All Chapters of Color Me, Black: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

-"This smells super fruity," Marcus examines the bag when River gives him a whiff of it. "Straight high-grade purple from the sweet, sweet islands of Jamaica, also, don't tell my boss." River says and Marcus scoffs then starts laughing. "You raggedy bitch." Marcus slaps River on the right shoulder. "You're holding out on me again." He shakes his head and tries snagging the bag from River, who swiftly snaps it back. "No, jolly when he sees the green giant, you roll like a bitch wearing two-inch long acrylic nails, so, step back." River bounce

-River sucks in a heavy breath, feeling the elevator vibrate around him with a gentle, but nauseating rumble. It resonates through his body, shackling him to a shallow feeling of inhibition manifested by his nerves. He closes his eyes for a second, then opens them and straightens his tie. His eyes settle on the numbers dialling up, barely able to contain himself because of his growing angst. Finally, the elevator rumbles to a stop, dinging once before opening to a pristine hubbub. Before him, a large, spacey podium hovers above a bullpen of sorts. Sixteen cubicles open up, with professionally dressed people, all within their own charm. River steps from the elevator, poised, dressed to impress with a woeful glance and a brain overwrought with tremulous thoughts.

-   - One Week Later -   "There he is," Marcus pushes into River's apartment, and swaying two bags on each hand.    "Here I am." River says, lacking enthusiasm, but Marcus notices and pouts immediately. "Sumu Chos?" River gestures to the familiar logo, the chimes words for fast food printed on it.    "Chinese Food and beer," Marcus grins proudly.    "You are heaven sent. I really do need some comfort food."    "Someone doesn't seem too happy with being the most famous charity chairman around town." Marcus raises an eyebrow and River sighs.    "I'm sorry," he excuses, taking the bag of beer by the bottom

- River enters the apartment, hearing the city continuing its noises below. He presses his back against the door, his face contorting with emotions as tears stream from his eyes. With a quiet cry, River sinks to the floor, and lets his tears loose. Deciding it was best to let it all out, purge his system of whatever inhibitions he withheld.  Seeing James's face and clearing things up was all he needed. He hadn't realized until leaving the venue, but it was a revelation that caused hurt and reminded him of the trauma. River wanted to hate James, but he'd been left with hating the situation, the cause behind their split. Closure was paramount in moving on, but he had no clue it would leave him in anguish as much as it did in the moment. He could only hope that things would get better, that he would recover after mulling over it long enough. So he lets himself go, and lets it hurt him just like it

- - A Month Later - "Take it from me, they'll be eating out of Charles' hands." River raises his glass at Sebastian.  They sit before the view of Manhattan on colorful pillows, legs crossed, enjoying a game of chess with wine involved. They'd met many nights like this in the past few weeks. Stealing whatever time they could, to be alone before other responsibilities needed their attention, which was quite frequent.  "He already pitched the proposal to the board. Now he just has to do that with shareholders, investors, everybody involved in the Merit Global operations." Sebastian makes his move, though absentmindedly.  "Wasn't the merge final a couple months ago?" River chances a look in Sebastian's direction.