phone conference call to the CEO.'

'I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... I didn't know.'

Nothing can stop the tears now, my throat burns and my nose runs as the tears begin.

'What are you doing? Please don't tell me you're crying over a bad hair cut?'

Richard seems angrier by my unexplained tears than he was a moment ago.

'I'm s...so...sorry I'm not crying over my hair I'm... I don't know what to s...ay!'

Not just crying but wailing like a banshee now. This is a thousand times worse than the hair but the floodgates have opened I can't see any way of closing them.

'Compose yourself Eva! Its fine my meetings can wait as long as my staff are happy enough to work.'

'You called me Eva.'

I look up in surprise but he turns away the second I make eye contact. I must really look a state, either that it he just can't handle crying women.

'It's your name is it not Ms Garcia?'

'Well yes but you never call me it, you're always so formal and scary.'

'Scary? Formal I agree with but I'm far from scary.'

This time Richard makes eye contact and I can feel his eyes burning into my soul. He is quite good looking actually. Toned but not overly muscular, well from what I can see through his suit anyway. His first day outfit seems to have been a blip as he has been almost immaculately dressed since then, well other than those awful socks. The brightly coloured and overly patterned socks are just noticeable peeking out the bottom of his trouser legs each day. On anyone else in a suit they wouldn't look right but on him I like them. I even find myself looking out for him in the mornings just so I can catch a glimpse of the socks.

'What are you thinking about that's making you blush?'

Richard smirks at me, I didn't realise I was blushing! Oops time to think on my feet.

'I was thinking about my awful hair. Do you want to see it?'

'Yes go on then, but after we must head into the office I've got a conference call to join and Candice will be worried about you.'

Richards's anger at my tears has vanished the second the tears stopped. This meeting has been so surreal it seems natural to show him my hair. I nod as I slowly remove my hat. Richard doesn't even attempt to hide his laughter as I reveal my multicoloured frizz ball hair. But instead of feeling angry or embarrassed I find myself gleefully laughing with him. It's nice to see him so natural, amazingly I played a part in this.

'What on earth have you done you silly woman?'

'Don't blame me! My friend told me she was great at dyeing hair... She was wrong!'

'I hope she's paying to have it fixed?'

'No she's not but that's a good point actually!'

'Yes do make sure you charge her, now quickly put your hat back on the colours are hurting my eyes.'

'I'll have to take it off once I'm at my desk though won't I?'

'No, no it's fine I'll make an exception this one time. Come on I'll walk you to your desk and explain your absence to Candice.'

Richard hands me a silk handkerchief as he stands up ready to leave the room. I look down at the soft material in my hand before turning to look at him.

He gestures to my face and bluntly tells me to wipe my tears and clean my face.

I do as I'm told before following Richard like a naughty puppy at his heels over to my desk.

'Jet was worried he'd scared you off last week.'

Candice grins at me, I doubt she could ever show anger or annoyance, she's so sincere and genuinely lovely. I look over at Jet who gives me a little wave.

'I'm sorry Candice I bumped into Eva outside and decided to have a quick meeting about how she was getting on so far. I should have got someone to pass on a message.'

'Its fine no worries. Eva I love your new look but you're going to have to lose the hat. Do you want to set up next to Jet again? That's going to be your new permanent desk.'

I'm pleased for the compliment, worried about the hat removal and beside myself about my desk being next to Jets all in one go.

'Candice is right your outfit is very nice, it suits you although it's perhaps a little informal for work wear. Oh and Candice I've agreed that Eva can wear the hat for the time being. She's had a little hair disaster over the weekend.'

With that Richard walks off to his office. Before his door shuts I hear him immediately picking up his phone and sailing into his conference call.

I'm left standing next to Candice with the whole team now staring at me. I know what's coming next.

'Show us your hair then!' Candice almost shouts with glee.

I can't see a way out of it so I go quickly like ripping a plaster off as I remove my hat.

I can hear gasps and laughter along with mutterings of "oh my God!"

'What on earth were you hoping for when you did this?'

Straight to the point there thanks Candice.

'I was hoping for a few nice little pink and purple streaks, I did not plan to get this look I can assure you.'

I'm not going to justify myself anymore so I put my hat back on and go to my desk with the best neighbour.

'I like it, it's unusual and shows you have personality so ignore the rude people that point or stare.'

'Aww thanks Jet. You're looking good today. Have you had a good weekend?'

'Why thank you I do try. My weekend was great thanks. I took your advice and spoke to Mel, we actually talked rather than just "making love" so we made some real progress actually. How about you?'

My hearts about to break, especially after the weekend I've just had but then the girl sat behind Jet turns to me and states that this is a weekly occurrence. Jet and Mel argue then they make up but it's short lived until they argue again.

I'm not even 100% sure of her name although I think it's Leah, all I do know is she has just made my day without realising it. This means their relationship is definitely on the rocks.

'Shut up Leah, we're not that bad! She just pisses me off a lot if the time!'

'Leah did you know that Mel manipulates Jet with sex?'

Leah giggles and I'm left wondering why I'm making fun of Jet like this.

'Oh yeah gang up on me then girls, I get it. I'm just an easy target for you two.'

I turn to look at Leah to gauge her reaction and she winks at me. This must just be the usual office banter. I think I'm going to settle in nicely here.

##  Chapter 9

'So it was a good day?'

'I guess it was in the end yeah.'

'But everyone laughed at your hair?'

'Yeah'

'But you're not upset or blaming me?'

Jorja is looking most perplexed at my smile and happy nature, her reaction is so funny I find it hard not to laugh out loud.

'I was upset, in fact I cried in front of Richard which was totally embarrassing and at the time I was blaming you and fuming but then suddenly everything was alright.'

'Why what happened?'

'After shouting at me for wasting his precious time Richard was really nice about the whole situation and he let me wear my hat in the office. And he made everyone be nice to me and not tease me about my hair. He did say I should charge you for the salons fix it fee.'

'I was going to say I'm starting to like Ritchie rich until you mentioned payment. It's clear to see he likes you though as I keep telling you.'

'Well he's jumping up the wrong tree if he does like me.'

'Barking.'

'What?'

'Barking up the wrong tree... Never mind, tell me why you're in such a good mood if you've been crying and teased today.'

'I've just had a great day, I got to know Leah one of the girls I sit next to. She's lovely and really funny, we ganged up on Jet a bit but he found it amusing and wasn't offended at all. I found out my permanent desk is next to Jet with Leah behind me which is great. There's also another guy who sits behind Jet but he's been on holiday so I'll meet him for the first time tomorrow. Apparently he's great though.'

'What about the actual job?'

The job? Oh yeah I love that as well. I'm quite confident in taking the calls now so they've put me mainly on that then once I've mastered that Jet will teach me the invoicing and booking forms. All the back door stuff as he calls it.'

'Do you mean back of house?'

'Yeah maybe, it's hard to pay attention to what he's actually saying a lot of the time because I'm just staring at him.'

'Eva! Firstly that's a well known saying so you should have heard it already. Secondly you have to listen to him and show an interest to what he's saying. Blokes love it if you chat about them and pay attention to them, they're a bit like cats.'

I love Jorja's analogies I've never had a cat so I'm not sure how similar they could be but I guess that makes sense, I like having people pay me attention. I've never changed myself for a bloke before so this is all new to me. I've been pretty lucky so far that men have always liked me for who I am and asked me out, I've never had to do any work to get a bloke. It's the keeping them that I find hard. It would seem that to start with men think my accident proneness and ditzy behaviour is cute but one too many spilt drinks or hospital trips or embarrassment whilst out and about and they soon make their excuses before running off.

'Yeah yeah I know, I do listen to him of course!'

'So new plan is you need to listen to everything Jet says as if it's the most important thing you've ever heard, but you also need to flirt with Richard in front of him. Make sure you talk about how kind and lovely Richard is to Jet.'

'Erm why? Not the listening to him thing, that's a given but the flirting with Richard bit. Oh and kudos on calling him by his actual name for once.'

'Oh God you are new to this aren't you Eva! You need to make Jet jealous. At the moment he sees you as nothing more than a friend but as soon as you show interest in someone else, especially someone who's higher in the food chain his interest will be peaked.'

'I think you should be a love guru rather than an accountant you know.'

Jorja grins at me. She loves being an accountant which I find amazing as it seems like such a boring job. I did it a bit for work experience in the summer holidays whilst I was at Uni, I think that was the turning point for me. I suddenly realised I didn't want to do it anymore.

Jorja and I have been chatting out in the kitchen while we cook tea, it's one of our rituals. I get home from work half an hour before Jorja most days so I tend to start the prep work for whatever we are having to eat that night, then when Jorja gets in she takes over or at least helps cook and we talk about our respective days. Just lately my day seems to take precedence over Jorja's but that's only because I have boy issues and Jorja has no drama in her life at the moment so she's happy to help with mine. She tells me my life is like her fix of all the soaps on TV so it works both ways for us.

'Right I'm dishing up now so do you want to take our drinks to the table and sit down?'

I do as I'm told and fill our glasses so full of cola the bubbles start to spill over the edge of one. I've heard if you stick your finger in it stops it from foaming so much. I think now would be the best time to test this method but misjudge the edge of the glass. Before I can stop it the glass tips over cascading brown sticky liquid over me and the floor, the glass springs off the work top and lands with a crash at my feet. Phew it didn't break, well until I pick it up and see the crack going all the way up the glass. I don't think that will survive a wash so it's time to throw it away.

'You didn't need to give me a plastic cup you know. I _am_ capable of drinking from a glass I'm just a bit clumsy.'

Jorja raises her eyebrows at me before putting her knife and fork down on her empty plate.

We are still sitting at the glass dining table in our kitchen diner. I told Jorja to start eating without me seeing as I had to clean up the mess I made so she has finished her food before I'm even halfway through. The washing machine is whizzing around in the corner of the room cleaning the outfit I covered in fizzy amongst other things. We don't usually put the utilities on while we are eating due to the noise and the heat they emit but seeing as today was the first time I ever wore that outfit I didn't want to risk it staining.

'I may as well put the dishwasher on while you finish your food then we can go watch a film or something.'

'Good plan Jorge.'

'No better plan! Oh my, why have I not thought of this before?'

Without explaining further Jorja starts opening cupboards and routing through pulling out ingredients. I quickly wolf down the rest of my paella intrigued as to what Jorja's plan could be.

'What you doing Jorge?'

'We are going to do some baking! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach so tonight we are going to make enough yummy treats to feed both our offices and us for a week. Time to get our bake on!'

Now this is a plan I can get on board with. I'm not a massive fan of baking as I tend to make a mess or burn myself but I am definitely a fan of eating the end product.

'Fantastic plan. What do you want me to do?'

'Go find a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, banana muffins, tiffin, and lemon cake.'

'That's very specific and sounds like a lot of things!'

'Specific yes, look at the ingredients we've got it would be rude not to make these things. Whatever recipes you find double the ingredients so we'll have enough for everyone.'

Oh God she wants me to work out what double ingredients are for multiple things, this is going to go terribly wrong!

Once I've got the list of ingredients for each treat ready I start to methodically weigh out the right amounts and put them on separate work tops. This is easy all I need is some decent organisation and it will be fine.

'I'm going to start with the muffins do you want to start on the lemon cakes? Make two and a half tins of it so we can have half a tin to keep here. Lemon cakes my favourite!'

'Ok sure, wait for that do I need to double and a bit the ingredients? Or shall I just add a bit extra of everything?'

'I don't know Eva just do what you think is best.'

'That's a very non committal response, no doubt so when I feck up I'll get the full blame.'

I pick up the flour and pour it into a large purple mixing bowl, the splash back goes up my nose causing me to sneeze and throw the remaining flour all over myself. This is not a good start and I'm filled with an ominous feeling.

'Stop making so many messes you! I'm watching you!'

I spin on my heel to tell Jorja to leave me alone but she's not even looking at me, how does she do that? Know that I'm making a mess without even a glance in my direction?

'You're that predictable Eva now concentrate!'

Wow she can read my mind!

##  Chapter 10

'I have treats for you all!'

I practically sing this as I stroll into my teams' part of the office, early for once. I'm excited to see my colleague's reaction to the lovely sweet things Jorja and I stayed up half the night to bake.

I feel a little guilty as I walk past the other teams in my large office, I don't really know anyone else so I didn't think to get them anything. As I approach my desk I see a man that I don't recognise sitting behind Jet, he must be Marcus, the guy who's been on holiday. He does look rather tanned so I would assume he's been somewhere sunny seeing as its quickly turning to winter here and therefore no chance to work on your tan, well unless its fake of course.

'Ooh yummy let's see what you've got then.'

Candice appears to be practically salivating at the sight of my carrier bags filled with cake tins. I do look a little greedy at the moment with four tins full to bursting point.

I open the tins and show them the haul. Within moments Candice's desk is swarming with people trying to get their hands on something sweet.

I'm loving seeing their happy faces I just wish I'd had chance to try some last night but by the time we had finished baking and cleared up it was almost one AM and we were exhausted. What shall I try now? I think I'll go for a cookie and a muffin, I should probably choose something that I made myself but I'm not in the mood for tiffin or lemon cake and we have loads of both left at home!

I grab my snacks and take my seat at my desk. I've not seen Richard yet so I send him a quick email to let him know there are goodies on Candice's desk and he should get some quickly before they get snapped up.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to email Richard actually, Jet did tell me not to send personal emails as they get monitored but I don't think this would count as a personal email.

'This all looks ace, I'm starting with the lemon cake but think I'll have to work my way through them all by lunch time.'

Jet announces as he joins me at our adjoining desks. He grins at me before lifting the cake to his mouth.

'That's fine I made enough of them all so help yourself.'

I watch Jet tuck into the lemon cake and see his face change from one of pleasure to one of utter disgust as he spits out the mouthful of cake.

At that exact moment my phone buzzes with a text from Jorja;

"Don't eat lemon cake, you fucked up! Really gross! X"

I grab Jets cake and take a bite, it's disgusting. The lemon is really strong and bitter and it tastes like I put salt in it instead of sugar. I can't even swallow it. It's so sour I've got to spit it out.

'Don't eat the lemon cake it's rank!'

I shout as I jump up from my desk to warn people. Luckily it doesn't look like anyone else has started theirs yet. Why oh why did it have to be Jet that tried it first? The one person I'm trying to impress is the only one that actually put that sour, salty, stodgy thing in his mouth.

I rush to retrieve the lemon cake from Candice's desk along with everyone that's got a slice sitting on their desk. I rush to the nearest bin to dispose of it straight away.

'You invite me to taste your cooking then before I get a chance to try something I catch you throwing cake away.'

I didn't see Richard following me down the office towards the bin so I jump out if my skin when he suddenly appears at my side towering over me.

'Ooh you scared me! There's plenty of nice things up on Candice's desk, the things my housemate made, go and help yourself to those instead. This is no good.'

I gesture to the cake tin in my hand.

'Who told you that?'

'Jet, and my housemate just text to let me know.'

'You don't need to believe everything Jet tells you. I've noticed you seem to be relying on him a lot, you should get to know the full team not just him.'

'I tried the cake as well so I'm not just taking his word for it. Also I am getting to know the team thank you, but with Jet training me and sitting next to me I've spent more time with him than I have the others.'

Why am I arguing with my boss, not even my boss but my boss's boss!

'I see your point, now are you going to let me try some of that cake before you throw it away?'

'Erm no it's disgusting it will make you actually want to throw up.'

'What can I say I'm a glutton for punishment? Just let me try one bite.'

Ok so now what do I do? Do I allow my boss to try some of my vomit cake or do I put my foot down and say no to him?

'You can try some at your own risk if you really want to spend the rest of the day feeling sick.'

I offer him the open tin, I'm not going to actually hand him the cake he's in this alone. Without a moment's hesitation Richard picks out one of the pre cut slices and takes a bite. He pulls a disgusted face as he chews and forces himself to swallow before dropping the rest of the slice back into the tin.

'I agree this needs to be thrown in the bin... Quickly Ms Garcia, the sooner the better!'

'Hey I tried to warn you but you felt the need to try it.'

I can't help but laugh at the repulsed look on Richards face, he totally brought this on himself and I'm not giving him any sympathy.

'Yes I appreciate that Ms Garcia and in future I shall listen to you. Can you suggest which of the other items you've brought in that would be acceptable?'

'I would say a muffin or cookie would be best as my housemate made them but if you really want to taste something made by my fair hand then try the tiffin.'

'Tiffin it is, let me walk you back to your desk.'

My desk is only two pods away so less than ten meters but Jorja said I need to flirt with Richard to make Jet jealous so I accept and walk as close as I can get to Richard without him getting freaked out.

When we get to my desk Richard holds his arms out in a gesturing motion getting me to sit back at my desk. Which I quickly do.

'Well thank you for trying to poison me with your cake Ms Garcia I'm going back to work and suggest you do the same.'

'You were warned not to eat it Ritchie!'

I'm not sure if I'm brave or stupid for calling him by the nickname he so hates. There is an awkward silence as the tension rises so I do the only thing I can do which is sit down and put on my headset, unlock my PC screen and pretend to work in the hopes that Richard will just walk away and break the tension.

'Yes quite right Ms Garcia.'

Richard walks over to Candice's desk and I sneak a peek at what he picks up, of course he takes some tiffin. Maybe Jorja is right, maybe he does like me, either that or he feels sorry for me.

'So trying to poison me on my first day back to work eh? You must be Eva? I'm Marcus.'

The blonde guy sitting behind Jet turns to introduce himself as no one else has.

'Sorry about that, did you try any of it? Nice to meet you by the way.'

'Nah luckily Jet's such a drama queen that he had already put everyone off before I had a chance to eat any of it. Nice to meet you too. The tiffin is great, top job!'

'Marc's right the tiffin is lush, oh and by the way you can call him Marc rather than Marcus but you can't call Richard Ritchie, he hates it. Rumour has it he actually fired someone for calling him it!'

I turn to look at Leah, she must be kidding. She looks really serious but that can't be true he wouldn't be able to get away with it, HR would have him up for it surly.

'You're kidding?'

'I don't know for sure as it was before I started but that's what they say.'

'Nah I don't believe you. Richards a pussy cat.'

'You're half right there Eva.' Jet grimaces. He's clearly not a fan of Richard but I like them both so I'm not going to pick sides.

'Anyway, has Jet told you about payday drinks?' Marcus asks me drawing my attention back to him and away from Jet momentarily.

'No?'

'Well as you know it's payday on Friday and our tradition is to go out as a team for a bonding experience with lots of alcohol.'

'Oh that sounds good, who goes?'

'Everyone except your lover usually.'

Jet interjects and I think I pick up on a hint of jealousy in his voice.

'He's not my lover, he's my boss! But payday drinks sound good, count me in.'

'Great you can get ready with me Candice and Lizzie. We go straight from work so us girls have to change and do out hair and makeup in the toilets after work.'

'Lizzie's the one sitting over there next to Candice?'

'Yeah that's right, and next to her is James. Did Jet not introduce you go anyone?'

'That's not my job as a trainer that's up to Richard or Candice isn't it.'

Jet has a point one of them should have made all the introductions. I've been here over a week I still don't know names of people who are sitting one pod away.

'Payday drinks will be the perfect opportunity to meet everyone properly then.'

'Sounds good to me!'

Now I need to find the perfect outfit to impress Jet. I can't wait!

##  Chapter 11

'I love that lipstick Eva can I borrow some?'

I'm not usually one to share my makeup, I think it's a bit unhygienic and a bit skanky but I'm still trying to make friends so on this occasion I'll lend it to Lizzie. I draw the line on mascara though; I'm not sharing eyelash mites with anyone.

'Sure here you go.'

I reluctantly hand over my brand new and ridiculously expensive lipstick and watch her plaster it on.

We were meant to meet the boys twenty minutes ago but these women take forever to get ready. I changed and reapplied my make up quickly and I'm now just hanging out in the toilets waiting for them to finish up.

'I've left my purse at my desk, I'll be back in a few minutes.'

I've not actually left it I'm just feeling stifled in this tiny room with its bright lights, smell of air fresheners and mixture of perfumes. There are just too many women squeezed in such a small space all peacocking in front of the mirror. I would say all the women I work with are above average looks wise so maybe they need more maintenance where as I know that no matter how many layers of makeup I plaster on I won't ever be a model so why not just be myself.

I head for the tranquillity of the empty finance office and take a seat just inside the door. Everyone has gone home so I put my feet up on the desk in front of me and lean back closing my eyes to make the most of my relaxation.

'I thought you were going out with the rest of the team tonight?'

I fling my eyes open to see Richard standing directly over me, he's so close I can smell the washing powder on his trousers.

Richard must realise he's standing a bit close and his crotch is practically in my face because as soon as I open my eyes he takes a step back.

'I am going out, are you going to join us?'

'Why are you alone in an empty office then?'

'The office isn't empty though is it, you're in here sneaking around in the dark.'

'Did you know I was here?'

'No clearly not or I wouldn't be slouching here with my feet up!'

'Maybe remove your feet from the desk now?'

Oh shit! I quickly take my feet down and sit up straight as if I were working.

'Sorry Richard.'

'I much prefer it when you call me by my name rather than insisting on calling me Ritchie all the time just to wind me up or look funny in front of your new team.'

'The last time I called you it was the only time I've done it to get a reaction I promise, every other time it was a genuine mistake. You know when you first hear someone's name and that's how you remember them forever? Well the first time I heard someone say your name, other than you of course was that guy calling you Ritchie so it stuck.'

'Well kindly un-stick it then.'

'I will if you un-stick Ms Garcia and just call me Eva!'

I can see Richard thinking about this. I wonder where my confidence has come from - why am I rude to him? He's my boss and I'm scared of him so why do I say these things to him? The words just seem to leave my mouth before I can stop them.

'No one talks to me the way you do, one person a while back tried and I fired him for being disrespectful. Tell me why you're still here Ms Garcia?'

'There could be a few reasons, the first being I'm very good at my job the second being you like that I'm different from the rest and the third being that you are secretly in love with me!'

'Well you certainly are different from my other staff and the biggest klutz I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.'

'After my first day were you expecting to see me again?'

'In all honesty? No but I'm glad I did.'

'Eva!!'

Leah bursts through the office door shouting at the top of her lungs, I think she's possibly drunk too much already.

She stumbles over to me mumbling about how long I've been gone until she suddenly sees Richard lurking in the shadows next to me.

'Well I guess that's my cue to leave, sure you won't join us Ritchie?'

'Yes quite sure. Do enjoy yourselves and make sure you're back to work in one piece on Monday.'

'Why were you in the office alone with him?'

Leah practically shouts her question at me before we've even made it to the office door. I know full well that Richard can hear us and I'm embarrassed on Leah's behalf.

'How much have you drunk?'

'Quite a bit, we have more in the loos come join the party before we go meet the boys!'

I can feel Richard's eyes burning into the back of my head so I turn to give him one last glance before I leave the room, and whatever moment we just shared far behind.

Richard pretends he wasn't watching me by pulling out his phone but I'm pretty sure it's just a rouse, there's something very odd about him and I'm finding myself more and more intrigued by him.

'There are the guys, let's get some drinks and go over!'

Lizzie shouts excitedly when she sees Jet, Marcus and James.

I'm quite drunk by now so I'm feeling really confident and ready to impress Jet.

Jorja and I were discussing my plan of action for tonight and she announced that men were interested in women who were flexible...

'Oh my God I love this song Leah, let's go dance!'

Jet has noticed us and I can feel him staring at me across the club with the guys, well at least I hope it's me he's staring at.

I need to do something impressive, something flexible that will look sexy, and I know I can do the standing splits. Well I could when I was at college anyway...

'Want to see something impressive?'

Lizzie and Leah stare at me, I'm not sure they've heard me over the music but they nod excitedly anyway.

I grab my foot and lift it as high as I can but with my clumsy drunken balance I wobble and before I can stop myself I've kicked Lizzie in the face! I still have my leg up in the air watching Lizzie scream in pain. I can't balance on my other leg any longer but the shock of Lizzie's bleeding face and screams makes me freeze. My balance goes completely but the alcohol melting my senses means I forget to let go of my leg and fall to the floor still holding my leg above my head. It hurts my broken ribs as my chest and face break my fall.

As I get up I can already see the bruise appear around the cut to Lizzies face and I feel terrible.

'What the hell happened there? Shall I get a first aider?'

'Yes Jet I think that's for the best!'

Jet rushes off to get help while Leah takes Lizzie over to one of the soft leather sofas. I follow them feeling totally shamefaced and a bit hurt.

'I'm so sorry Lizzie!'

##  Chapter 12

'But what did he think of your flexibility?'

'I really think you're missing the point here Jorja!'

A flashback hit me of last night's drunken antics which ended abruptly when the paramedics had to come get Lizzie and take her in to hospital, possibly to get her face sewn back together. Her cries loud enough to be heard over the thumping music along with Leah and the boys asking me what I was playing at. I couldn't speak, there was nothing I could do but stare on in horror.

'Maybe you should get them to take a look at you as well, that's quite a bit of blood coming from your nose and didn't you land on your broken ribs?'

Marcus appears at my side, how does he know about my broken ribs and what does he mean my nose is bleeding? I reach up to touch it and I'm surprised by the pain. He's right there is blood on my face!

I feel faint, no I feel sick! Before I can stop myself I vomit covering the floor and everything close to me which unfortunately includes Marcus. This is the time the tears started and a paramedic rushed over to check on me. That's the last thing I really remember...

'What is the point then?'

'What do you mean?'

'You said, that's not the point so what is the point?'

'I think I cry too much! I need to be braver!'

'So you put someone in hospital and the only relevant thing you can learn from the whole experience is that you cry too much!'

'Oh Jorge how am I ever going to go back to work on Monday? This is a disaster! I can't even focus on what's happened, I feel sick!'

'Sick with embarrassment? Sick with fear of dealing with it on Monday? Sick with the physical pain you've caused yourself? Or sick with a hangover?'

Jorja's eyes twinkle as she asks me this but all I can think of is my upset stomach and the fact she's just said sick way to many times.

I take a deep breath and try to clear my mind but it doesn't help. Reluctantly I pull the covers off me and leap from my bed finding myself running to the toilet with my hand firmly clamped over my mouth.

As I open my eyes again my head pounds, I feel like I've just been knocked out in a boxing ring. I survey my surroundings to find I'm still in my pyjamas tucked up snug as a bug in my bed. The clock says 2.05 and it's only the natural light that alerts me to the fact it must be the afternoon not the middle of the night. I roll onto my side and see a pack of pain killers and a glass of water on my bedside table, next to them is a large orange bowl which Jorja and I have named the "oops had one too many bowl", it's role in our house is simple, it's purely for accepting sick when we can't make it to the bathroom in time.

I take the pain killers and as much water as I can before I feel it starting to come up again then I lean my head back on the pillow and turn on my TV for some trashy soaps.

Within minutes of the TV being on I hear a knock at my door before Jorja quietly lets herself in.

'Hey sweetheart how are you feeling?'

'Groggy but a bit better thanks.'

'So are you well enough for company?'

I pat the bed besides me indicating Jorja should come and sit back where she was before my nap. Without hesitation she bounds over and jumps on my bed causing it to shake until I think I may be sick again.

'Ah Jorge will you sit still!?'

'Sorry Eva! Give us the remote then.'

'I'm watching this.'

'It's crap I'll find something decent.'

Jorja then routes around until she comes across my TV remote and starts flicking through the channels until she finds her favourite program.

'This is worse than what I was watching! All these people that take their friends and family onto a show like this just to shout at each other and I can't stand the host with his clichéd one liners and shouting at the unfortunate saps that go on there for his help!'

'Hey don't knock it you could be on there soon enough, what would your bi-line be? "I got drunk and kicked a hole in your face to impress a boy" or how about "my crazy stalker is now my wife" I could go on I'm sure there are plenty of them.'

'Gee thanks Jorja, although you'll be disappointed to learn that no matter how bad things get I will never lower myself to go on show like that!'

'Oh but I want to go on as your friend who backs you all the way until the truth comes out and then I'll be like "oh no you didn't!" Plus I want to visit the set and of course meet Mr shouty host as well as he's a bit sexy!'

'Eww Jorge! Sexy? Really? He's old and minging!'

'But he's a man in charge, you wouldn't mess with him would you? A bit like your boss actually.'

'Oh God!'

'What? Oh no Eva what else did you do last night?'

'I think I flirted with Richard! I went into the office before we went out and Richard appeared from nowhere. It was just the two of us, I think he was flirting with me and I was flirting back!'

I bury my face in my hands and groan as more memories flood back to me.

'Tell me all, don't miss anything out I have to know the full details so I can help you work out a plan for Monday.'

After I explained all to Jorja we spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get me out of the terrible situation I've got myself into. The only thing we could come up with was that I was taking very strong painkillers for my broken ribs which when mixed with the alcohol made me go a little crazy. To be fair this could be slightly true as I was on painkillers so the alcohol mixed with them could have affected me badly.

'Oh shit Eva I've just realised you were booked in to get your hair fixed today!'

Jorja and I have spent the rest of today in my bed watching TV and chatting in between our damage control. We are now eating take away pizza and drinking copious amounts of fizzy.

'Please tell me they will be open tomorrow. Hairdressers open on a Sunday right?'

'Erm no I don't think they do. It's too late now, they'll be shut so I guess we'll have to try and call them tomorrow.'

'How could I forget that? I've been counting down the days until I can get it fixed!'

The hair products the hairdresser gave me have been working well, the frizz has died down a great deal and my hair no longer feels like straw. It's also no longer falling out in clumps although it is still ginger and horrible.

I've yet to tell my parents, I'm hoping that I'll have it fixed by the time I see then next so there's no need to upset them. You'd think at twenty four I would be old enough to do what I want with my own body but there are certain things that my parents wouldn't cope with, tattoos for example. If I ever got a tattoo I would have to get one that my parents couldn't see. Same with piercings, well other than one set of earrings. I think they would disown me if I took Jet home to meet them. That's a point actually, how will I introduce them? I'm talking like Jet and me are already together, am I a little bit deluded?

'Its fine Hun we'll get it sorted for you.'

'Sorry? Get what sorted?'

'Your hair! Are you not even listening to me?'

'I'm sorry Jorge I think I need an early night. Do you want to put on a film and stay with me until I fall asleep?'

'Sure lie down then Hun.'

I remember the first twenty minutes of the film but that's about all before my eyes closed until the next morning.

##  Chapter 13

The walk to work took twice as long as usual. I could literally feel myself dragging my feet but there was just nothing I could do about it. The thought of going in and facing everyone was almost too much at one point and I had to phone Jorja for some support. Her words of wisdom were "man the fuck up" which although it made me laugh it didn't help me in the slightest.

I wanted so badly to call in sick this morning but to have done that I'd have to phone Candice and if I'm going to talk to her over the phone I may as well go in and talk to her in person, also I would still have to go in and face everyone tomorrow. What's the point in prolonging the agony?

I wish I had Lizzie's phone number or even her email address so I could have spoke to her and apologised yesterday. I don't have any numbers yet and I can imagine after Friday night it will be a while before I get them, if ever.

I didn't even make it to my office before I found myself at a standstill. I just stand waiting outside the main office block. I was there for a while just staring up at the windows of my office on the third floor. I must have looked a bit of a state because the security guard was watching me through the glass and when I sat down on the step he came out to check on me.

I tell him I'm fine but I can see he doesn't believe me; luckily he goes back inside and carries on with his work.

'What is it this time Ms Garcia?'

Richards's voice startles me, he's far too stealthy for my liking, almost cat like in his grace.

I watch him take in every part of me with those quizzical eyes of his. In return I look him up and down; he looks somewhat casual today in his dark pink shirt and plain black trousers and shoes. He has no jacket on but is showing no signs of being cold on this frosty morning.

It's early, almost forty minutes before I'm due to start and half an hour before the rest of the team will start to arrive, this was a clever tactic thought up by Jorja who knows I'll be too scared to go inside straight away and who knows it's easier to be there when they arrive and not have to walk past them all as if I'm doing a walk if shame.

'You'll understand soon enough. I take it you've not talked to Candice or anyone else from the team over the weekend?'

'No I don't make a habit of talking to my staff outside of office hours. Why? What have I missed?'

'Are you not friends with anyone outside of work?'

'No I like to keep my work and social life as separate as possible. Tell me what has happened. Now please.'

'I forgot that I shouldn't drink when I was taking my pain killers and got drunk, but like crazy out of control drunk. I was trying to impress... The team with my ability to do the splits standing up but... Messed up and ended up kicking Lizzie in the face with my stiletto heel and she had to go to the hospital and then I fell flat on my face and almost broke my nose.'

'You amaze me Ms Garcia!'

This almost sounds like a compliment but I know it's not; it's a dig at me for being so stupid.

I stay silent waiting for him to continue whatever it is he wants to say to me. But I've been outside for a while and I'm frozen to my bones, I'm finally ready to go inside but it would be rude to say this to Richard after he's come out to get me.

'You're shivering, let's go inside.'

I silently thank him but say nothing out loud I don't want him to know I was ready to go in anyway. Instead I quickly lead the way into the building. The friendly security man smiles happily at me, he looks a bit smug that by calling my boss he has got me to go inside rather than standing out in the cold like an irrational person.

'We're getting the lift.'

I sound grumpy but it's only because I'm cold and I don't want to be there.

'Of course, is this the end if our conversation?'

'I don't know Richard. I'm not sure what else is left to say.'

'Well I'd say we've barely started the conversation. You know what we're going to the canteen to get a hot drink to warm us then you're coming to my office for a meeting before the team get in.'

Richard walks away from the lift and heads up the stairs to the canteen on the first floor. I slowly follow him, I know it's only one flight of steps but my legs hurt when they move since they are now blocks of ice and we'll have to go up another two flights of stairs after this. I'm going to buy some chocolate from the canteen for energy.

'Come on then slow coach.'

Richard turns around to smile down at me from the top of the stairs, he's probably just checking I haven't fallen up them. Richard seems surprisingly chipper for this time of morning especially knowing he's going to have to deal not only with me being emotional but pretty soon with possibly a clash of employees.

'Alright, alright I'm coming!'

I plod up the stairs in a grump, when I reach the top Richard practically pulls me up the last couple of steps. He's uncharacteristically happy and rather than filling me with joy it fills me with unease. Why is he in such a good mood?

'Right what drink would you like?'

'Wine? No I'm kidding a hot chocolate would be great thanks.'

'I would say you've had enough wine to last you a while. What cake would you like with your hot chocolate?'

Ooh cake as well I'm not going to complain about this!

'Something chocolaty?'

'Righto!'

I can see why Richard spends so much time hiding in his office now. It's so peaceful, he even has a big tank of tropical fish! He has a large dark wooden desk with a chocolate leather swivel chair behind it and two chocolate leather bucket chairs in front. There is also a small chocolate leather sofa along the wall next to the door which looks super comfy, like the type you would sink into. I really want to melt into the sofa and put my feet up but instead I make my way over to one of the bucket seats and sit down. It's softer than it looks and I instantly relax.

'Here you go, here's your nice healthy chocolate treats as you call them.'

Richard places my drink and cake down in front of me and takes his own from the poor canteen staff that he made walk up two flights of stairs, even though I offered to carry my own! He told me I wasn't allowed to carry my own because I was a danger to myself and would end up chucking it over him by mistake. To be fair to him he may be slightly right although I'm more than capable of carrying things up the stairs, or in the lift which is what I initially suggested.

'Will that be all sir?'

'Yes thank you, I appreciate you bringing it up have a drink on me for the effort.'

Richard hands the young man some money before practically pushing him out the door and shutting it in his face. I don't think he is really allowed to tip the staff as Candice explained about the bribery act, she even made me sign something to say I wouldn't do it and I would say that was a way of bribing someone... I could be wrong though.

'So we have a few minutes before the staff arrive. How are you going to handle the situation?'

'Erm apologise and hope she understands.'

'Would you like to wait in here and I'll bring her in so you can do it without everyone watching?'

'That would be amazing! I'm going to apologise to the rest of the team as well as I made such a tit of myself.'

'Were you trying to impress someone in particular?'

I'm surprised by Richards question, I didn't think he'd be interested in the human part of the situation just the resolving part and purely for the sake of the team.

'No... Not really... I guess just wanting to fit in.'

'Earlier it sounded like you were going to say you were trying to impress Jet.'

'Oh did it? Mmm this cake is yummy. Thanks for this, and for being so kind to me!'

'You're quite welcome but don't tell anyone because they'll all expect the same treatment.'

Hmm maybe he's trying to bribe me? Okay time to forget about this whole bribing thing before I become obsessed.

We sit quietly indulging in our food and drink until we hear the voices outside.

'Wait here while I go have a chat with the team and get Lizzie.'

Richard is back to his stern self as he stands to wipe the crumbs off his shirt then marches out of his spacious office leaving me alone to stare at the duck egg blue walls, so different to the stark white we have in our office.

Richard's gone for longer than would be necessary to just get Lizzie so I'm pretty sure he's explaining my predicament to the team!

Lizzie walks into the office closely followed by Richard who pushes the door tightly shut behind them.

Lizzie has a white square bandage on her cheek and a black eye above it. I feel terrible, even worse now I've see her in person!

'I'm so sorry Lizzie I can't believe I've done that to you. What did the hospital say?'

'Richard has explained that you didn't realise you couldn't mix your pills with alcohol and how upset you were. I accept your apology; hopefully the cut will heal quickly. The hospital cleaned it and stitched it up for me, they were quite sure I won't be left with a scar so that's great news!'

'Oh my God it was bad enough for you to need stitches? I'm so sorry!'

'Really it's fine.'

She's taking this remarkably well, she doesn't even sound like she's forcing kindness. I wonder what else super boss said to her?

'Right well Eva has apologised and Lizzie has accepted the apology so I would say all is good here? I suggest you ladies go back to work now.'

I'm not sure I like Richard calling me Eva, I've got quite used to being called Ms Garcia from him. However as always he gets his way, Lizzie and I quickly make our way out of his office ready for me to start my walk of shame.

As I slowly walk towards my desk keeping my head firmly facing the floor I can feel all eyes on me; cringe. I sit down at my desk and set about starting up my computer and loading all the programs I need trying not to look at anyone.

'Soooo Friday night eh?'

'Yeah...'

'Man you were wasted! I bet you had the worst hangover on Saturday!'

'Mmmhmm not surprisingly I slept and puked most if Saturday. Did you stay out?'

Jet looks at me like I'm crazy and I have to look away again.

'Surprisingly after that drama and blood none of us were in the partying mood so we went home.

'Oh.'

Well done Eva way to kill the conversation with the only person on the team who actually wants to talk to you right now! This is going to be a long day.

##

##  Chapter 14

I feel on top of the world as I stride into the office.

After my crappy day at work yesterday where no one wanted to talk to me and if they did talk to me they gave me dirty looks. To give him his credit Jet tried a couple of times to make small talk with me but it just wasn't happening.

When I finished work I decided to pop into the hairdressers on the off chance they could fit me in and to my great amazement and joy they actually had a space. So now I have a beautiful new hairdo, I've got rid of the ginger bits with a nice dark dye just a little lighter than my natural colour. I now also have proper streaks of purple and pink through my hair and it's all soft and beautifully conditioned. While I was in there I also had some nice soft layers cut in and a side fringe, I'm so thrilled with the final outcome that I've almost forgotten the disaster that was my original Jorja styled hair.

When I woke up this morning and saw my silky smooth and beautiful hair I felt so pleased with myself that I decided today was the day to actually try the makeup style the beautician had shown me but with Jorja's help we managed to get it a little less sad clown and a lot sexier punky glam.

I then chose one of my favourite new dresses and knee high boots and I have to say I feel very sexy.

'Wow! You look... Amazing! I mean seriously wow!'

I'm so overjoyed by Jets reaction that I can't say a word all I can do is grin and blush.

'Sorry Eva I didn't mean to embarrass you, not that you should be embarrassed by a compliment!'

'Sorry. Thank you Jet.'

So far Jet and I are the only ones in and it feels nice to be back to normality with him. I just hope the rest of the team will be as welcoming when they get in.

I can see Richard walking up the centre of the office, now could be a good time to try out the making Jet jealous by flirting with Richard thing. It's best to do that when there aren't many people about to witness it.

'I'm going to go grab a hot chocolate, would you like one?'

'Nah I'm alright thanks Eva.'

As soon as Jet has declined I grab my pass and sling it around my neck before practically jumping out of my seat and rushing towards Richard.

'Morning Ritchie would you like a hot drink?'

'Whoa, slow down Ms Garcia you practically fell into me then!'

Richard steadies himself and takes a step back so he can take me in fully before continuing.

'You've sorted your hair, you look... A bit overdressed for work... But it suits you.'

'Thank you, I'm glad you like it.'

I smile sweetly at Richard as I push my breasts together with my arms until they practically pop out of my top.

'Yes. Well I can't stay chatting, as always I've got a busy day ahead of me.'

'Of course, don't let me keep you! I'm going to go get a hot drink would you like one?'

'That would be most kind of you, would you like some company?'

Before I have a chance to reply Richard has already turned around ready to lead the way to the canteen, so much for his busy schedule.

'Sure company would be good but this time we are going in the lift.'

'We are not catching the lift for two floors. If you walk both ways you will have earnt the reward of a slice of cake or a chocolate bar to go with your hot chocolate.'

Impressive argument and he knows what I drink. I agree with his argument before following him out of the office. As we pass the rest of the team making their way in I take their drinks orders one by one. Richard doesn't seem thrilled by all the delays but reluctantly waits for me to finish writing them all down, I'll forget by the time I've got to the canteen if I don't write them down.

'Just a word of warning for you, cosying up to the boss won't win you any favours with the rest of the team. We don't really like brown nosers here.'

I'm shocked by Jets warning. I was flirting not brown nosing! He was meant to be jealous not rude!

'That's good to know but I wasn't "cosying" up to Richard though was I, I was getting drinks for the team and he offered to help me so your little warning was a bit of a moot point.'

I sound really bitter as I practically spit this at him. I'm not sure where this venom has come from but I'm angry, suddenly really angry at him for interfering and telling me how to live my life.

'Hey don't get pissy with me I was trying to help but just forget I said anything!'

Leah spins around in her seat when she hears Jets raised voice. She's hardly said two words to me since the face kicking incident but now we have caught her attention.

'Is he being rude to you?'

'It's fine. I just won't bother getting the rest of the team drinks anymore if it's going to cause such problems.'

'Jet what are you saying to her?'

'I'm saying what we are all thinking that's all!'

'Ignore him Eva he's just being a dick because you're paying Richard more attention than you're paying him and Jet likes to be the number one man of the office.'

Jet says nothing to this, he simply gets up and walks out the office.

'He's left now because he knows I'm the man of the office closely followed by Richard.'

Marcus grins at me and I'm thankful that they are not only talking to me but they are actually defending me. I wish Jet would calm down and come back though.

'Can I have a return to Birmingham please? I want to leave tomorrow and return on Friday.'

'I'm sorry you've left it too late I can't authorise the travel cost without more information.'

'I'm not explaining my plans to some jobs worth! Just get me the tickets now or I'll contact your boss, what's your name?'

'I'm sorry sir but I will not be spoken to like that. You need to follow the correct procedure and request your tickets at least a week in advance, unless you can give me a good reason as to why you need them at such short notice.'

'Do you know who I am? Have you even checked your knowledge base before you reject my request?'

'Like I said I am sorry but the policy is the same for everyone!'

Jet wheels over to my desk and plugs his headset into my phone so he can listen in to my call. I'm feeling really anxious now, this is my first nasty customer and the fact that Jet has come over must mean I'm not handling it how I should be.

Since he stormed off earlier Jet has been very quiet, not talking to anyone on the team just getting on with his own work and staring out the window like a brooding teenager.

'Open your knowledge base and type in Simon Kearney then once you've done that I suggest you get your manager!'

'Right hold the line!'

I mute the phone and start the search for my knowledge base. I should have it up already seeing as it has all the important information in it, I must remember to keep it open. I'm starting to panic a bit and can't seem to click on any of the right things now I have got myself in a bit of a fluster.

'Eva what are you doing? You must recognise his name? Candice you're going to need to come take this call.'

Jet calls Candice over before I can answer or work out who he is.

'What's the problem?'

Candice is all smiles until she notices Jets look of worry. That's when I finally find his name listed, oh shit he's one of the big bosses of our online retail department.

'What's wrong?'

'Eva's upset Simon Kearney!'

'Oh God! Welcome to the team officially then Eva.'

Candice grabs a spare chair before she takes over my desk and headset.

'Listen to the call with my headset, I'm going for a piss.'

'How eloquently put, thanks Jet.'

I don't argue though I just grab the headset and listen to poor Candice taking the wrap and having to apologise continually.

When Candice raises her voice the rest of the team turn to watch and I'm left feeling alienated again.

When the call finally ends Candice wipes imaginary sweat from her forehead before holding her hand up to me waiting for a high five.

'Come on don't keep me hanging give me a high five that was your first nasty call and with one of our notoriously grumpy customers. He thinks he owns us so it's best to just go with it and do what he wants you too.'

I do as I'm asked and give Candice a high five which makes everyone on the team cheer, even Lizzie. So it looks like I've been accepted into the fold.

##  Chapter 15

'Eva what are you doing!?'

I hadn't heard Jorja come into the room so she startles me. I almost drop my laptop as I jump out of my skin, damn it I didn't want to get caught.

'Nothing... Updating my status that's all!'

'How are you updating your status from Jets profile?'

I slam the lid of my laptop down embarrassed. It's bad enough she knows I stalk him, she doesn't need to see it. It's almost like when you first get drunk or have sex, your parents know it's probably happening but should never be a whiteness to it.

'Yeah alright. So what's for tea tonight?'

Wednesday night is take away night, I'm feeling like Indian but any take away is good for me if it means no cooking.

'Right lets ignore the elephant in the room then, how about pizza?'

'Yes thanks for that! Ummm how do you feel about Indian?'

'I guess so. Oh what about fish and chips?'

'Yes go get it!'

'Eva you're going to have to learn to drive soon you can't rely on me taxiing you everywhere.'

'I know and I will, I promise I'm just scared and it's so expensive!'

'Oh my freaking God Eva how did we not think about this sooner!? Fantastic!'

Before I can ask Jorja what she's talking about she grabs her bag and heads out of the front door leaving me wondering what an earth she was talking about. Oh well back to my Jet stalking while I wait for her to get back.

When Jorja arrives home with the fish and chips she also brings me two 'L' signs and some leather gloves.

'Erm thanks?'

'You're welcome, now come help me dish up and get drinks.'

I dubiously follow Jorja and the smell of the fish and chips through to the kitchen.

'So Jorge, the gifts?'

'Oh right did you not get the plan before I left? Basically you're going to spend lots of lovely time bonding with Jet because he's going to teach you to drive!'

'Is he? Why would he do that?'

'You're going to convince him that he wants to teach you to drive. Tell him that your ex was going to teach you but then you split up and now you don't think you'll be able to learn because it's so expensive. If you can get some tears going that will be even better!'

'I can try I guess, it's normal for a friend to teach another friend to drive right? It won't be a weird request?'

'Yeah totally normal I bet he will be thrilled to teach you, show off his skills.'

'I've never tried to drive before is it hard?'

'Nah it's easy you'll be fine! Shall I see if Seb will bring over that game that he's been raving about? You know the one where you drive about and shoot people and race. I know it's not quite the same but it could help a bit?'

Seb is Jorja's older brother, he's really nice but spends all of his spare time playing games and living in the virtual world.

'Isn't the aim of that to drive too fast and run people down?'

'Yeah maybe... Actually don't play that you're so accident prone you don't want to pick up any bad habits from there it you'll end up killing Jet!'

'Thanks for the vote of confidence there Jorge.'

I grab my full plate and make my way back into the lounge in a strop.

'Are you going to ask him then?'

Jorja follows me clearly oblivious to my grumpy mood. As she throws herself down onto the sofa next to me she nearly sends me and my food flying.

'And you say I'm accident prone!'

'Chill out love nothing spilled!'

'Hmm.'

'Shall we watch a film then?'

'Yeah go on. I may text Jet and ask him for a lesson now.'

'Wait a minute! When did you get Jets number?'

I can't help my smug grin. After my nasty customer today I had the best afternoon at work, suddenly I was part of the team and everyone wanted to talk to me. Since I've got home I've been sent friend requests and followed and all sorts. I'm not sure how one bad phone call has done. This but I guess it's like some sort of initiation onto the team. Luckily Candice managed to calm down that nasty man and she congratulated me on how I handled the call. Things are looking up for me now. My team are awesome and I finally love my job, something I've never been able to say until now.

'How did I get Jets number? I'm just that good! Nah I'm kidding he just gave me it in case I need to get in touch.'

'He gave you his number today?'

I nod in response to her question as I gulp down my drink.

'Then it's too soon to text him. Ask him when you see him tomorrow instead. But you need something to get his attention before then... Pass me your laptop a minute.'

I don't know how Jorja is so clued up on these things. I don't even know if it will work after all Jorja is single and has been for just over a year so she could be talking utter crap!

I hand over my laptop with good faith however, let's see what her plan is.

'Go grab your purse as well.'

'Oh no I'm not spending any more money, after the new clothes, makeup and hair I'm well and truly broke!'

'Don't you even want to hear what the plan is?'

'Oh go on then, maybe we can make it cheaper?'

'You're going to send yourself the biggest most amazing, but cheap I guess, bunch of flowers to your office. There will be a note on them saying "missing you and always thinking of you, forever yours xxx" that will get everyone talking and Jets green eyed monster should come out to play.'

'That sounds like such a simple but effective plan! I love it. How about as you didn't actually pay to have my hair fixed you can pay to send me flowers instead?'

'I did say I would pay you back for your hair but yeah this works out a lot cheaper for me. Let's go for it!'

We search for flowers and manage to find a great site. Jorja wouldn't let me see the flowers, she said I need to look surprised when they arrive and if I know what they look like then I can't be surprised. I guess it makes sense but I think she was only saying it as an excuse to send me to go get more drinks.

I like our planning nights, what better night is there than one filled with take away, films and good conversation with my best friend.

##  Chapter 16

'Those flowers are really nice. You really don't know who they are from?'

'You've told me they're nice 100 times today and I've told you 100 times I don't know who they're from; my ex I guess! Or possibly this guy I met at the weekend.'

I improvise this last bit, a weekend guy was not part of Jorja's plan I was meant to say about the ex and leave it like that. Keep the mystery there.

'This weekend?'

'Yep.'

'I thought you said you were ill the whole weekend and didn't leave the house?'

Oh shit! Now what? What can I possibly say to this?

'Yeah... I was home... Jorja brought over some friends to help keep me company.'

'Ah, I thought you were going to say you met someone on Friday and that's why you did the weird face kick thing, you know to try and impress him or something.'

Oh Jet if only you knew the truth.

'No I came straight out with the girls on Friday, I didn't even get a chance to check out any men before... The incident.'

Jet and I have been walking to his car, he was surprisingly happy to take me out for lessons starting straight away. He's now stopped next to a dark green car which I recognise from photos that I've seen during my stalking sessions online.

'Ooh is this your car?'

'She is indeed, meet Chella!'

Oh dear he's named his car! This is usually a no for me but I'll let him off as he's a bit lush.

'Chella?'

'That's right. Now have you ever driven before?'

'Nope, never even sat in the drivers' seat.'

'Oh my God how have you not? You're actually telling me that at twenty four you've never once even sat behind the wheel? That's crazy.'

'Hmm you say crazy I say sensible. Are you sure you want to do this? What if I mess up your car?'

'You won't mess her up because a. You're not insured and therefore we will be staying in car parks which is still technically illegal but you can't harm anything. Although we're not staying in this one as it's still far too busy to trust you with! And b. I'm teaching you to drive and I'm awesome so you won't go wrong with my amazing instruction!'

I wish I had some of Jets confidence. I must not get distracted by him and mess up.

'Okay teacher if you say so. Shall we get on with it now?'

Jet unlocks the car from the passenger side as its closer then holds the door open for me to get in, who knew he had manners.

'Why thank you Mr Anderson.'

'Don't do that. Don't surname me like Richard does to you.'

'Sorry I didn't realise it upsets you.'

Jet doesn't reply to this he just shuts the car door and stomps over to the driver's side and gets in. He starts the engine without a word and starts to drive.

I can feel the butterflies in my stomach but I'm not sure if that's due to the face I'm sitting alone in a car with the man I secretly love or if its nerves about the thought of driving.

***

'I feel sick... Are you sure about this? Maybe you should just drive me home?'

'Nah don't be a wimp you'll love it once you get going!'

Jet pulls into a big hardware stores car park, it's pretty much deserted other than a couple of boy racers parked up in one corner with their music blaring. He takes the 'L' plates from the dash board and opens the door. As he walks to the front of the car he sticks one on the bonnet then opens my door before heading round to the back to stick the other magnetic plate on.

'Come on then, hop out.'

Jet holds his hand out to me as he makes his way back to my side. I happily take his hand, only wishing my hands weren't so sweaty. I climb out of the car and slowly walk around the back to the driver's door. As I sit down I sink right back into the seat, Jet isn't much taller than me but I feel totally out of place with his seat settings.

'Right now adjust the seat and mirrors so you can reach and see everything.'

I fiddle about with buttons and leavers until I feel a bit more comfortable. I'm not sure how my mirrors are meant to be but I can see out of them and the one between Jet and me is now low enough for me to see my own reflection in so I can see if I look calm now.

'Do you know anything?'

'About driving or just life in general?'

I grin at Jet quite pleased with my little joke, although thinking about it it's a bit offensive to me...

'Driving of course. You're a very smart woman Eva.'

I blush furiously as I try to distract myself with the dials in front of me.

'Aww thanks Jet. Is Mel really smart?'

'Erm yeah I guess so. Let's not talk about her though.'

I'm not going to push him here in the hopes he may open up a bit later on. Instead I quietly listen and take in everything he says about how to actually start the car and make it drive.

'Go on then give it a go!'

I do as Jet says and carefully turn the key in the ignition turning on the car.

'Okay now find the biting point, release the hand break and go. Slowly! Don't over rev!'

'Stop shouting at me, I don't know what you're saying! How do I find a biting point? What's a rev?'

'Oh God! Stop the car.'

Jet pulls out his phone and searches the Internet for some videos of idiots' guides to driving.

'Watch these first then we'll try again. I'm gonna go find us some drinks.'

Jet gets out the car slamming the door behind him. He seems grumpy but I can't help that I've never done this before so I'm not going to feel guilty. Instead I quietly watch the videos and acquaint myself with the car.

'You're doing quite well! How does it feel?'

I still feel like I'm going to be sick any minute and I don't think my hands will be stopping shaking any time soon but it's alright.

'I'm still a bit scared but it's not as hard as I thought.'

As I say this something flies up from the front of the car and lands directly in front of me on the windscreen.

'Stop! Stop the car!'

I stop the car with a neck jerking bump as I slam on the break. Before I can ask what the problem is Jet has hopped out the car and is walking in front of it. I best put on the handbrake just to be on the safe side... Now is that the thing I need to make sure I put my foot on the clutch before using? I'm sure it won't do any harm if I use the clutch if not needed, it's better to use it and not need it then to need it but not use it.

I put my foot on the clutch hard but before I get a chance to put the hand break on the car jumps forward and to my horror knocks Jet over!

I yank the hand break on and run from the car to check on Jet, he's lay on his back grabbing hold of his shin and shouting.

'Aaahhhh!! You ran me over you silly bitch!'

'I'm so sorry Jet, what can I do to make it better?'

I rush to his side and wrap my arms around his shoulders in a bear hug come soothing motion. I feel terrible for hurting him but a sick little part of me is loving the cuddle and the closeness I'm feeling right now.

'Aaahhh!'

'Let me see, where does it hurt?'

I desperately start to pull at his trouser leg to see if I can spot any blood or broken bones although I didn't hit him that hard... Well I don't think I did anyway.

'Haha get off me you, I've got a very protective girlfriend don't you know? I'm fine, I'm just pulling your leg!'

I drop his leg and stare at him gobsmacked.

'Umm what!?'

'Oops sorry babe you're not annoyed with me are you? It was a joke.'

I'm so surprised I don't know if I'm actually annoyed or not all I can do is stare at him. I think the whole evening has left me in a state of shock.

Jet playfully punches my arm and I instinctively push him back then before I know what's happening he's lay on top of me pinning me down, smiling and laughing in my face.

'Je... I... Should we...'

I'm too distracted by having him lay on top of me, I can't get my words out, I'm not even sure what I want to say to him right now. Certainly not something that would make him get off me any time soon.

'Sorry Eva am I making you uncomfortable?'

Jet asks me in such a seductive way that I practically self combust. He is making me uncomfortable but in the most amazing way ever.

'Why would I be uncomfortable? It's not like I'm lay under a car on concrete or anything.'

'You're right of course.'

Just like that Jet is on his feet and lifting me up.

'Right now let me put your 'L' plate back on because that little bump just shows you are definitely a learner! Now back in the car and no knocking me over please.'

Jet winks as he lets go of my hands leaving me frozen to the spot and feeling suddenly cold and alone. I make my way back into the car in a daze.

'Right are you ready to get going again?'

He must be able to hear my heart beating, it's the only thing I can hear echoing through the car.

'Umm yeah I guess.'

'Confidence Eva, like you own the road.'

I slowly start the engine and the car makes some grumpy sounds before plodding forward.

'Shall we try some figure of eights? Get you used to turning this thing.'

'Sure. Shall I just do them here?'

Jet nods and I follow his command. The first two eights go well and I'm pleased with how quickly I'm picking them up but then Jet tells me to do it a bit faster and I start to lose control.

'You're getting a bit close to the wall. Eva! Watch the wall.'

I can see the wall coming towards us quickly and my instinct takes over. I put my hands over my eyes and scream as the car slides into the wall with a loud screech and a crunch.

I open my eyes to see the look of utter shock and anger on his face. It's enough to make me cry instantly.

'I think we can safely say the lesson is over.'

'I'm sorry Jet.'

'Get out the car Eva!'

##  Chapter 17

'You crashed his car?'

'Obviously not on purpose!'

'Oh Eva why did you cover your eyes?'

'I was scared! I panicked and it was the only thing that I could think to do.'

'What rather than breaking or turning off the engine? That's it you're never driving my car!'

'That's not even the worst of it. I need pizza, a lot of wine and a film to take my mind off it.'

I burry my head into the sofa waiting for Jorja to rush about collecting things to make me feel better. She doesn't, I can feel her stare boring into me, well tough I'm not looking up.

'What else happened? Tell me now.'

'I accidentally ran him over, he was fine and I think he was even trying to flirt with me when we were under the car together.'

'You... When you were... I... I'll get the wine you order the pizza.'

Jorja looks close to meltdown, I wonder what it would be like to live with someone like me? She spends most of her spare time trying to fix me or help sort my life.

'You think he was actually flirting with you?'

'Yeah I'm pretty sure he was.'

'Well in that case we need to find a way to make him want you for sure!'

It's taken almost a whole bottle of wine to settle my stomach enough to eat the pizza. After the trauma of tonight I couldn't stomach anything other than wine but its effects have kicked in now and I'm feeling a lot more relaxed, my hands have even stopped shaking now.

'Jorge you're missing the point again here, it doesn't matter if he was flirting with me to start with now that I've scratched up his car I don't think he's ever going to talk to me again!'

'Did he drive you home?'

'He was going to but I told him I'd walk, I couldn't even look at him. He didn't protest though just let me leave and drove away at high speed.

'What a bastard!'

'Really? I'd just crashed his car I would say that's a totally reasonable thing to do.'

'Eva you keep saying you crashed his car and I've been thinking you're just being a complete drama queen and over reacting like usual but you've said it one too many times now and I'm actually a little worried that you have done some serious damage to his car!'

'I may be over reacting a little but in all honesty his cars in a pretty bad way. The passenger and back door are scratched right across the centre and the front light on that side is also smashed. Oh and the mirror thingy, wing mirror is it? Anyway that's hanging off now. I'll pay to fix it all though which I did tell him at the time. Not entirely sure how I'll pay for it all as I'm guessing it's going to be a lot of money!'

I wait for Jorja to shout but she stays silent just staring open mouthed at me. The room fills with tension and I know I'm in for a lecture now.

'I can't even begin, words fail me they really do! Christ Eva you're a hazard to yourself and everyone around you!'

I can't help the tears building in me, as I break down. My whole body is shaking with un-shed tears as the shock of this night events really start to set in.

I feel Jorja's arms wrap around me as I cry until I can no longer breathe.

'It's okay Eva he will forgive you. You need to go to work tomorrow and just draw a line under it. Offer to pay for any damage or arrange any repairs if he wants you to then say nothing more about it.'

'Do you think?'

'Yep. Now drink some more wine and let's work on our plan to get Jet.'

'Do you think I can call in sick tomorrow? If I drink any more wine it won't be a lie!'

'No Eva you are not calling in sick, you are starting the next phase of our plan. You told him about a random bloke from the weekend right?'

'Erm yeah... Sorry I should have stuck to what you told me to say. I don't think he really believed me anyway to be fair.'

'No no you did the right thing. You now need to tell him that this guy has asked you out and talk about him all the time. Making him jealous with Richie Rich backfired and earned you the title of brown nose but if it's another random bloke then he's bound to get jealous if he really does like you.'

'Oh...so I've done something right then?'

'Yes Eva you have. So who is this guy you've made up?'

'I can't remember... I think I said he was your friend. I may need to start writing all of this down, I'm no good at lying and I don't like doing it. The sooner Jet realises he's in love with me and dumps Mel the better. Oh God what will she say about his car? She doesn't even know he was taking me out for lessons. Maybe I should call him?'

Jorja thinks about what I've just said before leaving the room, returning a few minutes later with the house phone. She thrusts it into my hand.

'Call him, that's a great plan! Phone him now to make sure he got home safe. The alcohol will make it easier to deal with this now so tomorrow there won't be as much tension at work.'

I think about Jorja's logic for a moment before shakily dialling Jet's mobile number, which I am ashamed to admit I have saved to my memory already.

It rings a couple of times and I can feel the wave of sickness returning to me.

'Hello?'

It's not Jet that answers, it's a woman. It must be her.

'Hi... Erm can I talk to Jet please?'

'Who is this?'

I can hear him in the background asking her to hand over his phone, he seems annoyed that she has answered it and I'm tempted to hang up. If I had withheld my number I would have done but she will only phone me back if I hang up now.

'I work with Jet, can I talk to him please?'

'If you work with him why are you calling him in the middle of the night?'

'Sorry I didn't think about the time, I'll talk to him tomorrow.'

Jorja gives me a quizzical look so I mouth Mel at her. She moves closer to me and presses her ear against the phone trying to listen in.

'You're _her_ aren't you?'

'I'm who?'

'Her!'

Mel practically spits this at me. Jorja inhales deeply and I know Mel must have heard her.

'I'm sorry I don't know what you're talking about, can I either talk to Jet or leave you to it.'

'Of course you know what I'm talking about! You're the skank that has scratched the shit out of my boyfriend's car!'

'Oh Erm yeah that's why I'm calling...'

'So you're admitting it then? He said he scratched it himself but I could smell cheap perfume radiating through that car. Thanks for admitting it!'

'It's not cheap perfume it's £50 a bottle!'

'Eva! You're missing the point here.'

Jorja hisses at me but Mel's heard her.

'Eva? That's your name is it? The new girl at work? The klutz who hospitalised someone? The silly bitch who couldn't even make it up the stairs on her first day?'

Oh God he's told her everything. I can hear Jet in the background, he's shouting at her now. Telling her to shut up and hang up the phone.

'Yeah that's right I'm Eva and I'm after your man, just so you know. Bye.'

With that I hang up the phone and throw it at Jorja. What did I just do?

'What did you just do? Go Eva!'

'Tomorrow is going to be a bad day! Time for bed for me I think!'

'Good plan, come on lets go upstairs.'

##  Chapter 18

I wake up ridiculously early the next morning with a stinking hangover and no pain killers. As I lie in bed feeling sorry for myself I know I'm going to have to get up and get on with my day but I can't bring myself to do it just yet.

I wonder if I could get Jorja to go down to the shop for me and get me pain killers and energy drinks. Although I think if I woke her up at six am my life wouldn't be worth living. Death by Jorja would get me out of my predicament though I guess.

It's no use, I need pain killers, time to get up. I drag myself out of bed but the pain is too bad to move, instead of getting dressed I just chuck a jumper on over my pyjamas and as carefully as I can make my way down the stairs and out the front door.

I've never actually gone down to my local shop in my pjs before but it's so early I don't think I'm in any risk of being spotted by anyone other than the old man that runs the shop and I'm sure he sees it all anyway.

I manage to make it half way to the shop before having to stop and throw up down a drain. Yuk! Why did I leave the house? I could have stayed in bed and died quietly but no I had to come out into the big bright world and throw up in public!

Once I've been sick I do feel a little better so I plough on ahead. There is no way I'm calling in sick today, I'd rather go in and puke at my desk then stay home and look like I'm too scared to face him. I make it to the shop and wince at the bell that rings to announce my arrival as I push through the door.

Just inside the shop is the magazine section so I have a quick browse, I think one of the real life stories magazine will help cheer me up this morning. My life can't be as bad as half the people that sell their stories to them.

I grab a magazine with the headlines "Am I my brother's father?" "Raped by my uncle while my dad watched!" and "I gave birth while walking down the aisle!" these are sure to be juicy reads. I make my way through the little brightly lit corner shop picking up some other provisions to get me through the day, energy drinks, chocolate, fruit smoothie, magazine and bacon ready to be cooked when I get home.

The shop is deadly silent so I'm surprised to hear the ping of the bell announcing another visitor at this time of morning. My heart stops as I see his reflection in the mirror above my head. What is he doing here? I cannot let him see me like this, I'm still in my pyjamas for God's sake. Luckily I have the upper hand here, I've seen him but as far as he knows he's the only one in the shop. I stay as quiet as I can keeping my eye on the mirror.

When he starts to walk towards me I rush to the next aisle and duck down behind the sweet stand. There's no way out of this, I'm trapped! The only thing I can do is go and pay for my shopping with the hopes that he will still be browsing the products and not notice me making my break for freedom.

'Excuse me plea... Eva?'

Shit! I look up and there he is standing over me reaching out for a pack of sweets just above my head a carton of fruit juice in his hand.

'Hi Jet. What are you doing here?'

I can't move, I don't want to draw any attention to the fact that I'm in my pjs.

'Mel lives just down the road and didn't have any OJ, she knows I can't start my morning without it but I guess she wasn't expecting me to stay over last night.'

'Oh... She's my neighbour then? I only live down the road as well.'

'Eva? You look terrible!'

'Gee thanks for that.'

'Sorry no offence like but did you even go to sleep last night? I thought I had a rough night.'

Jet seems like his usual self, as if yesterday never happened. I'm not sure how to handle the situation.

'Yes after a great deal of alcohol I had a great nights sleep thanks.'

'I'm pleased for you, I spent most of last night trying to make things right between Mel and me after your call upset her so much, that and looking up garages to fix my car.'

'Oh... sorry!'

'Its fine, I'm sorry for the nasty things Mel said to you. Shall we pretend none of it happened?'

'Yeah that sounds like the best plan to me. I'm going to buy this then head home, see you in the office.'

'You will do, oh and Eva?'

I turn back to look Jet in the eye expecting something profound.

'Cute pjs but I'd say they were best worn at home and normal people clothes should be worn down the shop. You just never know who you will bump into.'

'Thanks for the advice, lesson well and truly learnt!'

I don't say goodbye again I just speed over to the counter and dump my shopping on there without acknowledging the friendly shop owner who can chat for England, I need to get out of here before I collapse.

When I arrive at work the office is still dark so I think I'm the first one in until I get close to my desk and see the little china donkey ornament that Marcus brought back from his travels last summer is now sitting on my desk. That wasn't there when I left last night so someone must be in already and my betting is its Jet. Who else would deem me stupid enough to need the donkey award?

Although none of Jet's, or indeed anyone's stuff is at their desk so maybe I am the first in. Either way I'm grateful for the darkness and peace and quiet. Shall I start sorting my invoices or shall I just have a little power nap for a couple of minutes? I may just rest my head on the desk and shut my eyes for a few seconds.

'Ms Garcia! This is not a hotel, wake up.'

I hear Richards's voice but it's distant and I think it must be in my dream until I can feel him gently shaking my shoulders.

I open my eyes and see him looking at me with such a look of concern on his face, no anger this time. I hardly recognise him when he looks kind rather than grumpy.

'Oh good you are alive I was a little worried then. Please explain why you are here so early and asleep at your desk rather than at home in your bed?'

'I woke up really early and thought I'd come in and get some work done while it was nice and quiet but then I got a bit tired and must have drifted off and that's how you found me.'

I can hear myself slurring but there's nothing I can do to stop it. I must keep any further answers short to try and detract from it.

'Are you hung-over?'

'I think I'm still drunk! Ha!'

'Go home Ms Garcia.'

'What? No I can't I have to stay to get through today so it's not awkward.'

'What have you done? Is it Jet? Do you need me to have a word?'

'Yes and no.'

'Don't do that, just tell me what's happened. Now please Ms Garcia.'

Should I tell my boss what I've done? Do I have to seeing as it involves his employee and could affect our work? No I don't think I have to as it happened outside of work, my heads hurting I don't think I can process anything else today. Richards starting at me, his familiar scowl is back and I feel a lot more relaxed with this one rather than the sympathetic one.

'Okay... Jet took me out for a driving lesson last night and I accidently crashed his car into a wall a little bit. Then when I phoned to apologise his girlfriend answered the phone and went mental at me, she was really nasty so I hung up on her. Then to top it off I bumped into Jet in my local shop this morning in my pjs with no makeup and bed hair. If I go home now I'll just stress all weekend about seeing him next week and it will look like I've called in sick because I'm scared or embarrassed or something.'

Richard who had been standing over me keeping his stern power now sits down next to me shaking his head at me as he does so.

'Do you ever have a normal day? You always seem to be getting yourself into trouble.'

He sounds very serious when he asks this. It's not one of those throw away what have you gone and done now type of questions, he's genuinely asking me.

'Yes of course I have some normal days... they are just rare.'

'I would like you to go home and rest. You look awful!'

'Thanks for that, you've already said that and I've given you my reasons for why I'm staying here.'

'Well in that case go and get yourself a strong coffee the team will be here any minute.'

'Okay... Do you want to come with me?'

'If we keep disappearing off together people will start talking about us and I will not have that in my office.'

'Erm...'

'What is it Ms Garcia?'

He spins his chair so he is now staring right into my eyes, I can feel a flush coming on. Should I tell him the truth?

'People are already talking about us a little, Jet told me I was brown nosing yesterday. He thinks I'm flirting with you.'

Richard blushes, he actually goes red. I didn't think men had that gene I've never seen a man blush before.

'Well I may need to talk to Jet then as that classes as bullying and is totally inappropriate talk for the workplace.'

'Oh no please don't say anything to him, I'm still new I don't want him to think that I'm running to you or bitching about him, it will also make him think that I'm spending too much time with you even more.'

'Go and get a coffee and splash some cold water on your face to wake yourself up. If you need to go home tell Candice I've okayed it.'

With that Richard stands up and marches to his office without a single look back at me, I'm not sure if this means he's going to say anything or not but I do know it leaves a cold horrible feeling in my stomach.

'You look rough! Did you see the donkey?'

'Thanks Jet, no good morning how are you feeling? And yeah what's with the donkey?'

'Nope no sympathy you totally brought this on yourself, you're lucky I'm even talking to you today. Oh and the donkey works its way around the office, every time someone makes an ass of themselves they get the donkey on their desk until someone else messes up. I have a feeling he's going to spend most of his time on your desk from now on.'

'Yeah I guess so, thank you for talking to me and not making me feel worse than I already do. Oh and I think you're right I may have to think up a name for my new friend seeing as I will be homing him the most.'

Marcus walks in and notices the donkey on the way to his desk.

'Oh dear what have you done to deserve that Eva?'

'Erm...'

'I'll explain shall I Eves'? She ran me over, smashed my car into a wall, rang my girlfriend and made her so angry I didn't get laid last night and bumped into me this morning hung-over and in her pjs down the corner shop. All of that added up was bad enough that I had to pop in just to put the donkey on her desk on my way home from Mel's just so it would be waiting for her when she came in.'

'Dude I have no words! Eva you are amazing do you know that? What did we do for entertainment and danger before you joined the team?'

'Thanks? I think anyway! I feel really ill if it makes anyone feel any better about the situation.'

Jet and Marcus both think about this before shaking their heads at me. I feel a little like a kid having to apologise to my big brothers.

'Go home Eva, I'll tell Candice when she gets in.'

I think about this for a moment but it doesn't take much to convince me. I grab my coat and bag and stand to leave just as Candice walks into the office.

'Are you leaving Eva?'

'Yeah I'm sorry Candice I'm not feeling well at all.'

'You do look pretty bad, go on then off you go before you pass it on.'

I'm not going to tell her it's just a hangover and therefore not something that can be passed on. Instead I lower my head and do the walk of shame out of the office and towards the lift, I sure as hell am not walking down the stairs today.

##  Chapter 19

'You look a lot healthier today, feeling better after the weekend?'

'Oh yes much better now thanks Jet. Did you have a good weekend?'

'Yeah it was okay although as usual Mel and I were arguing. This time it was about you though.'

'Me? Why?'

'She said I should charge you for the damage you've done to the car and that I should stop talking to you. Said you sound like trouble and more hassle than I need, obviously I stuck up for you and this angered her a lot.'

'Oh... Erm...'

I can't think of anything to say to this other than what a bitch but I think that would be a little inappropriate! It's great that Jet is sticking up for me but I don't want her scuppering my plans to make him mine. I think it's time to put Jorja's and my plan into action today; operation make Jet jealous by inventing a fake boyfriend begins today.

'I'm sorry Eva she can be a total bitch most of the time. I told her that you are totally unlucky and a bit dangerous but you are my friend and I will be taking you out for driving lessons again if you want me to. Well once my cars fixed anyway.'

'I think I'll leave the driving lessons for now, it would appear that I'm not ready to be let loose on the road just yet.'

'Yeah but that will come with practice. I'm happy to teach you, I'm quite patient believe it or not.'

'No really it's fine, if I'm that desperate to learn in the future I'll get my boyfriend to teach me.'

'Boyfriend?'

'Oh yeah, you know I told you about Jorja's friend who came over last weekend? Well he came over again this weekend and things just sort of happened so you know.'

It's really hard to act all coy when I'm just making up stories or regurgitating the tale Jorja told me last night. I think I'm pulling it off but Jet looks a bit annoyed so I'm not sure if that's because he's jealous or just grumpy that Mel was on his case about me.

'What's up with your face?'

Before Jet can comment on the fact I've met someone Marcus and Leah join us in our pod of desks. Marcus, straight to the point as usual has noticed Jet's grump.

Jets face instantly lights up at the sight of these two and I feel a little disappointed that I don't have this effect on him.

'Ha nothing mate! Did you have a good weekend?'

'Yeah it was great cheers, how about you and the sexy Mel?'

Sexy? Hmm not my idea of sexy but each to their own I suppose, saying that I did model my new look on her and I do really like this look now so I can sort of see where they're coming from.

'Mel did my nut in as usual but it was okay thanks. How about you Leah?'

'Fantastic, I spent it watching trash TV in my onesie with wine and take away.'

'That sounds a lot like my weekend, other than the wine. I'm done with alcohol for the time being, it clearly doesn't like me.'

All three of them turn to look at me before unanimously nodding their heads, how great that we are all in agreement over this.

'Good morning team, Ms Garcia a meeting in my office when you're ready please.'

I was sitting with my back to my desk so I could talk to Leah and Marcus meaning I didn't see Richard walking towards us. I'm a little scared about what he could want now. What have I done wrong recently?

'Would you like me to come now?'

'Yes please. One of you tell Candice where Eva is when she gets in please. If there's one thing I can't stand its lateness and Candice has a lot to learn on this subject.'

Richard mutters in the general direction of the rest of the team. I have noticed myself that Candice is always the last one in and it does set a bad example for the rest of the team.

I jump up from my seat throwing my new friends a worried look before hot footing it after Richard who didn't stop and wait for me; instead he's marched on towards his office waiting for me to follow.

'Close the door behind you please.'

Richard is already seated at his desk by the time I get there, damn my short legs. I do as he says and walk into the room closing the door behind me and take a seat in one of the bucket chairs opposite him.

'How are you feeling today Ms Garcia?'

'Good thanks? You?'

'Yes I'm quite alright thank you for asking. I just wanted a quick catch up after Friday, Candice told me you left before the working day began. I am pleased you took my advice.'

'I want to apologise about Friday I shouldn't have come in when I was in that state it was totally inappropriate and I understand if you need to discipline me.'

At the word discipline Richards eyes light up, I'm not sure if it's some sort of sexual pleasure he's getting from the thought of disciplining someone or if it's the fact I'm apologizing and sounding pathetic.

'Discipline sounds a little extreme but I will make a note that you are up for disciplining in the future. You don't need to apologise just don't do it again.'

Oh my god I think he's flirting with me! Is he?

'Agreed. Is that all?'

'Yes that's everything. Off you go back to work then.'

Just like that I'm dismissed and Richards's attention is returned to his computer. I quietly leave his office and return to my desk without daring to say goodbye but wishing I could stay a little longer.

'Is Richard your new boyfriend then?'

Jet asks with I think a hint of jealousy the second I get back to my desk.

'No of course not! He was just checking I was well enough to be back at work after last week. He caught me sleeping at my desk before you lot got here.'

'No way! I bet he was fuming!'

'Nah he wasn't too bad actually just told me to go home.'

'Hmm.'

'Right pass me the invoices so I can catch up with the ones I missed on Friday.'

'How about a double date?'

'Erm... What?'

'You and your new bloke with me and Mel. She'd really like you if she got to know you and if she knows you're not a threat she will like you a lot more!'

Jet sounds really enthusiastic about this, I think it would be horrible to see him on a date with someone other than me. Saying that if he's still on the rocks with Mel maybe this could be a good thing. I wish I could talk to Jorja about it but I don't think I could get away with just legging it right now. Oh God I told Mel that I was after him, didn't I? That would be awkward although I shall deny that if she brings it up.

'Yeah that sounds good to me, I'm sure... Umm... Seb will be up for it.'

'Great I'll check with Mel later but it should be good.'

Jet looks really smug about his genius plan bless him. I'm just left feeling panicked.

Mondays are our busiest day so we can't really chat anymore without Candice picking us up on it, time to get on with the day and start the week in a more positive way then the last one ended.

'Please Seb! I'll do anything you want me to!'

Seb grins knowing he's got the upper hand here.

'I do like the sound of that but I don't like being part of these crazy schemes.'

'Sebastian you will do as you're told! You will go on this date with Eva and pretend to be the best boyfriend in the world.'

I love Jorja, straight to the point and backing me up 100%. When I got home from work and told Jorja of my dilemma she didn't even bat an eyelid she just phoned Seb and told him she'd buy him a pizza and beer if he came straight to ours to help with a favour. To give him his due he got to our house within 10 minutes. Now the pizza and beer have gone he's slightly less willing to help me out.

'Calm down Jorge I'm thinking about it. So Eva who would pay for my meal?'

'Me, I'd pay for everything. Well I'd give you the money before we went out so that it looks like you were paying.'

'And a nice new outfit for me to wear?'

'Yes Seb anything you want!'

'Hmm okay well if that's the case then I'm sure I can play boyfriend and girlfriend with you for a bit.'

I leap from my seat and give Seb a big bear hug, it's not something I've ever done before and I suddenly feel really awkward and let go of him quickly.

'So why are you pretending to have a boyfriend then?'

'The less you know the better really.'

'Let me try and guess then if you won't tell me. I'd say you are trying to impress the bloke we are going for a double date with and you thought this could work but we all know it's just going to upset you seeing him with his girlfriend. Am I close?'

I shoot Jorja a questioning look, she shrugs her shoulders before giggling. Great she told him, I bet they had a good old laugh about me. No wonder he was so happy to come over tonight he probably wanted to see me beg for his help like the pathetic woman I've become.

'Fantastic thanks Jorja!'

'Ha no way am I right? I could totally be a woman I know how you lot work!'

'Calm down Eva, firstly I honestly said nothing I was laughing because I was surprised that this lump was so accurate with his guess and secondly Seb if I were you I wouldn't go bragging that I was like a woman or this fake date will be the only date you go on this year!'

'To be honest it probably will be anyway I don't see myself getting a girl in the next couple of months. In fact Eva if I go on this date with you and it's not totally awful part of the deal is you have to accompany me to my works Christmas do!'

'You drive a hard bargain Seb but okay it's a deal.'

'Awesome just text me when you know the details and I'll come pick you up, have you started your driving lessons yet?'

'Sore subject Seb!'

##  Chapter 20

'You're late!'

'Oops, sorry am I?'

Seb doesn't even look a little sorry as he comes to pick me up, little does he know I've been pacing the whole downstairs of the house for the last hour. He's wearing dark jeans and a shirt which some could call smart but I wouldn't.

'Yes you are, and we're going out for a nice meal could you not have dressed up a bit?'

'Hey well done Eva you've really got the nagging girlfriend bit in the bag. You look nice.'

I realise that Seb isn't even paying attention to what I'm saying instead he is staring at my boobs and probably the rest of my wobbly bits in this tight fitting dress.

'Oi! My eyes are up here! Come on lets go before we end up losing our table.'

I practically push Seb out the front door and down the steps towards his car. We live in a big old house with three steps leading up to our white door, the steps look lovely but are a real pain for two reasons. One moving house was a bitch, you wouldn't think a few steps would make that much difference but they really did. And two when drunk it's hard enough to get the key in the door without being perched on what feels like a cliff top.

'I wasn't staring at your tits. Well I was a bit but come on have you seen them? The most I've seen of a woman recently is in the strip clubs in my video games, can you blame me for looking at something so bouncy and beautiful in real life?'

'Eww Seb! I'm telling your sister if you say anything else like that to me tonight now get in the car and drive!'

Seb tries to open the car door for me but I'm not having any of it instead I push him out of my way and climb in the front seat. This is going to be a nightmare, I don't really know him that well, I've only met him a few times but it feels like he is my annoying older brother thanks to all the stories Jorja tells me about him. With this in the forefront of my mind pretending to lust after him tonight and on any subsequent "dates" will be really difficult.

'Where are we going then?'

'Erm the Red Lodge, do you know where it is?'

'Oh that real posh place down by the Barbican?

'Yes so drive quickly, oh and here's your money. Remember you are paying for everything of mine and being the model boyfriend, got it?'

'Gees Eva it's a date not a job interview or meeting the parents for the first time, I'm pretty sure I can handle it. You could have told me we were going somewhere snooty though so I could have dressed up more. Can you pass me my cigs?'

I love Jorja's Northern genes, her straight to the point nature and her loudness but she has calmed down a lot since moving so far down south. When she first told me her big brother was moving down I was expecting a male version of her. Then she told me he worked in IT and I hate to say it but I instinctively thought he would be a nerd, I wasn't wrong he's always playing different video games, but he is nothing like I was expecting. He's a big loud excitable puppy that shouts the first thing that pops into his head.

'It's not snooty, I've been there before and it's really nice. The food is perfect and not too over priced although you could have dressed up a bit more like I said before. Oh and you're not smoking tonight! I'm not having a smelly smoker for a boyfriend.'

'What? You're not serious? I can't go a night without smoking, especially when I'm stuck with people I don't know having to put on some show just for you.'

'I'm sorry Seb but smoking is disgusting and I can't be near you if you stink of it.'

'How about if I smoke some weed instead?'

'I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Where are we? You're going the wrong way! SEB!'

We eventually arrive at the Red Lodge almost an hour late. Luckily I have my phone on me so I could text Jet to let him know we were running late. He replied quickly to say he was also running late as Mel was sprucing herself up and it takes a while.

I wonder if I want him as a boyfriend if that's how he would talk about me behind my back but then I guess if we were together then I would be the perfect girlfriend for him and wouldn't let him find any reasons to bitch about me behind my back.

'Okay are you ready? You know what to do and say and everything yeah?'

'Yes Eva I think I am capable of being a human being tonight. Wait have you told him anything about me when you were just playing make believe boyfriends, you know am I suddenly in another job or do I have skills or kids or anything like that?'

'Not that I can remember. I'll lead the way as I know who we are looking for.'

I start to march on ahead of Seb hoping he will follow quickly. The warmth hits me as soon as I get inside and I'm sure my face will be blotchy from the sudden change of temperature but I carry on regardless.

'Hello, I have a table reserved under my friends' name. I believe he is already here, the name of Anderson.'

'Of course please follow me, your guests are waiting.'

Hmm maybe Seb's right it is a little snooty here, she seems really stuck up. It's hardly my fault I'm late I'm sure people are late all the time.

'Eva.'

Seb stage whispers at me but I ignore him as I try to keep up with the hostess.

'Eva!'

'Shhh just walk.'

'No really Eva you need to listen.'

'Here you are your table.'

The hostess gestures the table with Jet and Mel sitting at as if I couldn't have guessed it was my table when I saw them.

'Thanks. Jet nice to see you and you must be Mel.'

I turn my back on the hostess effectively dismissing her before I outstretch my hand to Mel waiting for her to take it. When she doesn't instantly take it Jet gets up and gives me a big bear hug. I'm totally not expecting it and I practically melt into his arms until I can hear Seb behind me clearing his throat. I turn to face him and give him a warning look.

'This is Seb, Seb meet Jet and Mel.'

'Evs you may want to un-tuck your dress. Nice to meet you Seb, take a seat.'

Mel snorts in glee as she also notices that my dress is tucked into my tights, I've just walked the length of the restaurant with my arse on display. I quickly pull my dress out and sit down opposite Jet leaving Seb to sit opposite the ice queen.

'Sorry Eva I tried to tell you but you told me to shh.'

'Okay Seb. Thanks!'

'Do you two want some wine? We ordered a couple of bottles for the table but Mel's managed to put away a fair amount already haven't you babe?'

Mel frowns at Jet before glaring at me.

'Well I wouldn't have if your guests had turned up on time would I _babe_!'

'Yeah I'm so sorry about that, it was this one making me late.'

I gesture to Seb and he holds his hands up in surrender.

'Sorry chaps. Pass me the red will you love?'

Oh God is he talking to me? Calling me love like some patronising man. I pick up the bottle of red wine and thrust it into his hand but I do it with just a little too much force and end up losing my grip on the bottle.

I can only watch in horror as the bottle crashes to the table spraying wine and broken glass everywhere.

'Oh my God!'

I jump out of my seat to try and mop up the wine but in doing so throw my chair backwards and into a waiter with a tray of plates and glasses full to the brim.

'Oh my God! I'm so sorry!'

I bend over to help pick up the food but the waiter tells me to sit back down and he will sort it, he then calls over a couple more people to clear the mess.

'I can't believe I just did that.'

'From what Jet has told me about you I would say it was most believable. Do you want to do anything else? Maybe set one of us on fire? There are tea lights here, there you go do your best.'

Mel practically throws a tea light at me spilling hot wax on the table cloth. She's a total bitch. I jokingly pick up the candle and pretend to drop it on Jet who's looking amused at my efforts to embarrass Mel, well until the wax spills a little too close to his hand.

'Okay put the candle down now Evs. Shall we look at the menu?'

I put the candle down with a bump and lean over to grab a menu when I smell burning.

'Oh my God!'

'Shit I was kidding when I said set something on fire, don't actually burn the menu!'

Worst night ever.

##  Chapter 21

Jorja drove me to work this morning so once again I'm the first one here, well I expect Richard is around somewhere but he doesn't really count.

I think the only reason Jorja drove me was because she thought I wouldn't go in if she didn't. After the disaster that was Saturday night I can't blame her for thinking that, hell I was thinking that!

This morning won't be like the last time I was in early, today I'm not going to fall asleep at my desk I'm going to get on with some work. Well after another coffee anyway.

'Good morning Ms Garcia. What have you done wrong this time?'

'Morning Ritchie, I've not done anything wrong why would you think I have?'

'Ms Garcia!'

'Sorry I meant Richard of course.'

'That's better thank you. The reason I ask what you've done is the only times you've been in this early have been when you're here waiting to apologise for your ludicrous behaviour before everyone else gets in, that or you've been drunk still and causing a bad smell.'

'Do I smell?'

'You're missing the point.'

'I have done something silly, I embarrassed myself in front of jet and threw chocolate gateaux over his girlfriend.'

I can see Richard really trying to hide his laughter at the last comment but he manages to keep a semi formal attitude.

'Would you care to expand on that statement Ms Garcia?'

'Is that a question so you can laugh at me or a demand as my boss?'

'That's tricky, if I tell you it's just a question I feel you won't explain any further so I may have to tell you it is in fact a demand as your boss.'

He's no longer hiding his smile, in fact he's positively glowing with expectant joy now.

'Okay fine you win but can we at least go into your nice tranquil office? I think I may need to look at the relaxing fish as I explain my disastrous night.'

Richard raises an eyebrow at me before holding his arms out in a gesturing manor.

'Lead the way Ms Garcia.'

'Gosh that's an awful start to the evening. How long have you been seeing this boy? I thought you were single?'

'If only that were the whole story. I've only just started seeing him, it was our second date. Oh and he's not a boy he's older than me.'

'Oh dear a double date as your second date? Not a good plan. Do tell me more.'

Richard is practically rubbing his hands together clearly enjoying my misfortune. The fish have helped a little but also the fact we are sitting side by side on his sofa in a more relaxed setting than him sitting opposite me in his big boss chair.

'Yes alright in hindsight it was like most of my plans, bad! Anyway after I'd set fire to the menu, and remember it was only a small fire it probably wouldn't even be classes as a fire more of an extended candle.'

'Of course Ms Garcia, please don't feel you need to justify yourself to me.'

'I know I'm just giving you the full picture. So yeah we managed to talk nicely for a bit, other than Mel the mega bitch who was drunk and rude. It was a little cringe with Seb as he's so different to us southerners and I don't think they really got his sense of humour, or even understood his dialect half the time.'

'Well that's not too bad in the grand scheme of things.'

'After that bitch Mel made some comment about Seb being a halfwit that annoyed me so I shouted at her and she threw her drink in my face, it got on my nice new dress which _really_ annoyed me! I jumped out of my seat ready to go slap her and as if by chance a waiter walked past with a tray of deserts for the table next to us. I didn't think about it I just grabbed the closest one ripped it off its plate and slammed it into her face. I licked my hand and I've got to say it was a total waste of amazing cake, it tasted lush. Needless to say that's when we were asked to leave and never return. Seb found the whole situation most amusing and whilst I was dying of mortification on the drive home he was revelling in the nights adventures.'

Richard says nothing he just stares at me slightly open mouthed.

'Oh shit why am I telling you this? You're my boss you're the last person that should know what I get up to at the weekends.'

'Are you upset because you want Jet?'

'Why do you keep asking me that? I think you are entirely missing the point of the story, I smeared chocolate cake into the girlfriend of a work colleague.'

'Is that all he is?'

'Of course, he has a girlfriend and I have... Seb.'

'I don't think I can fix this one for you.'

'I don't need you to fix it, I'm not even sure why I'm telling you. I think I should go back to my desk.'

'Perhaps you should. Thank you for lightening my morning though, you have put a smile on my face. I'm sure you understand that that is quite an achievement.'

'Well that's true you are usually grumpy and stern. It's nice to see you smile even if it is at my misfortune!'

'Grumpy and stern eh? I'll remember that when we get to your appraisal.'

'Oh shit!'

'Right back to your desk Ms Garcia, you've sworn twice in the last ten minutes so I feel you should leave before you make it a hat-trick and get yourself in trouble.'

'Good plan. Have a good day.'

'You too Ms Garcia. Shut the door on your way out.'

Dismissed again, I head back to my desk with a grin on my face. It doesn't even register that the rest of my team are in and working until I get to my desk.

Once I'm seated I quickly email Candice to explain where I was this morning, I think she had guessed as my PC was on and my bag was at my desk so she must have known I was around somewhere.

'Alright?'

'Yeah, you?'

'Are we not going to talk about what happened on Saturday?'

'Erm... Can I say no?'

Jet twitches his nose as he clearly thinks about this.

'Sure why not?'

'Great... Was Mel really pissed?'

'How is this not talking about it Eves? You've met her now you tell me, do you think she was pissed?'

'Yeah I bet you had a horrible day of grovelling on my behalf yesterday?'

'Oh yeah I sure would have if I'd seen her. Haha I'm not crazy I dropped her home Saturday evening and haven't seen her since. I'm going to be in big trouble the next time I see her.'

'Oh God Jet are you crazy? She must be fuming.'

'Yeah if her voice mails and text messages are anything to go by.'

'So you're going to avoid her in the hopes the situation will just go away?'

'Too right!'

##  Chapter 22

'I need your help Eves! I need to get Mel a gift to apologise for our meal and then avoiding her. She went mental at me over the phone last night so I said I'd make it up to her after work today. I'm going to get her chocolate and flowers but I need an actual gift as well I think.'

I love Jets new per name for me, I've noticed him use it a couple of times but the last few days it's been all he's called me. Although I don't love that on this occasion he is using it to sway favour and make me help him find a gift for my nemesis. Yeah that's right I said nemesis!

'Where do I come into this then?'

'I need you to come shopping with me on lunch today to find something!'

'Me? Why me? Can't you take Leah or Lizzie? Even Candice. I don't know what she likes but I do know it's not me.'

'Although you have a point there I also want to remind you that you're the reason I'm buying a making it up to her gift. Therefore you kind of owe me. We can get something nice for lunch as well it's not just shopping.'

Ooh another date with Jet, it's totally worth it and I can just point out horrible stuff that the snooty cow would hate. Saying that her personality is the complete opposite to the happy hippy images she has splashed all over the Internet, I've obviously got her completely wrong so she could very well love that horrible things I make him buy.

'Go on then you've twisted my arm by buying me lunch.'

I wink at Jet as he pursues his lips at me.

'Who said I was paying?'

'You did didn't you?'

'You're having me on aren't you? Go on then lunch it is.'

'Great shall we go at 1.30?'

'Sure thing now let's get on with some work before your lover catches us talking.'

This was meant to sound like a joke but I heard the resentment in his voice.

I've settled in to my job really well and when I've not embarrassed myself totally the day before I love coming into work. It was a bit awkward for a while after the whole drunken kicking Lizzie in the head thing but everyone soon forgot once her face heeled and she forgave me. Now it's something we all joke about. They say they could write a book on the things I've done since I started work here but I've only been there a month so I really doubt it. I know I'm accident prone and I make a fool of myself but not as often as they like to make out I do!

'Food first or shopping?'

'If I say food will we have time to go shopping after?'

'Are you saying I'm a fat pig that can't control herself around food?'

'No of course not. I'm thinking more like me, once I'm settled and warm and full I'm not going to want to move, it will be hard enough getting me back into work let alone out into the cold streets and harshly lit shops.'

'Wow Jet you've really thought this through. Okay shopping first it is then.'

As we leave reception we are hit with a blast of cold air and I can't stop myself from shivering. I've not dressed for the elements and I'm suddenly freezing.

'Are you cold?'

'Mmm hmm.'

'Want to borrow my scarf?'

'Ooh yes if you don't mind?'

'Nah not at all I'm still nice and warm this was just a little extra that's all.'

Rather than just handing over his scarf Jet stops to wrap it around my neck and I'm instantly surrounded by his warmth and the smell of him, I'm not sure if it's a fragrance or his natural smell but it's a sweet manly smell with a hint of something zingy like limes.

'Are you sniffing my scarf you big weirdo?'

Oops caught in the act. Ah well I'm not ashamed he smells good!

'Erm yeah I was actually. What's that Limey smell?'

'Lime.'

'Oh...'

Awkward...

'It's lime shower gel, it's really invigorating and wakes me up for the day. Next time you plan to come to work still drunk or wander down the shops in your nightwear let me know in advance so I can lend you some, it will wake you right up and you will be able to make some sensible decisions for once.'

'Don't worry it was a one off, it won't happen again. Thanks for the offer though I may have to pick some up as it smells yummy.'

'Sure. How about getting Mel some?'

'Erm you're probably going to want to get her something a lot better than that.'

'Okay like what?'

'What does she like?'

'How am I meant to know?'

'Because she's your girlfriend, you should know what she likes.'

'Hmm she likes perfume, should I get that or would she think I was implying she smells?'

'A normal woman would love that but having now met her I would say she would take it badly.'

'Oh bitchy, but you're probably right! Okay so scrap that how about something sweet?'

'Oh yeah get her chocolate gateaux she seemed to love that the other night.'

'Haha so funny. I'm bored of shopping now so let's just grab something and get out.'

'Yeah that's the best attitude to have, let's get it over and done with.'

'I know I know but I'm hungry and bored.'

'Fine let's do this quickly, what about a new top?'

'Sure lead the way.'

I scan the street thinking about what sort of shops Mel would visit. I'm not actually sure but I'd quite like to have a look in _My Style_ so I head in that direction with Jet tailing close behind.

The warm glow and welcoming lights make me smile the second I'm inside my favourite shop. I hope Mel will like what I choose from here as its a bit teen style but I love it. Actually I don't really care if she likes it as long as I get in Jet's good books.

'Ooh look at the mannequins outfit, how about that red cheque shirt and grey cardigan?'

'I guess so, it's not very her but I like it.'

'Great let's have a look at the tags so we know which department it's in.'

I start groping the mannequin looking for labels but I can't find them so I climb up onto the base to get a better look.

'Careful Eves you look a bit like a crazy woman trying to get up close and personal to a plastic chick.'

As I turn to glare at Jet I topple slightly and end up crashing to the ground pulling the mannequin down on top of me.

'Aaaahhhh!'

'Eva!'

I push the scary white face from out of my breasts as I manage to sit myself up. Oh no it's lunchtime rush hour and now there is a shop full of people staring at me. Jet pulls the mannequin off me and lifts me up. I'm distraught to notice that the mannequin is now in pieces on the floor, I've broke it, her face is cracked and her limbs are shattered.

'I've killed her! Should we run?'

Jet grins down at me, I'm snuggled in the crook of his arm from where he lifted me up. Oh no too late to run someone managerial looking is heading our way.

'Are you okay?'

'Yes... I'm so sorry about your woman, I was just looking for the tags!'

'In future please ask a member of staff for assistance. These mannequins cost in excess of £1,000. I wouldn't want to risk another fall for yours or the mannequin's sake.'

'£1,000? I don't have any money to pay you for her.'

'It's fine I'm not asking for the money just advising you for future shopping trips.'

'Umm... Okay. Sorry again!'

'Is there anything else I can help you with today?'

'No, wait yes can you tell me where I can find these tops?'

I swear the manager frowns at me but he obediently leads the way down the stairs and to the other side of the shop leaving his staff to clear up the mess I've made. Jet follows behind cringing at the hoards of staring people.

'Great thank you.'

We grab the tops and pay as fast as possible before leaving the shop as quickly as we can, that's probably the last time I'll ever shop there. Time for me to start online shopping I think.

##  Chapter 23

'Have you heard from Jet at all?'

'No, have you?'

'Nope... Do you think he's okay?'

Leah seems to think about this for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. She doesn't look worried but I am. He's not even updated his status or sent me a single text.

'Hold that thought.'

Leah gets up and walks over to Candice where she stays for ten minutes or so having a catch up. I hope she's asking about Jet and not just leaving me to have a chat.

Maybe I should give him a quick text, just as a friend checking another friend is okay, that wouldn't be weird would it?

'So apparently Jet is having some personal problems so has been signed off for a week. Candice couldn't go into details as it's not fair on Jet but I recon you could sweet talk Richard into telling you, you two are really close aren't you?'

'I don't know where people get this idea from! We are not "close" he is my boss, we get on but that's all. Nothing different to the way any of you are with him.'

'Oh come on Eva tell me the truth, you like him don't you? I've noticed you changing in the time you've been here and I know the signs. You're trying to impress someone!'

'Oh God not Richard! He's really kind to me and helps me out of the stupid situations I get myself into but that's it.'

'Not Richard so that means there is someone? Who is it?'

'Who's what? What have I missed?'

'Shh Marcus, Eva is about to tell us who she's trying to impress in the office.'

'Oh right, that will be Richard then yeah?'

'No! Does everyone think that?'

'Umm...'

Leah and Marcus exchange looks like shall we tell her the truth. I'm beginning to wish we had never started this conversation now.

'Yeah I think so. Is it not true?'

'No it's not true! Can you spread that as a rumour instead?'

'Haha I'm not a gossipy girl but yeah sure why not.'

'Have you heard from Jet then Marcus?'

'Aah no way is it Jet? You like Jet? I'd hoped it was me as you know, I am drop dead gorgeous but I really think it's Jet now!'

I can feel my face heating, I always give my secret away with my stupid reaction to things. Time to play it cool.

'Haha you are a stunner Marcus and Jet is a nice guy but really I'm not interested in anyone from the office.'

'Hmm you say no but your eyes say yes! I'm watching you Ms Garcia.'

Marcus winks at me in a flirty way which I may have joked along with but the fact he called me Ms Garcia the same way Richard does makes me go a bit goose bumpy. Maybe I do like Richard just a little bit? No not possible he's far too uptight and grumpy for me. Also what would we have in common? Nothing that's what.

'Watch away Marcus, but there's nothing to see. Right I'm going to get on with my work now.'

I spin my seat back round so I'm facing my PC again and start to work, I can hear Leah and Marcus whispering behind me and I'm sure they are talking about me but I'm not going to pay attention, I don't think I want to hear anymore about either Jet or Richard right now. I need to get my head straight and start putting more effort into my work rather than men. Especially whilst I'm still in my probation period.

'Oh my God Jet what happened?'

'Good morning to you too.'

Jet has just got into work after having a full week off and he's supporting a black eye and a cut down his left cheek. He seems really grumpy but then it is early. We are the only ones in for our team and the office is still fairly dark as I've not got round to turning on the lights yet. For once I was in first and it wasn't because I'd done something wrong.

'Sorry Jet, good morning are you okay?'

'Yeah sure how are you?'

'Erm good thanks.'

'Alright stop staring do you really want to know?'

'Only if you want to talk about it.'

I'm dying to know what's happened and who's done this to him but I don't want to push him into talking about something he doesn't want to.

'Lets just say Mel and I are no longer together.'

'Oh my God did she do this to you?'

'Yeah the bitch! We spent a few days shouting and arguing and having angry make up sex then she says to me that's it we are over and when I said great fine by me she gives me a bloody right hook! I was too shocked to defend myself then as she's walking away I mutter crazy bint and before I know what's happening she comes running across the room at me with her shoe in her hand. She kind of did to me what you did to Lizzie, she shooed me in the face.'

'Wait let's get this right from the start, I did not slam my shoe into Lizzie on purpose it was a genuine mistake. What Mel did sounds like pure malice and I will not be compared to her. I am not a man beater!'

'Well I'm not a beaten man! I let her do it so she would be able to come to terms with being dumped.'

'But she dumped you...'

'She made it official but you know when you're trying to phase someone out but you don't want to come across as the bad guy so you push them so far but then let them be the one to call time? That's what I did.'

I'm not going to bring up the fact that just last week I was helping him buy a present to apologise to Mel. It seem like he's happy with his story and I'm not going to bring him down by pointing out the inconsistencies in his version of events.

'Oh right well that was kind of you to let her do the dumping then so she wasn't left broken hearted.'

'What can I say, I'm a loving guy. So what have I missed around here?'

'Not much really, you know same old stuff.'

'No gossip?'

'Nah only your absence.'

'Oh what? You guys were gossiping about me? Great!'

'No not gossiping at all just wondering where you were and if you were okay.'

'Well not one of you bitches tried calling or texting me to check up on me so you clearly don't care too much.'

'Aww I'm sorry, you know I love you really.'

I say this in a joking way but I get butterflies in my stomach just at the thought of telling him I love him. I can feel my face heating up and I really hope he won't notice.

'Yeah I've known that since school.'

Jet states matter of factly without a second thought.

'I was...'

'Jet you're back! Oh gosh what happened to you?'

Leah and Lizzie come in together and interrupt me, in a way I'm so thankful for the interruption because I think my heart has stopped but also I need to know if he was being serious or if he was just making it up to get a reaction.

'I walked into a door, I tripped, it was an accident, and she did it because she loves me. That's what the acceptable explanations in this situation are right?'

'Mel did this?'

Leah sounds outraged, and Lizzie is just staring on open mouthed. There is nothing I can do to fix the situation so I just sit there like a lemon.

'Yeah I know she's crazy right! How will I get my modelling jobs now?'

Both girls giggle at Jet's joke before going to their retrospective desks and settling in. It would appear that's all they needed to know to put their minds at rest.

Jet shrugs his shoulders at me and turns to face his PC. Is that really it? That's how we are leaving the love you comment?

'Dude what's happened?'

'Alright Marcus? From now on Eva is my PA please direct all questions to her.'

Jet gives me a wink before engrossing himself in his work leaving me to explain his circumstances to everyone else that passed and asked.

It was a weird day, we suddenly had visits from everyone on our floor, people I'd never even met before and I honestly think they were only coming over to get some gossip about Jet being beaten up by a girl.

'Fancy a quick drink before you head home?'

'I don't think I can today but how about you come over after work on Wednesday? My housemate Jorja and I always have a take away and film night on Wednesdays so you're welcome to join us. We may even let you pick the take away.'

It's so hard to say no to him but I can't go out with him tonight I haven't had enough notice, I need to prepare and talk to Jorja before I have a date with him. I'm knackered after a long day all I want is my fluffy onesie and some chocolate. I need to talk through today's revelations with Jorja as well. Also I'm pretty sure there's some rule about appearing busy and not to keen so if you are free with no notice you look like a loser.

'Do you think she would mind you inviting me along?'

'Nah not at all! She will love having a bloke to talk to rather than just me with all my drama.'

'Oh drama eh? What do you talk about, boys and chocolate?'

'Hey if you're going to have an attitude like that you will be uninvited to our Wednesday night shenanigans.'

'I'm sorry, you're right of course I shall be nothing but courteous from now on. Would you like a lift home? I'll even let you drive.'

'Haha you're kidding right!?'

Jet says nothing, he hands me his car key and walks out of the office with a swagger waiting for me to follow him. I contemplate putting the keys down on the desk and running in the opposite direction but hey you only live once.

'Come on Eves.'

##  Chapter 24

'Are you sure about this?'

'Yes Jorja why wouldn't I be?'

'Well because he's just split with his girlfriend, he's probably pretty messed up I mean he did let you back behind the wheel of his car again didn't he? That's not the action of a sane man now is it?'

'Shut up I did really well, I managed to drive for almost ten minutes before Jet was so scared he demanded I pull the car over and swap places. Its progress and I even managed to go out on some real road rather than just the car park.'

'That's totally illegal unless you've got yourself insured on his car. Don't get caught, in fact don't do it again please it worries me.'

'Aww Jorge are you worried about me?'

'Yeah I am, if you get caught and fined you won't be able to pay your rent and we will lose our house. That and you could die.'

'Great thanks for that! So anyway hurry up and help me clean before work.'

'Gee that sounds very exciting but I don't have time this morning I've got to go the office early. Sorry babe!'

She's not sorry, she's trying hard not to laugh at me let alone apologising. I guess most of the mess is mine anyway; Jorja hasn't really got anything down here... She's far too neat and tidy for me. Great that means I totally brought this on myself.

I set to work picking up all my junk from the front room and finding it homes rather than just pushing it behind the sofa like I normally would. It's actually quite therapeutic to go through it all and throw stuff away instead of hiding it. I'm so carried away that I almost make myself late for work, just time for a quick photo to send to Jorja on my way to work.

"Very nice! Soz couldn't stay to clean! CU after work with your bf! ;) J xxx"

Oh my boyfriend, that has a nice ring to it and hopefully will become the truth soon enough.

'Are you sure about this? I don't mind if you've changed your mind or your pity has run out.'

'Why would I have changed my mind? How else will I get home? Its proper cold outside I don't want to walk in that and I'm avoiding the bus after the incident.'

'What bus incident? How have I not heard about this?'

'It was the morning you came back to work and you were all bruised and sad I didn't want to take that away from you.'

'If it's a funny story that would have been the perfect pick me up. Tell me now please.'

'Alright but it was distressing so don't laugh.'

I start to explain my story as we leave the office walking down the stairs together like it's the most natural thing in the world.

'So I was on the early bus into work and there was no one on it other than a couple of teens on the back seat. An oldish bloke gets on and sits next to me, and when I say next I mean practically on my lap. This is weird enough on a busy day but when there's that many empty seats it's just uncalled for. Anyway he sits down and is quiet to start with so I carry on reading my eBook then he starts to cry, just a bit but it soon turns into proper sobbing, like shaking the bus sobbing! I did the only thing I could think of, I asked if he was okay... He then grabs my hand and tells me he has a granddaughter who would be about my age. He's also got two younger grandsons but he doesn't see any of them. I asked him why and he tells me that he is a nasty man who put drink, drugs and sex in front of his family. When his wife left him she took his kids but he managed to keep up contact on and off throughout their lives and even saw his grandkids to start with but then he spiralled out of control and suddenly found himself cut out of their lives and alone with nothing but a bottle of cider to keep him company.'

'Shit that's depressing! What did you say?'

'Something like oh no how terrible. Then he was saying I could be his granddaughter if I wasn't half black or whatever I am. He lost any sympathy I may have had for him then the racist old bastard.'

'Did you just sit in silence the rest of the way?'

'Oh no I should be so lucky! I spent the rest of the journey listening or at least pretending to listen to him lecture me about going off the rails and how it's the worst thing in the world. He told me that he could kill himself right there and then and I would be the only one who was remotely bothered and that would only be because I would then always be the last person that spoke to him.'

'Man that dude had issues! This is why you need to learn to drive though, no more bus weirdo's.'

'You may just have a point there but for now I'm happy to be a passenger so open the car I'm freezing!'

Jet routes around in his pockets before producing his car key with a smug smile as if finding something in his pocket was a great achievement.

'Jet this is Jorja my housemate.'

'Pleased to meet you Jorja.'

Jet reaches out and shakes her hand to both mine and her surprise.

'Pleased to meet you too, I've heard a lot about you.'

Jorja winks at me as she says this. Cringe! Luckily it doesn't look like Jet has noticed he's too busy looking around taking in our wide white hall with little artwork on the walls. The place does look quite bare and show homey, well when I've cleaned my mess anyway. Our landlord is very kind and told us we can make it our home as long as we change it back when we come to leave that and not to make any structural or major changes without consent of course.

'Wow this place is posh! I thought as it was just round the corner from Mel's it would be similar to hers but it's not it makes hers look like a hovel!'

'Where does she live?'

'Pretty much opposite the bus stop next to the shop.'

'Oh I'm surprised I never saw you there considering that's the stop I get off the bus at.'

'The reason our house looks so much better is we live in the nice part of our estate and she lives in the dodgy bit. Those houses up near the shops are notorious for their drug culture and chavy locals!'

'Jorja!'

'Tell him I'm wrong then.'

'Alright ladies it's okay I'm not with her anymore so I'm not offended, if anything I'd agree with Jorja after seeing her neighbours. There was this one weirdo that I bumped into down the local shop once and she was wearing her pyjamas out of the house I mean who wears them in public?'

I can feel my face redden again why did he have to bring that up? He has this amazing ability to embarrass me and make me feel like an idiot without it feeling like bullying.

'Oh God you want to avoid people like that like the plague!'

'Yeah thanks Jorge!'

Now I feel bullied, even my best friend is laughing at me.

'What do you mean by that? I wasn't talking about you was I?'

'You may not have been but he was.'

I gesture to Jet who is now laughing at me, bastard! Jorja gives me a perplexed look as I barge past and into the front room taking a seat on our comfy sofa. I'm hoping Jet will choose to sit next to me and Jorja will sit on the matching chair but you never know with those two.

Jorja quickly follows me into the room with a look of confusion on her face.

'What have I missed? You don't go out in your pjs do you Eva?'

Jet plonks himself down next to me on the sofa leaving Jorja standing in front of us. She looks annoyed that no one is explaining what we're talking about but Jet is busy poking and nudging me to get me to move and make himself more comfortable. I hope he's just looking for an excuse to touch me, the sofa is big enough for the two of us to sit comfortably!

'Sorry Jorge I was too embarrassed to tell you at the time although I thought I did! That night we drank too much and I came home sick from work the next day, you remember?'

'Of course it's all you went on about all weekend!'

'Yeah yeah alright! Well that morning I was so hanging that I needed pain killers and energy drinks to get me through the day and I felt too ill and too desperate for it that I just couldn't find the energy or time to get dressed. For the first time ever, and the last time I can assure you, I left the house in my pjs and it just so happens Jet decided to be at the shop to catch me.'

'I barley recognised her she looked such a state.'

'Thanks for that.'

'Oh my God Eva how did you not tell me about that? That's too funny!'

'Humph that's why I didn't tell you. Anyway moving on, what food shall we order?'

'Let's let our guest of honour choose shall we?'

'Good plan, I want lots of greasy stuff please. I want chips and pizza and chicken strips and garlic bread and ice cream and chocolate brownies!'

Jorja and I give each other the "just dumped feed the soul" look. Jet doesn't even realise this is what he needs rather than just a craving, what a man. Luckily we are here to sort him out.

##  Chapter 25

Wednesday night take away was the best one in a while, Jorja and Jet hit it off straight away and spent most of the night teasing me and talking about me.

We stayed up until the early hours watching films and eating junk food, Jet even went out for a supply of sweets at about midnight saying if I went out I'd go in my pj's. While he was gone Jorja and I changed into our matching fluffy tiger onesies and routed around our closets until we came up with ex boyfriends left behinds, I had a pair of cartoon super hero joggers and Jorja had a grey hoodie.

Jet got quite a shock when he came home to find us like that but I think he was touched when we handed over some comfy clothes to slob out in.

'I'll need to get myself one of those tiger suits for next time won't I?'

He asked with only a hint of sarcasm. I was overjoyed at the thought of him wanting to come over again.

Jet spent the night on the sofa after having a sugar crash and not wanting to drive home to an empty flat at stupid o'clock in the morning. I offered to share Jorja's bed so he could have mine but he assured me that the sofa was good enough for him. I fell asleep dreaming of him sleeping just below me, in my house, on my sofa. I'm going to hug that sofa to death tomorrow!

'Have you heard the news?'

'No... What is it? Something juicy?'

It was weird travelling to work together this morning but it felt fantastic and also really natural like we should be living together.

'Well I was just talking to Lizzie, and she overheard Candice on the phone to HR confirming start dates. It looks like we have a new starter next week so you won't be the newbie anymore! You just need to get through payday drinks tomorrow without embarrassing yourself and the pressure should be off you a bit.'

'Don't worry I'm going to be on my best behaviour tomorrow, I may not even drink... well much anyway. Do you know anything more about the new starter?'

'I know it's another woman so hopefully she'll be hot but that's all I know to be honest, well that's all I care about anyway.'

'You're such a pig!'

'Why? Because I like women and I'm now single so I can finally act on my impulses and enjoy myself.'

'That's fine but that's not what you just said is it.'

'Ooh get more defensive Eves you don't sound like you love me too much right now!'

'Where have you got this from? The whole I love you thing?'

As I say this Richard walks past and I think he must have only heard the last bit. He comes to a complete halt at my desk and stares at us with a look of hurt on his face.

'Are you okay Richard?'

'Hmm? Yes Ms Garcia I... I was just thinking, I want you to train Tegan on Monday.'

'Me? But I'm still so new and not fully trained yet! Surly someone else should train her, what about Lizzie as she will be sat next to her now.'

'Are you questioning me Ms Garcia?'

'Erm... I suppose not.'

'Good that's settled then. I think it will help with your development and build your knowledge, we learn more from passing on the information we already have.'

'Whatever you think is for the best Richard.'

'Yes. Now get back to work, you as well Jet don't think I haven't noticed the two of you skiving off and chatting recently.'

With that Richard marches off leaving me wondering what the hell just happened. Is he angry at me for something? The fact that I just said about loving Jet? I'll never understand him, one moment I think maybe he does like me and then he tells me off like I'm a naughty child like he just did then.

'What the fuck is his problem? Seriously he spoils any fun we could possibly have in this place. Why has he chose you to train, it's ridiculous! I think he's testing my training skills by seeing what you know. I swear he hates me for some unknown reason, blatantly because I'm better looking than him.'

'Oh Jet you sound like you're a bit insecure there, why would he hate you? Or be testing you? I think he's testing me if anything.'

'How can I be insecure when I was saying he's jealous of my good looks? You think I'm better looking don't you?'

'Is it actually that important to you?'

'Yeah so tell me I am!'

'Well you both have completely different styles so you can't truly be compared, if someone was to like you they probably wouldn't like him and vice versa.'

'Not you though, you like us both don't you?'

'No, not like that anyway. Richard's right we should work.'

'Ooh Richards always right isn't he? Richards God mustn't argue with him.'

'Don't be like that Jet it makes you sound very petty.'

'Screw this I'm going to the canteen I need a break.'

Jet locks his computer screen and storms off. I don't know why he gets so wound up by Richard, I wonder if there have been some girls that have preferred Richard to Jet and it hurt his little ego. I have to say it's a side of Jet I don't like.

'I'm only helping if you have cheered up now.'

Jet bumped into Candice on the way back from his little sulking break and she asked him to put up the Christmas decorations. Apparently she said he could choose a helper and he has asked me, I think Marcus would be more use as he's taller but hey if it means I get some time off work and get to be a little closer to Jet than I'm not complaining.

'Yes... Sorry for my strop there's just something about him that totally winds me up.'

'Did you have a falling out or something?'

'Nah it's only been recently, don't get me wrong I've never been his biggest fan but I could at least stand being near him. Now I see him and just want to punch his fucking face in!'

'Jet language while we are at work! I know it's not what you want to hear but he is a really nice guy.'

'Let's just hang the decorations shall we?'

I shrug my shoulders in response but do as he says and try to hand him the first set of shiny foil decorations to pin to the ceiling.

'Maybe wait until I'm up the ladder yeah? Right I'm going up, hold the ladder tightly my life is in your accident prone hands.'

I grab the cold metal between my hands and cling to it as if my own life depended on it. As Jet starts to climb the ladder I realise we are now face to crotch! I am just inches away from him, his tight trousers give me a great view and it takes all me strength not to reach out and touch him.

'Stop day dreaming Eves, hand me the pin and decoration please. I'm not just standing on top of a ladder for the fun of it.'

I snap out of my daydream where I am unzipping his trousers and sliding them down to reveal him in all his manly glory. I can feel my cheeks redden so hand him the pin without looking.

'Oww be careful Eva you just stabbed that bloody pin in my hand. If you can't do it, just get someone else to take over.'

'Sorry Jet, right I'm paying attention again let's make this place beautiful.'

I pass him the decoration and as he stretches to pin it to the ceiling his shirt un-tucks to reveal a glimpse of his smooth toned stomach, my God he is the sexiest man alive. I don't know how much more I can handle of this, I think I'm going to self combust. That or I will actually have to touch him... would he notice if I just licked his stomach a little bit?

'Right hold tight I'm coming down then we need to move the ladder over there.'

Jet takes his hand off the ladder to point to the window besides his seat, he wobbles slightly and my instinct is to grab him and protect him. I reach out and fling my arms tightly around his waist so my hands end up resting on his bum and his crotch is thrust right into my face.

'Erm Eves? You can let go now, I'm fine.'

Was I just cuddling him into me? Was I actually just drooling over that limey scent coming from his warm gorgeous body? I quickly let go of him with just a little too much force that almost sends him toppling off the ladder.

'Sorry Eves you're fired sit down. Marcus? Mate come help me sort the rest of these decorations will you? This one's a liability.'

I think my sigh of disappointment is audible to the whole of my team but I couldn't hide it. I begrudgingly hand over the step ladder to Marcus who's only too happy to get out of work for a bit. Oh well at least Richard didn't notice or I'd have to deal with his grump as well.

##  Chapter 26

'How drunk are you?'

'I'm not... too badly...sorta! Haha'

'Oooh Eeeevvvvaaaaa you're totally drunk! Naughty girl!'

'Coming from you! You're more badly drunk!'

'Haha that doesn't even make sense Eves!'

'Shut it you... Oh my God I love this song let's dance!'

I grab Jets hand and pull him onto the dance floor where we bump into Candice and Leah. We separated from them hours ago and I thought it would be just me and Jet for the rest of the night. I'm unexplainably excited to see them. I throw my arms around Leah and practically grind her while I dance.

'Jet how much has she had? Maybe we should call her a cab?'

'Naah she's cooool let her have some fun!'

'Oh no how much have you had? Honestly we leave you to walk Lizzie to meet her friend out the front and that's it you're lost for an hour clearly getting blotto!'

'Blotto? How posh are you!? Haha that's such a funny word! Blotto...Blotto... BLOTTO!'

'Eva I'm going to call you a taxi can you stay here with Candice? Candice don't let her out of your sight.'

'Noooooooo I'm not going to lose my sight yet am I? Where's Leah going?'

'She's going to get someone to drive you home, and probably Jet as well.'

Candice shouts over the music in a slow patronising voice, the type you would use to teach a small child their alphabet.

'Is Jet coming home with me? Oooh that would be great!'

'You want me to? I will for you Evesss, I'd do anything for yooooou!'

'That's why I love you!'

I'm instantly sober as I feel his warm lips on mine, I can taste the cider on his tongue and it tastes nice. His sweaty hands climb up my body and rest one on my shoulder the other in my hair. This is amazing, the best feeling. Then it's too much, there is too much saliva in my mouth and... I'm going to be sick! I run but only make it as far as the stairwell not quite the bathroom.

I wasn't even going to drink tonight, in fact I was sworn off alcohol for life with the amount of mistakes I make when I've had some. Well when I've had a lot I guess. But when it was just Jet and me alone and he was already a little drunk and flirty I needed a small confidence boost, my problem is I can't just stop at one I end up just downing drinks until the fuzzy feeling sets in.

The alcohol did help my confidence and I got close to Jet but now I'm throwing up on a couple making out at the bottom of the stairs in the club. Is this worse than kicking Lizzie in the head? Maybe I should just avoid the work drinks, I'll drink in the safety of my own home instead!

The rooms spinning, I need to get out of here, can I sneak out without the others seeing me?

Oh God why do I drink?

##  Chapter 27

'Again Ms Garcia? I don't think you should be allowed to have weekends as you always seem to do something wrong on them.'

'You may have a point there Richard but it's not the weekend that's the problem it's the Friday nights.'

'May I ask what you have done this time?'

'I'd rather you didn't this time. Let's just say I'm going teetotal from now on.'

'It must be bad for you not to tell me, you've told me everything else you have done which intrigues me as I'm your boss and in your words "stern and scary" I will however respect your wishes and not ask any further questions but if you want to talk you know where my office is.'

With that Richard walks away leaving me alone, I stay in my seat for no longer than a minute before following him to his office. He makes me feel safe and less of an idiot.

'Can I come look at your fish for a while?'

'Let yourself in Eva don't knock or anything.'

'You called me Eva?'

'Yes it's your name is it not?'

'Erm... Yeah.'

'You need to think about that?'

'Yeah... I'm in shock and wondering what I have done to make you call me by my name rather than your usual formal way.'

'Sit down and watch the fish, you have ten minutes until the team will start to arrive.'

'O...kay. Thanks Ritchie.'

'Most welcome Ms Garcia.'

He doesn't complain or query my calling him Ritchie, it must be growing on him, either that or I'm growing on him either way I feel an overwhelming delight at the fact he has not told me off. I feel more relaxed and ready to face the day already.

'Good morning Eva, how's the head today?'

'Morning Leah. I'm fine today thanks, my hangovers don't last that long.'

'That's just as well, it means I can tease you without feeling guilty.'

'Oh in that case my head hurts and I feel sick and I think I may actually be dying.'

'Haha not going to work Eva sorry! Oh look here's your beloved though. Morning Jet!'

'Cheery, too cheery for a Monday morning Leah. At least wait for me to finish my coffee.'

'Haha sorry grumps! Soooo who's going to bring it up first? The elephant in the room?'

Leah looks from me to Jet waiting for a response, I sure as hell won't be bringing it up first.

'Elephant?'

'Yes Jet the elephant in the room. Your kiss!'

'Oh that. We were just majorly drunk right Eves?'

'Mmm Hmm.'

'Oooh Eva you don't sound too sure there! Was Jet that bad a kisser that you had to actually go and throw up though?'

'Oh God don't remind me. Yuk'

'What!? What's Yuk? Not my kissing skills?'

'No no not you Jet, the throwing up at the bottom of the stairs. I'm actually never drinking again!'

'Yeah that was pretty gross although better the stairs then me. Thanks for managing not to puke on me even in the state you were in.'

'Erm you're welcome.'

'Oh Eva would have to be pretty drunk to kiss you haha!'

'Shut it Leah. She kissed me anyway I was the kissed not the kisser.'

'I don't think so! You started it.'

'No you told me you loved me again. You started that kiss, you're initiating everything.'

'Oh my God don't even talk to me anymore Jet you arrogant twat.'

'Touché Eva! I agree with her statement Jet.'

'God being ganged up on here this is totally unfair!'

'Sorry Jet this is the drawbacks of being the only bloke here. I'm sure Marcus will stick up for you, here he is now. Marcus! Did you hear about Jet kissing Eva?'

'Wow what? When? Where was I?'

'Friday night drinks, Eva was sick straight after! Thoughts?'

'Haha need to work on your skills there mate if you make 'em sick just from a kiss.'

'What is going on here? I can hear you from my office.' Richard appears from nowhere and he looks mad!

'Sorry Ritchie, we were just catching up on our weekend's events before work officially starts.'

'Eva my office now! The rest of you stop gossiping and get on with your work. Your working day starts the moment you get in the office.'

I stay where I am too scared to move. Everyone else quickly gets on with their work leaving me sitting like a naughty school child.

'Don't make me tell you again Ms Garcia, my office.'

Richard marches off and I stand to follow him, I'm still frozen to the spot until Jet gives me a little shove and suddenly I'm running to Richards's office.

'You know why I've called you into my office don't you?'

'Not really no.'

'There were a couple of reasons; would you like to take a guess?'

Richard still sounds incredibly mad at me and I'm too scared to make the wrong guess so I just look down at my hands in my lap.

'Well!?'

'I don't know, please will you tell me so I don't ever do it again?'

'Oh Eva.'

His anger has turned to sorrow. I wish he would just spit it out and tell me what I've done wrong before I actually burst into tears.

'What? What have I done now?'

'Firstly don't EVER call me Ritchie in front of people again, it's bad enough you call me it in private. Secondly I do not agree with relationships within the workplace, especially with you sitting right next to him. If you are insisting on starting a relationship with Jet Anderson then I will have to think long and hard about your position within the team.'

'You're kidding right?'

'Excuse me?'

'You're joking? I understand the Ritchie thing that was disrespectful and I apologise for that but you can't possibly think that you are able to dictate who I date. Oh and for your information Jet and I had a drunken kiss and that was it, we are not starting a relationship not that it's any of your business.'

'Do not speak to me like that Ms Garcia I am still your boss no matter what sort of relationship we may have.'

'Relationship? What relationship? You're my boss and that's it.'

'You know what I mean, you seem to think that you can get away with talking to me how you like and for some unknown reason I let you do it.'

'You let me get away with it because you like me, I'm not just another worker. I make you feel human rather than just the big scary boss.'

'You cannot talk to me like that! You will go to your desk get your things and leave this building right this minute!'

'Erm what? Are... Are you _sacking_ me?'

I start to cry, I must look so unattractive right now but I just can't stop myself. I'm finally in a job I enjoy and that I'm good at, with Jet and nice colleagues now I'm just being thrown out.

'Not sacking no, I want you to take the day off to think about how you talk to someone of a managerial role. If you feel ready to apologise tomorrow you may come back but if not then think of this as your first official warning.'

'Can't I just apologise now?'

'I don't think so. Let me walk you out.'

Just like that Richard marches me back to my desk and waits while I grab my belongings still sniffing and fighting back more tears. My colleagues continue with their work not daring to look at me or ask what's going on.

Once I have my coat and scarf on and my bag packed and ready to go Richard leads the way out of the office.

'I can leave on my own thank you.'

'No it's fine I would rather see you safely out the door.'

'Not calling security on me then?'

'Of course not, you are being well behaved.'

'I'm not an animal please don't treat me as one. I'm catching the lift so it's up to you if you choose to join me.'

'No we will take the stairs.'

'You can but I'm not. I've had an emotional morning I just want to leave as quickly as possible and I can't face the stairs.'

'Tough I'm your boss and I say we are taking the stairs.'

'You know you can get help for irrational fears these days, fear of colleagues dating, fear of lifts, anything.'

'Just get out of my sight.'

Before I can apologise or tell Richard I was joking he is back inside the office and I'm standing alone on the landing.

I take my phone out of my bag and dial Jorja's number as I wait for the lift to arrive. She doesn't answer, could I go to her office? I think I need to; I need to talk to her right now, have a cuddle and be told everything is okay.

##  Chapter 28

'So if you apologise you can come back tomorrow?'

'Yes Jet but it's not the point is it, why should I have to apologise when I've not done anything wrong? He is only annoyed that it's you that I kissed.'

'What why is he annoyed that it's me?'

'He hates me being close to you, he's told me that before.'

'Why? What's wrong with me?'

'I don't know he just always gets so grumpy when I talk about you. He keeps asking me if I like you and I think the fact that we kissed has answered his questions a bit.'

'Do you like me?'

'Of course you're a good friend now.'

'Nah I mean you know as more than a friend?'

'God you sound like Richard now.'

'Has anything happened with you two?'

'No of course not, he's my boss and maybe my friend but that is it.'

'So you don't fancy him then?'

'No... No of course not, he's mega old isn't he?'

'Nah only three years older than us I think, I'm sure he's about twenty seven maybe twenty eight.'

'Seriously?'

'Yeah, why does that change things?'

'Do you want another beer?'

I hope to distract Jet by going into the kitchen to get us some more drinks. I'm not drinking tonight, I had one glass of wine but that's all. I'm now sticking to my fizzy drink in my wine glass so I still feel like its alcohol.

Jet came to my house as soon as he finished work with a bag of Chinese food and some beers, which is just as well as after I interrupted Jorja's day she told me she would have to stay on late to make up the time. I text her when Jet got here and asked if she may like to go visit Seb or one of her friends this evening to give me and Jet some privacy. After our kiss the other night she was only too pleased to oblige, I think she's hoping we will get together almost as much as I am.

Jet follows me into the kitchen and jumps up onto the worktop as I get one of his beers from the fridge and pour myself a drink.

'Where's your wine?'

'I need to keep my wits about me for tomorrow.'

'Tomorrow? I thought you weren't going to apologise?'

'I'm not but I need my job so I'll have to come to some sort of compromise with Ritchie.'

'Christ you don't even know when you're doing it now do you? It's Richard NOT Ritchie.'

'Yeah alright chill your boots I know I'm doing it I just can't stop myself. I guess I won't be training the new girl now then.'

'She was a no show today, stomach bug apparently so you may be in luck if you behave yourself.'

'Can you imagine me behaving myself?'

'Not really, you're so naughty.'

Jet practically purrs this sentence to me, it's so seductive especially with the wink. I've gone all weak but just about manage to stumble over to him with his nice cold beer.

'Are you flirting with me Mr Anderson?'

'I've already asked you not to call me that you naughty girl, now don't do it again or I shall have to punish you.'

Am I talking to Jet still or has Richard come into the room? I swear he was the one talking about punishing me before. What sort of men do I go for?

'Okay what's up with you tonight?'

'What do you mean?'

'You're acting weird, what do you want?'

'Sex... I mean nothing just some company and Chinese food with a pal.'

'You want to have sex with me?'

'Are you offering?'

'No!'

'I just need a one night stand or some unattached fun, something to help me get over Mel. What is it they say? You can't get over someone until you get under someone else.'

'Well that's just lovely, in one sentence you have just proved the difference between men and women.'

'This is why you should be drinking wine right now, how am I meant to get away with all this deep and meaningful crap with you sober and judging me?'

'You're kidding right? Deep and meaningful? How much have you had to drink?'

'Enough to be confident but not enough for you to feel guilty about taking advantage of me.'

'You actually want sex that badly?'

'Yes please.'

'Alright then...'

Jet stares at me open mouthed, He clearly wasn't expecting me to agree and certainly not that easily.

I'm not sure where my confidence has come from or if I'm brave enough to go through with it but I manoeuvre myself in between his legs. I lean up to kiss him and he kisses me back. He slides off the worktop and lifts me onto it instead, it's warm where he has been sitting. He's kissing me hungrily, I can hardly breath. We move as one into the living room, once inside he lifts my legs up and wraps them around his waist, I cling tighter to his neck as we collapse onto my sofa.

Then he starts to undress me and takes my breath away in another way.

'Not here.' I gasp as I take his hands off my breasts. 'Follow me.'

I take Jet's hand and lead the way to my bedroom, I'm suddenly reminded of the mess in my room, would it be awful if I was to take him into Jorja's room? I could wash her sheets and make it beautiful again before she gets home. No that would be too weird, having sex with my one true love in my best friend's bed.

I push open my bedroom door and pull Jet as quickly as I can towards my bed; the sooner we are in there the less likely he will be to notice the mess.

'Are you sure about this Eves?'

'Oh yes! Now take off your clothes!'

Afterwards we lie side my side on my memory foam mattress. I never thought this would happen in a million years but this isn't how I imagined it. What just happened was a very awkward and slightly degrading experience. It started of sexy if not romantic but then once the foreplay bit was over with it became very real and weird.

'Shall I go home?'

'Do you want a drink or something first?'

'Umm nah I think I'll just head off if you don't mind?'

'Of course not, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?'

'Yeah alright then. I'll let myself out you stay here in the warmth.'

'Oh...okay. Good night.'

'You too.'

'Bye.'

'Yeah see you later.'

Jet is out of my bed, dressed and out the door faster than it took us to get from the bedroom door to my bed. I feel alone, I feel used and cheap.

I was up for this just as much as him so I can't feel used, in fact I was probably more up for it than him, it's all I've wanted since I first knew what sex was and how wonderful it felt. I guess that's why it felt so weird, I've put so much thought and dreams into what sex with the gorgeous Jet Anderson would be like that of course he could never match my high expectations. It's like that super hero syndrome, when you meet your hero or someone you love they are never what you expect and you realise you have been idolising a misogynistic jerk.

Jet did nothing wrong and I think it was equally bad for him so hopefully we will be able to laugh about this at work tomorrow.

Something weird has happened though, in that short space of time my feelings have changed, I no longer fancy Jet! He's too good a friend to ruin it with anything more than just friendship. I still love him but now it's almost morphed into the sort of love you would feel for your brother or best friend. I can't help but wonder if this is the only reason or is it that my heart has moved onto someone else and just failed to inform my brain?

Too much to think about I need food, poor Jet only had half his food before that weird moment took us over. Oh well waste not want not, I'm starving.

'Hey Jorge! When did you get home?'

'Earlier but I heard you and Jet were umm busy in your bedroom so I went for a walk around the block and when I got back Jet's car was gone.'

'Oh God he had a few beers I hope he was safe to drive!'

'Where's he gone? Why didn't he stay over?'

'It was a mistake. It was awkward and it will never be repeated again!'

'What!? But you love him, you want to make him yours.'

'For the last ten years I thought that was the case but I just had him and yes I love him but I'm not in love with him so we will hopefully be staying friends.'

'Oh... How do you feel about this?'

'Hungry! Do you want some left over Chinese?'

'Oh yes you know me I'll never say no.'

'Ha that was just my problem!'

'I know you're joking but are you actually okay with what's just happened?'

'Weirdly enough I actually am. The only thing I'm now worried about is tomorrow with Richard.'

'Is Richard your new crush?'

'No! He's just my boss, what's so hard to understand about that? I'm worried about losing my job and after all the money I've spent trying to impress Jet I actually need to keep my job and pay off my debts.'

'Oh yeah that's a point are you going to keep up your new look or are you going back to good old Eva who we all know and love?'

'I'm not sure I may keep the hair and clothes but not the makeup, as of tomorrow I'm finding out my favourite lip-gloss and eye shadow no more dark, gothic looking stuff.'

'Aww that's my girl! Can Jet come to our Wednesday night take away and film nights though? He was hilarious and a great addition!'

'I hope so, I hope we can get through this without any weird feelings. Shall we watch a film now? I don't want to talk about this anymore.'

'Sure thing hun, I'll even let you choose, after the day you've had I think you deserve it.'

'Yay thanks Jorge!'

##  Chapter 29

I make my way over to Richards's office feeling sick and nervous. It's rather early which in Richards opinion means I've done something wrong. He's not wrong on this occasion. As I reach his door I give it a quick knock but it's too quiet so I try again with a slightly more confident knock.

No reply. I knock again with still no reply so I try the handle. The door is locked, great after I've spent the last twenty minutes plucking up the confidence to go and apologise and he's not even here! Okay so now what?

I lean my back against his door and rest for a moment before sliding down to sit on the floor resting my head in my arms. Maybe I'll just shut my eyes while I wait for him.

'Eva? Are you napping outside my office?'

I look up to see Richard giving me a quizzical look. I jump up and wrap my arms around him burying my face into his chest. He doesn't reciprocate the hug but doesn't push me off either. As I pull away from him suddenly aware of what I'm doing I can't stop myself laughing at the look of shock on his face. He looks like he's seen a ghost.

'I'm so sorry for yesterday, please don't fire me! I promise I will be on my best behaviour, I'll never disrespect you again.'

'Shall we go into my office rather than doing this here?'

'Yes please.'

Richard unlocks his office door and holds it open for me to walk through. As I step into the clean crisp office I have the overwhelming urge to go and sit in Richards's posh office chair. Can I do it? I'm in here to apologise I should be on my best behaviour but I can't help it, I can't stop myself from running over to it and sinking into the soft but supportive seat.

'What are you doing you crazy woman?'

Richard is trying to keep his voice firm but I can see the smile breaking through as he walks over to take a seat in one of the bucket chairs opposite me.

'I'm sorry I just had to... want to swap seats back?'

'No you look good there, very calm and in control. Yet again you leave me baffled with your quirky behaviour and surprising nature.'

'Quirky? Doesn't that mean crazy?'

'Haha no, quirky is good, heck crazy can also be good in certain doses. Luckily most of the time you have the perfect dose.'

'Did you miss me yesterday then?'

'No yesterday I was mad at you so I didn't miss you. Did you think about your behaviour while you were off?'

'Actually I thought about how much I hated you and also that you're right co-workers shouldn't date it would get awkward for all involved.'

'So does that mean you will be asking to move departments so you can pursue a relationship with Jet?'

I can tell Richard is trying to keep his voice flat and professional but I can hear the emotion in this question. I don't know why he tries to make himself sound like a robot we would much rather have a boss with empathy and emotions than a grumpy boring old before his time man but now is not the time to bring that up.

'No I like my job and want to stay please. Jet and I were a one night thing no more.'

'So that's all it was, a kiss?'

'Oh yeah one night and a kiss. Not even one night more like an hour actually.'

'You slept with... Him!?'

'Erm... Call it closure.'

'When?'

'That's none of your business as it won't affect my work.'

'Tell me when!'

'Last night, he came over to see how I was after you threw me out in tears.'

'So while you were meant to be thinking about how you disrespected me you were off disrespecting me even more with him!'

'Who I sleep with is none of your business and its not disrespecting you! I'm allowed to have a life outside of work, you don't own me. I'm just an employee to you and I think you should start treating me as one rather than whatever this is! I don't see you questioning anyone else's home life.'

'Go and get on with your work. I want you to train Tegan if she's well enough to start today.'

'That's another thing why am I training her when I've been her about two months? Why don't you get someone else to train her?'

'Are you refusing?'

'No of course not I'm just saying maybe there's someone better to do it.'

'Like who? Your lover?'

'Are you jealous?'

'Of what?'

'Jet.'

'Why on earth would I be jealous of him?'

'Because he's confident, he can be himself rather than putting on an act and he got me!'

'That's laughable now get out of my office before I send you home for another day!'

Oops touched a nerve there I think!

'Well what are you waiting for? Get out.'

'You're a bastard do you know that?'

'You have five seconds to get back to your desk after that I'll be phoning security to have you removed.'

I don't second guess him this time I just leave and head to my desk as fast as I can.

'Good morning lover!'

'Shh Jet not so loud everyone will hear you.'

'Relax Eves nobody is listening.'

'Don't call me that anyway. I'm not your lover am I? You made that quite clear last night.'

'God you woke up on the wrong side of bed, maybe I should have stayed over.'

'Maybe you should have rather than screwing me and leaving straight after like I was some cheap whore!'

'Wow calm down and lower your voice we don't want the world hearing. Are you annoyed that I left?'

'I wasn't thrilled but it's fine. Sorry I don't mean to take out my bad mood on you, I know last night was a mistake and it won't happen again.'

'I'm glad you agree. I love you Eves but just as a friend, having sex with you was similar to having sex with... with Marcus!'

'Cheers for that. At least we are on the same page although not loving being compared to a bloke.'

'Sorry but you know I didn't mean it like that. So are we agreed that no one needs to know about last night?'

'Erm...'

'Alright so you've already told Jorja that's okay but other than her no one needs to know right?'

'Erm...'

'Christ it only happened last night who else could you possibly have told in such a short space of time?'

Just as I'm about to answer Richard walks past and locks me with an icy glare, I can feel the tension build and I'm sure the rest of the office will pick up on the cold atmosphere. Richard stops for a moment in front of my desk before shaking his head lightly and marching off towards the door. I contemplate running after him and begging for his forgiveness asking for his approval but I stay glued to my chair.

Jet waves his hand in front of my face calling my name but I'm so focused on the back of Richard as he disappears through the door.

'Eva? EVA!'

'Sorry, what?'

'Was it him?'

'Was what who?'

'Richard? Was that who you told about us?'

'I had to have a meeting with him this morning didn't I, well it just kind of came up.'

'How would that ever come up in a business meeting? It's none of his business you shouldn't have told him.'

'I didn't mean to, I don't know why I did but I wish I hadn't he was so angry, well you just saw him you can see what I mean.'

'Did he ask you?'

'Sort of... he knew about our kiss and said if I were to start a relationship with you one of us would have to move. He doesn't agree with people being in relationships if they work together.'

'Oh Eva you poor naïve sap. He doesn't care about colleagues dating, has Marcus never told you that he usually sleeps with the newbies. In fact you're lucky you got me not him! Lizzie was in a long term relationship with Tom and they worked here together for years but he couldn't cope when they split up because she shagged Marcus! Richard knew about all these relationships and he didn't care. He only cares now because he doesn't like me and it's clear for anyone to see that he totally does like you.'

'I wouldn't think that of Marcus! He's so lovely and kind, such a genuine bloke.'

'Just because someone likes sex doesn't make them a bad person or any less kind and genuine. You're totally missing the point here!'

'Well what is the point then?'

'The point is Richard wants you, and I think you may just want him too.'

##  Chapter 30

'I'm so sorry to interrupt your whispering but I thought I would introduce you to Tegan before I take her to meet Candice. Tegan this is Eva she will be the one training you once you have had your run through with Candice. Next to her is Jet, then we have Marcus and finally it's Leah.'

Tegan waves happily at each of us. She looks so excited to be here and I would guess from the look of her she is only in her early teens, this is probably her first proper job.

'Well let's go meet the rest of the team. Get back to work you lot and Tegan will be back over with you shortly Ms Garcia.'

Richard still sounds stern as he says this and I don't get a smile from him just his cold shoulder. He leads Tegan off like a little lamb to the slaughter.

'Well I ask again, do you like him?'

'Who?'

'Don't do that Eves don't act dumb.'

'Do what? I'm sorry I was concentrating on my work, I don't know how to train someone. I barely know it myself yet.'

'Do you want to borrow my training pack?'

'Yes please, if you don't mind?'

'Of course not, anything for you lover!'

'I asked you not to call me that. Especially not that loudly we don't want anyone else knowing about this dirty little secret.'

'Oh ouch Eves that hurts. It's not a dirty secret. I know we shouldn't have done it but it's nothing to be ashamed of, you're lucky it was with me and not Marcus to be fair. If he hadn't have been off when you started he probably would have called dibs on you.'

'You're joking! You think I would have slept with Marcus instead of you just because I saw him first? Last night was what it was but that's it, I am not the type to sleep around and I don't like you implying I do.'

'I'm not implying that at all I just think that maybe you slept with me in the hopes it would take your mind of someone else. Maybe you heard how good I was in the sack and thought you'd give it a go? I just don't know.'

'Ha good in bed? I've got to tell you that last night would not be classed as good in my books, I certainly won't be coming back for seconds.'

'Come on Eves that was uncalled for, you knew what was happening just as well as I did last night you went along with it, I never forced you.'

'I know, I'm sorry like I said I don't mean to take my bad mood out on you. I'm so sorry Jet, shall we agree not to speak of it again?'

'Maybe that's for the best, no one likes hearing they are bad in bed and that certainly won't help me get over Mel. So you like Richard then?'

'I don't know maybe.'

'When we were... you know, were you thinking about him?'

'What part of let's not talk about it do you not understand?'

'Oh my God that's a yes! While I was giving you my best moves you were picturing him!'

'No not at all, I don't like him like that.'

'Go on admit it you like him?'

'I shall do no such thing. The subject has been closed.'

'Eva I love you, as a friend nothing more, if you like him I want you to be happy so I promise I won't tease you if you get together with him. I think you should tell him how you feel!'

'Yeah well I don't know how I feel so that's no good is it.'

'Oh we've got another call waiting, hold that thought.'

As I take the call and glance at Tegan listening in taking detailed notes about everything that's said I'm aware that my training so far has been a bit crap. All I've done is talk about my drama and what to do with my love life. It's similar to my training with Jet, I wonder if that's another one of those initiations that you need to do to be accepted into the fold of the team?

The rest of my pod all decided to go to lunch together leaving us alone to train in peace and quiet so I took the opportunity to tell her all about Jet. How I loved him from a very young age, stalked him and based my life around him but after a disappointing encounter last night I've decided he's not for me. She stared on in amazement as I told her all of this and explained that no one else knows. She seems to think that now I have closure on that part of my life that could be why I'm ready to think about what I want out of a relationship with Richard. She thinks he's lovely and kind as well but she can see why the rest of the team aren't too keen on him.

'How did you find that?'

'Yeah I think the calls are okay but I'm dreading getting a bad one, I'm mega scared.'

'You don't get many nasty people or bad calls but I'm not going to lie the first time you do get one you will be terrified but that's what we are all here for. If someone is mean to you or asks for a manager just put them on hold and grab someone, any of us will be happy to escalate the call and Candice is awesome don't ever be scared to ask her for help.'

'That's good to know. Have you had a bad call yet?'

'Yeah but it's good because that's when you get properly initiated into the team. Listen I need the loo so have a little look through your training pack and when I get back we will go through the invoices. The guys will be back from lunch any minute now but I won't be long.'

'Okay sure.'

As I come out of the toilets I bump into Richard who's about to go back into the office, he doesn't see me at first and I wonder if he's ignoring me but then he turns around and I see the genuine smile on his face and his eyes light up.

'Ms Garcia! How is your day going? Is Tegan getting along alright?'

'You seem very chipper, are you having a good day?'

'Oh yes wonderful thank you, the morning was a horrible start but it's getting better by the minute. You?'

'Yes same for me actually. Tegan is just lovely and a pleasure to train although I'm telling her all about my drama and shocking love life in between nuggets of information so she's probably sick of me.'

'I doubt that very much although I would ask you to just teach her about work and not you private life if possible.'

'Oh so you want to know my private life but you don't want me to tell her?'

'Yes that's about right Ms Garcia.'

'I see... Well she's picking up everything very quickly and she's very eager, you did well getting this one.'

'Why thank you. I knew the moment I met her that you would like her which is why I was so adamant that you were the one to train her.'

'Well I appreciate your thoughts of me. Are you going back in the office?'

'You always have my thoughts. Yes I have work to get on with, you?'

'Yep I've left Tegan with the rowdy lot so I should rescue her.'

Richard smiles at me as he holds open the door for me to walk through. I walk as close to his body as I can when I pass through the door. I instantly feel the warmth of him radiating through me. He smells divine.

'You smell lush!'

'Oh... thank you... So do you.'

'Sorry did that make you feel awkward? I need to stop blurting out whatever pops into my head and learn to engage my brain before I speak.'

'No you shouldn't ever change you are fantastic as you are even if you do make me feel awkward, which isn't a bad thing it keeps me on my toes that's all.'

Richard walks me to my desk, we are so close our arms are touching and if I swing my arm ever so slightly my hand brushes against him in the most sensational way.

Once we are at my pod he stops to the side of me. I'm about to walk to my seat when Richard reaches out and ever so subtly puts his hand on the small of my back causing me to stop in my tracks.

'So Tegan is Eva looking after you?'

Tegan smiles up at us and I think she winks at me but it's so stealthy I'm not sure if I imagined it or not.

'Oh yes Eva is very good at her job and a fantastic person, make sure you reward her appropriately for her hard work today.'

Jet looks up at this, he likes Tegan, and it's obvious! I wonder who will win the battle of who gets to sleep with her. Marcus has been casting looks at her all day as well so it's still an open race. She is quite young though so maybe they will leave her alone, I doubt it with these two.

'Ah that's what I like to hear, well done Ms Garcia that's good work. Are the rest of the team making you feel welcome?'

As Richard waits for Tegan to answer I feel his hand very lightly sliding down my back until it rests just below my trouser line and his flat palm tightens into a slight cupping motion.

I've gone weak at the knees, heat is radiating through me faster than I can breathe. I want to kiss him, its Richard I want.

'Yes everyone is so kind and helpful, I think I'm going to enjoy it here.'

'Well that's great news, I shall leave you in Eva's very capable hands. Have a good day team.'

Richard very slowly takes his hand off my body and the cold air hits me causing me to shiver as I sit back down.

'Wow who's doing Richard? He's in the best mood!'

'Marcus that's a terrible thing to say, he's just in a good mood no one is doing him! I'm learning a lot about you today.'

Marcus shoots me a warning look as he smiles at Tegan.

'Ignore her Tegan, whatever Jet has said is lies, and she stupidly sounds like she believes them.'

'It's not lies, Jet is right. Even I fell for Marcus at the start I wasn't stupid enough to jump into bed with him though.'

'Thanks Leah, I get what you're all doing you're ganging up on me for no reason! All I said was Richards in a weirdly good mood.'

'We may have lovely Eva to thank for that eh lover?'

'Shut it Jet! Back to work everyone I have training to conduct.'

'I missed you while you were gone Eva.'

Tegan whispers as I sit back down, I hope the team haven't scared her too much while I was in the loo. I'm definitely keeping my eye on her and Marcus.'

'It's okay I'll protect you from the weirdo's now.'

'Thanks Eva... By the way he totally likes you it's so obvious from the way he was with you then.'

'I hope so!'

##  Chapter 31

'Are you going to do it then?'

'I don't know! I'm scared.'

'Do it! Go for it!'

After my day training Tegan she and Jet had convinced me that Richard liked me and they told me to email him and tell him I liked him too. I shrugged them off at the time but when I went home I felt a bit braver and spent the evening compiling an email which I am now pretty proud of. I was too scared to do anything the next day so I continued my training of Tegan and pretended to myself that there wasn't an email in my personal account just waiting to be sent to my work address. That email contains my heart and soul, something I wouldn't want to get in the wrong hands.

Last night I emailed it to myself and let Tegan and Jet read it this morning as long as they promised not to tell anyone. That was at 10am and for the past half an hour all I have had is the two of them pestering me.

'What do you think Jet?'

'I agree go for it, hit the send button.'

'I can't you do it!'

'Are you serious? You need me to do this for you? Have I not done enough for you lately?'

Jet jokes but I wonder if deep down he's a little put out that I've moved on from him so quickly. It does seem fast but I think I just blocked out any feeling I had towards Richard while Jet occupied my heart, as soon as Jet was gone from his decade long spot in my heart and mind I suddenly felt this rush of the last two months of "moments" with Richard whoosh through me like a highlights reel or a happy montage like the sort that happens in movies only this time it was real life and it was happening to me.

'You were the one who helped me see it was Richard I wanted so you kinda owe me. Please will you just send it?'

'Alright, alright go on then, out the way.'

I push my chair back from my desk giving Jet space to take control of my pc and I put my shaking hands over my eyes and wait for Jet to confirm he's pushed the send button.

'Done!'

I feel sick, I still can't open my eyes and then I hear gasps and people whispering, I open my eyes and the first thing I see is Jet staring at my computer screen in horror.

'Tegan go back to your desk things are going to get messy. Eva I'm so sorry I didn't mean to... I thought it was just him.'

Tegan gives me a quick shoulder squeeze before rushing back to her desk. I look up and everyone in the whole office appears to be staring at me, I've got my back to the rest of my team but I can feel their eyes bearing into me. I think I'm going to throw up at my desk.

'Jet? What did you do?' I whisper to him without moving, I don't want to see his expression I know whatever it is must be bad.

'I pressed send to all of finance... The whole office have just received your heart on your sleeve email. I'm so sorry, it defaulted at the last minute.'

I can't say anything all I can do is stare at my computer and avoid eye contact with anyone. I whisper to Jet under my breath, 'what shall I do?'

'I don't know Eves... I actually have no idea.'

'EVA Brendan meeting room NOW!'

Richard marches down the walkway towards me but doesn't stop for me he just shouts as he walks past leaving me to obediently follow him.

Candice is quick at Richards's heels and by my desk with a sympathetic look on her face.

'Would you like me to go with you both?'

'No thank you Candice I think this is best dealt with quickly, just the two of us. If things have to be taken further I will phone you.'

'Oh okay.'

Candice gives me a sorrowful I tried to help you smile then heads back at her desk, shoeing any people that have come closer to see the drama away.

'Alright people the shows over get back to work now!'

'Thanks Jet. Will you come with me?'

'I don't think I can babe, especially if Candice isn't allowed and she's management. Be confident, be brave and most of all don't cry in front of him.'

I stand to leave and wobble slightly, I'm not sure I can make it to the meeting room without fainting but it doesn't look like I have much choice. I slowly make my way out of the office, firstly with my head down not making eye contact with anyone but as I get closer to the door my confidence comes to me and I hold my head high waving at the people staring. This is too much for most of them to take so they look down and carry on with their work pretending that they weren't interested in what will happen to me. I'm still not sure how I'm going to act or what I'm going to say but I'll wing it when I see him and I know what mood he's in.

I push open the door to Brendan meeting room and an icy blast hits me, clearly the radiators haven't been turned on, that or the atmosphere is that intense that I can feel it in the air.

In the centre of the tiny room is a large round table with scruffy office chairs around it, it's all far too big for the room and makes it look like it's been thrown together. Richard is sitting as far away as he can get so I take a seat opposite him. As soon as I sit down he slides some paper over to me and I'm mortified to see it is a print out of my email to him.

'Read it to me.'

'I can't... have you read it? All of it?'

'I was surprised to see an email from you to the whole of finance as you're not permitted to send them so I scanned it before I realised it was something that clearly the whole department didn't need to read. Tell me why you felt the need to send it to everyone?'

'I didn't! I was too scared to press send so I asked Jet to do it for me.'

'Had he read it?'

'Erm yes... I'm sorry I wanted his advice.'

'I now see why it was sent to all, it was clearly his punishment for you.'

'Punishment?'

'Re-read your email Ms Garcia, especially the bit about your sexual encounter with Jet.'

'Oh shit! I didn't even register that bit! But he wouldn't want everyone reading that would he? That will ruin his reputation!'

'It will either ruin him or he will be inundated with offers from women thinking they could be the one to teach him, that or some sympathy sex. He's more desperate than I gave him credit for. Now read the email to me.'

I try to take in what Richard has just said, no surly Jet wouldn't do that to me? He's my friend...

I take a deep breath before I look at the printed email, here goes nothing.

Dear Ritchie,

I want to start by saying this has been really hard and taken many attempts to get right so please read to the end before you reply.

When I first met you I quite literally fell at your feet and things with me haven't been quite right since then. I thought you drove me mad, I thought you were an uptight jerk with no sense of humour but I've realised now this is not the case.

On my first day you were so kind, you didn't laugh at me or talk to me like I was an idiot instead you took care of me. You drove me to hospital and protected me while I lay in my hospital bed feeling like a complete moron. You gave up your time which I know is precious to as you are so busy all of the time.

From that moment I knew there was something special about you but then I saw you at work and you acted like a knob. You refused, in fact you still refuse to get in the lift with me but I doubt you will ever admit the truth which is clearly that you are afraid of lifts. If you hadn't have forced me up the stairs I wouldn't have had the first day here that I did and things would be completely different. Who knows if I hadn't have fallen up the stairs and needed you to care for me we may not have the relationship we have now.

Your problem is that you are too terrified to admit that you're not perfect, you are like most men a scared little boy pretending to be a man with your mismatch suits and your stern airs and graces. You love knowing that you control the room and that everyone is scared of you. But I'm not like other people, I question you, I pick on you and I tease you. This angers and confuses you but it also intrigues you. You can't help yourself, you need to try and figure me out. Even when you're mad at me I know you can't help but think about me and want me near. If this weren't true you would have let me go weeks ago.

Every morning when I come into your office early because I had messed up again you asked me so many questions and got to know me. You won't admit it but you love the drama that I bring to your life.

You never punished me for all of the rules I broke like sleeping at work, turning up drunk, putting a co-worker into hospital, all the stupid things I did. You said next time you would punish me so I look forward to hearing what punishment you have in mind for this email!

When you found out I had kissed Jet you were so jealous you sent me home for the day until I apologised. Well I did apologise but then I rocked your world by telling you I slept with Jet that night, what I didn't tell you at the time was that cringey moment where Jet was lay on top of me his face melted into yours. It took one awkward meaningless shag with a good friend for me to figure out the truth.

The truth is I want you and I think you want me too. If this is the case invite me into your office and we can talk this through.

In summary - I love it when you get grumpy because I call you Ritchie, you're hot, you smell nice, you have awful taste in clothes and you're moody and rude and shouty and you won't get in the bloody lift you weirdo but I think I may just love you a little bit.

Eva (AKA Ms Garcia - by you alone) xxx

I finish reading the email and clear my croaky voice as I put the paper down on the desk and stare at it not making eye contact with Richard. I've never felt so embarrassed but excited all wrapped into one fizzling moment before.

There's a moment of silence before I hear Richard sigh and slap his hand down onto the desk.

'In what way was it appropriate to send this in an email, ignoring the fact you sent it to everyone. I'm your boss! You can't send me things like this. If you want to talk about anything you come to my office you never email me something like this!'

Richard sounds mad as he shouts at me I don't know what to do. I want to cry but Jet said I wasn't to do that in front of him so I need to be brave.

'I couldn't say it to your face it would be too awkward, I wouldn't know where to start and I would end up doing something stupid or throwing something over you or something. You know me Rich, you know what I'm like.'

'Even if this email had just come to me I would be in trouble, you may even lose your job over it! Emails are monitored, even to management and the fact that you have sworn in it will flag up instantly but you went one step better and sent it to everyone just to be on the safe side. You've listed the rules you have broken that I knew about you stupid girl! I'm so mad at you I can't even begin to tell you!'

That's it I can't take this anymore, I will cry if this continues and I can't cry in front of him.

I jump up from my seat and push a couple of chairs to the side to slow him down a bit. With it being so cramped in here it will take him long enough to climb over the chairs and stop me without me blocking him further but I'm not taking any chances.

I run from the room and back to my desk where I start to grab my belongings.

'Did he fire you?'

'No Jet but I'm leaving so I hope you're happy with yourself!'

'Eves don't be like that it was a mistake! If he's not fired you then stay!'

'It wasn't a mistake you did it so you could punish me for saying I thought of him when we were in bed together and so you could get some pity sex! Richard knows your game.'

Jet stares at me in amazement before shrugging his shoulders, clearly he has no response to that.

I've just managed to shove all my stuff into my handbag and am about to put my coat and scarf on when Richard bursts through the door and runs over to me.

'What are you doing?'

'Leaving, I think you'll understand why.'

'You can't go!'

'Why not? Give me one good reason! Everyone in the whole office is now staring at us so you best make it a shit hot reason.'

'You want a reason?'

'Yes!'

'Do all of you want a reason?'

Richard spins around asking the whole office, a few people shout yes but most of them pretend they aren't looking for all of two minutes whilst Richard is looking in their direction but as soon as his back is turned they stand back up to get a better view.

'Okay the reason for you all is this, Eva you can't go because...' He turns to me and puts his hand on mine, he's shaking and for once I feel like just maybe I'm in charge of this situation. 'The reason you can't leave is because I think I may just love you a little bit too!'

'You what? Are you serious?'

'Fuck it I've got enough people's attention already, Eva Garcia I know for sure that I have loved you from the moment you fell at my feet on your first day here.'

'You have?'

'Of course! How could I not love you, my quirky weirdo now please put down your bag and come here.'

I throw my bag back onto my desk and fall into his arms I can feel his warm body against mine and it's perfect.

'Kiss me you nut job.'

'Yes sir, you are the boss after all.'

'I'm not so sure about that with you around.'

I wrap my arms around his neck and as I kiss him I can hear the whole office cheering, this is the most awkward but romantic thing that has ever happened to me.

'I love you!'

##

##  Epilogue

There was a fair amount of backlash from that stupid email at work. Poor Richard was in and out of meeting for almost a full month while everything was looked into. He had to fight so hard for both our jobs and I will be eternally grateful for that.

The company finally agreed that Candice would be in charge of me one hundred percent so Richard has no say in any part of my contract. If Candice needs advice on anything to do with me then she needs to go to Richards boss which is a bit degrading for him but with everything I admitted to in the email I can understand why it has to be this way. Candice was thrilled with the new arrangement; she sees it as the next step on the corporate ladder. Start with me and when she proves she's capable of managing staff without Richards help hopefully they will let her have more say over the rest of the team.

We've had a little office move around, Jet now sits up next to Candice and Tegan is in his seat next to me. This was partly my request after Jet's role in the whole situation but Richard was only too pleased to push the idea to Candice when I mentioned it to him.

It took a while to forgive Jet and I still haven't fully forgiven him for doing it on purpose, if it had been a genuine mistake then I would have forgiven him straight away but what he did was malicious. I'm not sure I will ever truly forgive him or trust him totally again but we are working on our friendship. He has been trying so hard since then, I think it was a split second decision that he truly regretted the second he pressed send but it's worked out for the best for him. He's never had so much female attention, so much so that Marcus has tried to spread a similar rumour about himself with much less luck.

Even though I'm dating the boss I still go out for payday drinks and we now also take it in turns to host a take away, drinks and movie night twice a month as well so we have become quite a social team. Mostly thanks to mine and Tegan's efforts. Although I don't drink nearly as much as I used to. I've realised I actually have more fun without the alcohol and I definitely don't miss the hangovers and the embarrassment the next day.

Tegan went a bit weird for a while and I honestly thought she may have a bit of a crush on me but I know now, after asking her, that she's just a friendly person and she thinks of me as a close friend. It does mean I can't go to the toilet without her telling me she missed me when I sit back at my desk but I can cope with that and she's working on it as well.

Richard and I are still together and happier than ever. He drives me mad but I've never known love like this before, he is without doubt the best thing that's happened in my life. We even had Christmas together, he came to mine and Jorja's for the whole day and stayed over. He ended up doing most of the cooking as I wasn't trusted and Jorja was a bit rude saying she wasn't doing it all just because I had him here. It was the best Christmas ever, the only thing missing was a visit to my parents.

After Richard told me he loved me in the office that day he decided it would be best if we just got on with work as usual so after the longest day of my life I practically happy danced over to his office at five o'clock.

He was on the phone to his boss when I let myself in so I made myself comfy on his sofa. He didn't take his eyes off me the whole time he was on the phone and the second he hung up the phone I practically dove over his desk landing in his lap with a bump. As I kissed him for the second time in my life I knew I want to spend the rest of my life in his arms with him protecting me and digging me out of the stupid situations I get myself into.

That day was the first day he took the lift since he was five and got stuck in a broken one. I made it as exciting as I could and he almost had to push the emergency stop button just so we could enjoy a moment together but the sensible boss in him made me stop and wait until we got back to his house, or should I say mansion!

Jorja was a bit surprised as I hadn't shown her the email or even told her I liked Richard before we got together, I felt a bit guilty as she is my best friend but after all the help she gave me stalking Jet I felt she wouldn't approve which she didn't to start with but now she's got to know him and he lets her call him Rich she has warmed to him and they get on nicely now. He told me that no-one called him Rich but when I called him it the day we got together he liked the sound of it coming from me that he was happy to be called it when the moment was less formal, even my team mates are allowed to call him it when he's in the right mood.

Richard has got much better in the office as well, he's much kinder to the staff and has respect rather than just scared staff. He's even joined us for a couple of social events, well when I force him to. I can understand why he doesn't often want to go, it must be hard to get the right balance.

I split my time between home and Richards but as much as I love living with Jorja I can't wait to move in permanently with Richard, not that he will be asking any time soon we've only been together just over a month after all. Saying that he's got further than most of my exes already, we are off to see my parents today. I planned to see them for New Years Eve as I didn't see them at Christmas but as neither Richard nor I wanted to spend New Year apart we decided he should come along. This is a rarity, although they get to hear about the objects of my interest they never usually get to meet them.

I think mum is as nervous as Richard is, she understands how important it is that she likes Richard, and he must be the chosen one.

'Are you ready for this?'

'Baby with you by my side I'm ready to take on the world, it's all about you!'

204

