Austin “Miss Althea, thanks for gracing us with your presence.” “Cut the bullshit, Austin,” she leans closer, “I’ve never seen you so distracted before, I can understand the launch party but in a business meeting?” “You have no right to lecture me, the team is in top shape and catering to all your needs.” “I’m not talking about that. I’m a friend telling you right now to get your shit together,” she glances at my assistant. I follow suit. “Why are you letting that happen?” Tommy is handing her a glass of water. “You’re not even being subtle about it anymore,” Althea said. We both watch as Tommy gives the girl some biscuits. I clench my fists and face Althea instead. “What is it to you?” I said in a menacing tone. A warning. I’m getting defensive, we both know it but I have no clue where this conversation is going and it irks me. “Your tone might work with your subordinates but it doesn’t on me,” she challenged me. “Feisty.” “Cut the crap, I’m serious. This is the only time I

I drag my feet across the living room. The house is deadly silent. Good. Having a fight near midnight had its advantages. Number one, fewer people saw me crying. Tears and snot in public transportation do not in any way paint a pretty picture. Number two, I’m sure my mom is used to it but I didn’t want her to see my puffy eyes and ask me further questions. Number three, if Augustus saw me, he would probably beat the crap out of me for leaving in the first place. No, he’s not worried. He just doesn’t like knowing that I have freedom. And I’m really not in the mood for another confrontation today. I don’t have much energy for anything else. I crash into my bed and like a lovesick teenager, stare into my ceiling. The molds and holes are somewhat comforting. I’ve seen them all throughout my life. The dampness of the room and the old house smell remind me of the times I’ve laid here on the same bed and promised myself so many things. Promised that I would get the hell out of here an

It catches him off guard. I know it does even if he hides it. A minor flinch. He quickly drew his hand away. The water from his hand dripped on the kitchen floor. I take a seat on the kitchen island, facing away from him. Giving him the space he needs. I find something to do with my hands. All the vegetables are peeled and sliced. I take a few more potatoes and begin peeling. Nothing wrong with a few more potatoes. He leans bank on the kitchen sink. I can feel his gaze burning my back. He took his time before he finally answered, “Okay.” I don’t move from my spot, I just wait. Like a feral animal, I wait for him to come to me. Is this what it’s like to tame something so wild? A few more seconds pass. Then a click. Charlie barks. She hates the sound of the coffee grinding machine. I’m done with the first potato by the time he has finished with the monstrosity that he calls his beloved espresso machine. The scraping of the wooden chair on my right alerts me to his movements. S

Austin The door slamming makes me swivel my chair back. “Austin,” Samantha Cane said in a way of greeting. I murmur a goodbye to the head of the I.T. Department and switch my phone to silent. I don’t want distractions for this. I raise my head, that’s all she’s going to get today. “That’s no way to greet your own mother,” she said. She stands by the large windows. I don’t respond. She’s baiting me. Why else would she visit me here? “It’s a little cramped in here, no proper ventilation,” she said. Inspecting the room further. “Didn’t you hire Elaine? She’s the best interior designer in town.” I remain passive, looking almost bored. But I know her every move is calculated, precise, and deliberate. She makes herself comfortable on the leather sofa by the window. She purposely disregarded the chair in front of my desk. A power move. Of course, wouldn’t want to seem like a subordinate in any way. “Oh, my… those are just atrocious,” she commented on the antiques on top of my table

A split second, a moment of euphoria. Then it all came crashing down. My instincts kicked in, the way he enveloped me. I’m caged in, pinned to the door. I can’t breathe. My heart is pounding and it’s not the good kind. I push his chest. He swiftly pulls back. He gazed at me, the hurt and bewilderment were clear in his eyes. “I thought…” he said. I grasp the doorknob to my left to hold onto something. He tried to reach out but it made things worse. Dark room. Enclosed space. I’m pinned. I blink a couple of times. My eyes searched for anything to focus on to distract myself. The windows. His huge chair. That weird bust of a man on top of his desk over there. This door is an exit. Sharp quick breath and exhale longer. I can get out anytime. I can get out if I want to. There’s no need to panic. “I apologize if I misinterpreted things,” he looked contrite, like a boy who did something wrong. “No, it’s fine, you just surprised me,” I croaked out. My voice was still a little br