Page 2 of Bratva, Baby
“You can have him. I am not interested in the office drama, thank you very much.” I say this as if uncalled-for jealousy isn’t swirling in my chest. Of course, she would have her eyes set on him. She is the goddamn Aphrodite to his Eros.Whatever. I am here to work, that’s it, I remind myself.
“Don’t think I didn’t see you eyeing him up, littlemiss Ava.”God, she won’t leave it alone, will she? And when did she learn my name?
“Ok, you delivered your message. Thank you.” I say, just trying to keep the peace. I don’t do drama, and this is ridiculous. Thankfully, she stalks off with her pissy attitude and leaves me to finish up. Before I go, I want to make a list of things to bring from home to make my cubicle more personal. This stale energy is stifling.
Succulent
Photo of parents
Clear Quartz tree and Black Tourmaline tower
“Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.”-sign
That’s everything I can think of bringing for now, so I fold the list up and put it in my bag. Standing up, I'm ready to head home, so I head straight for the elevator. No need for any more drama from the likes of mynew friend Meredith.
I’m in the elevator, thinking I made it scot-free, when a muscular hand stops the doors from closing, and none other than Andy himself steps in. Fuck. Meredith is sure to have a field day with this, but I am nothing if not polite. “Hey, Andy”
“I was hoping to catch you before you left. Would you like to get a cup of coffee?”
“No, thank you. I have to get home. With today being my first day in the office, it has been exhausting.” I say, hoping he buys my excuse so I can make a quick exit, when suddenly the elevator shakes, the lights shut off and the damn thing stops moving. Suddenly, Andy’s flashlight on his phone turns on, and I can see his face again.
Are you fucking kidding me, Universe? Now, not only am I stuck in an elevator, but it’s with the guy in the office who already has baggage, and he has only been here a little longer than I have. Thank God it’s dark enough that he can’t see me rolling my eyes at this absurd situation. “Now what?” I proclaim.
“It’s probably just a power outage. I’m sure it will power back on soon. It will be ok; I will send a few texts and see what’s going on.” He says as his voice takes on a deeper tone that actually helps calm me. If I had any friends in the building, I could have just texted someone myself, but I am too introverted to make friends so quickly, well, other than Andy here, and it may seem he might want more. The light from his phone illuminates his face as he starts shooting off text messages to check on our status as trapped in a tin can.
After about ten minutes of still no news, I admit defeat and slump against the wall and sit on the floor; it could be worse, at least I’m not claustrophobic. Imagine if I were hyperventilating in this small box, breathing in the spice of his cologne, good lord have mercy, I think I would combust. I can’t deny that I like Andy; he seems like a fantastic guy,but with us working together and there already being a catty “other woman,” and it’s only my first day! Is a little peace in life too much to ask for?
“Since we are stuck here anyway, we might as well get to know each other,” Andy says, shocking me out of my reverie.
“I guess you’re right. It might help the time pass faster if we at least talk or something.” I reply, hating the quiet surrounding us.
“So, what do you like to do in your free time, Ava?” He asks. And at that, I can’t help but bust out laughing at such a cliché question.
“You choose that cliché as your icebreaker?” I know I am being harsh, but how else am I going to keep my distance so I can do what I came here to do? Survive.
“Fine, since you’re feeling mouthy, miss brat, let’s play truth or dare.” He offers.
“Whatever.”It’s not like I have to choose dare, I think to myself, but it’s like he is reading my mind.
“But we will have an extra rule. Dare must be chosen at least once every three rounds, so you can’t hide behind truth.” He says triumphantly, as if he has already won the entire game.
“Ok, tough guy, it was your idea, you go first. Truth or dare?” I tease.
