20

VALERIA

Take deep breaths, V.

I kept repeating those words as we walked into the reception because I knew what was in store for me. I knew there were going to be lots of judgmental stares, for one. I knew Nicole would be confused and at a loss for words. I knew lots of things were going to occur, and I was mentally preparing myself for that.

Was it working? Hell to the no.

"Are you ready?" he asked, pursing his lips.

"Are you?" I asked.

"I'm ready if you are," he responded.

I shrugged, "then let's do this."

My insides were twisting.

We walked towards the front desk, and a lot of my colleagues surrounded there, murmuring slowly. I bit my bottom lip hard out of fear. I turned to look at him; he looked at me and held my hand tightly then smiled, which calmed me for some odd reason.

"Is this how you work?" he asked with a stern voice, which caused them to disperse immediately. Of course, they gave me those judgmental looks before leaving.

He then turned to me, held my shoulders, and