* X x * x * x * Chapter 20 * x * x * x X*
The first day has ended and she has never seen Z again after the introduction for the talented boss just stayed inside her introverted fortress.
She still couldn't believe that Zach is gonna be her boss and not to mention, they shared a kiss last week! Now, she isn't sure how things would go for them.
Although the day seemed to be productive, there was still one thing on the back of her mind. She never heard anyone introduce themselves as Reigh Kyler and she never found out about them. Well, perhaps that can wait another day.
Together with Felicity, they went down the lobby to surrender their pass since their company ID was released earlier today.
She didn't stop bugging her about Z and she had no choice but to detail everything that happened, well of course not including the kiss they shared.
Felicity lived opposite of her so they parted as they reached outside the building premises and went their separate ways. As soon as she turned her way, she saw the woman that has always been on her mind all day sitting on one of the benches around the building, her foot on top of her electric scooter looking down.
As Z sat at the lonely spot, she recalled her conversation with her friend, J. He stayed at her office after the meet and greet.
*********flashback
"What was that all about? Are you trying to sell me or something?" Zack chuckled as she closed the door. She went straight to her swivel chair behind her table while J settled himself on the couch.
"To be perfectly honest, yes, I was," J answered genuinely. "I want you to give it a chance. What, are you just gonna leave her hanging after leading her on? Man, I'd hate you if you do that."
"No, I didn't lead her on purpose but I like her company so much and I'm thinking maybe we could be good friends?" She is also trying to make herself believe what she's saying.
J grimaced. "Are you fvcking serious right now?"
"What, you don't think we can be friends instead?" She asked him.
"What the f is wrong with you, Zachariah!" J said in disbelief. He's never noticed it but usually calls her by her full name if he's too excited, pissed, angry, or disappointed. And because of that, Z got taken aback. "Is this how friendships are born nowadays? Yea let's kiss and then be friends." He hissed. "Oh, why don't we go on a date? I'm so wet for you so let's be friends. Nothing more." He added and couldn't help laughing at what he said.
Z found something at her back and threw the travel pillow to J's face which he caught and threw back at her.
"Alright, stop. Sorry about that. Might I add, I may actually do that but not you, This isn't you." He raised his hand, snickering. "All I'm saying is give it a chance. I like Kaye, I like her for you. Friendship or anything is good as long as you take a step. You'll never know, you might ask for more if she did agree to be friends." She said looking her in the eyes.
"And you can't give up now. At least not until I can hit it off with her sister." He laughed again.
Z threw the pillow once again. J failed to dodge it and it hit his face. "F you, Jeremy! Just when I thought you were finally making sense. Leave at once before I call the guards."
J tossed the pillow to the couch, stood up, and curtseyed, "Your wish is my command, your highness. I shall take my leave now."
Before he opened the door, "Uh, Z, I'm telling you to take down these photos. I know you took it during your date but it's not something you put in here. Especially now she'll be right outside the door as a colleague," he said emphasizing the word colleague.
Z pursed her lips, "For the last time, it doesn't mean anything. These are my shots that I like personally and I am making it a reference."
J pursed his lips as well and shrugged. "I don't know, man. Sounds like a stalker to me."
Z sighed, "alright, alright I'll come up with something later."
"One last thing, you're on your own later. I won't go home with you today. Up to you on how you use this chance." He winked then finally opened the door to leave.
She just stared at the door dumbfounded.
****end of flashback***
"Ms. Zachariah McCartney." She heard Kaye and a smile immediately formed on her lips.
She stood up and nodded, "Catherine Jones."
"Pleasant evening to my boss. Are you perhaps waiting for someone?"
"Yea, Jeremy already left and I-I was hoping we could, perhaps, walk home together?"
"Walk? But you have this thing though, you'd rather walk instead?" Kaye tried to fight the blush but failed miserably.
"I'll walk you to the café then I'm riding it after. If you wouldn't mind it." Zach said as she scratched the side of her cheek.
"Of course, you can. Shall we?" Kaye asked her and Zach just nodded.
They strolled feeling the heavy air but having each other's company felt comfortable.
"So, uh, how was your first day?" Zach asked as she dragged her scooter.
"It was fun, actually." Kaye turned her head to her. "Although there were some surprises, it was still fun regardless. You have an outstanding company just as I imagined."
"Thank you. That's what we are thriving for. A fun and a rewarding one." Zach replied, walking slowly with her head down. Trying to pace with her walk as always but the speed was rather slower today. She and J have long legs so they walk quite fast and she has been trying to match Kaye all this time.
"I'm still glad that I applied to your company and forever grateful that you hired me but I must say it's kinda awkward," Kaye said what was on her mind. "Well, I mean, what's there to be awkward about? Not like we're dating or something, right?" Kaye blurted out.
Zach turned her head to Kaye. Her heart sank at what she said. It is true that they are not in a relationship or any kind of understanding. And she decided to not progress any further upon learning that Kaye is now part of their company but she didn't know how to react upon hearing it come out of her mouth.
She didn't know how to respond to her question and just kept silent. She doesn't know how she would open up a conversation about them to stay friends since she never really said anything about dating.
One thing she knows is she gotta keep her feelings in check and be casual but professional at the same time towards Kaye.
"Why are you so quiet?" She asked her trying to find her face.
"I mean, yeah, there's no need for awkwardness. I'm still me and I hope we can still be friends." She finally found her voice after getting lost in her thoughts for a moment.
"Oh, my we're friends?" Kaye asked with both her brows raised.
"Are we not?" She sulked.
"I'm kidding, boss. It's still you but so much better. I am seeing you in a good light right now. I thought you were some weirdo with nothing better to do." She jested while holding her hands up placing her inside a space between her thumbs and index finger to mimic a frame whilst thinking that Zach doesn't have to know that she's been seeing her in a good light since day one.
"Can you drop it?" Zach showed an irked smile. "Please, don't call me boss. You can just talk to me casually like you've been doing."
"You got it, boss!" Kaye said almost skipping.
Zach just sighed and looked at the pretty young colleague walking beside her.
"Okay, okay. I'll stop." She giggled. "You know, it was awkward indeed. But it's quite reassuring that my boss is such a sweetheart. Look, she even walks me back home."
"Uh, no, it's because J left without me and we happen to go in the same direction." Zach defended herself.
"Whatever you say, boss," she said and Z couldn't help but chuckle.
"Stop." She raised a brow while laughing
"See, she's humble as well. We gotta add that to your resumé." Kaye said as she pouted her lips to think. "Hmm, let's see. Sweet, kind, humble, gorgeous, a gentlewoman. The only catch is, she's a flirt." She giggled once again. "Oh, she's not much of a fast driver." She added and giggled more.
"You're exaggerating." Zach shook her head.
"Seriously, I heard how J introduced you earlier. That was such a list. Is there anything you can't do?" Kaye looked at Zach with gleaming eyes.
"Well, I've been working at the company since forever so you could say it's something acquired through experience."
"Let's add 'modest' to that." She said as they reached the café's vicinity.
"Well, I guess we have arrived," Kaye said before the discomfiture manifests once again.
"Certainly, take a good rest and I'll see you tomorrow." Zach sniffled and gestured to the door.
"Good night." Kaye waved goodbye and Zach did the same.
She waited until Kaye is no longer in sight then sighs and rode her scooter back home with a suppressed smile coming on and off her lips being swept by the evening air.