Chapter 6 Office

"Whatttttt??"

My mouth was open, my eyes widened as I take every little detail of her recent involvements. 

"Samuel LeRoy is the fa.... fa....fff....aa..father?" I can't even say",

I was in complete shock. I think my heart just gave up, it's not beating I guess after all this is the most shocking thing I've heard till now. It tops everything literally.

"The football player Samuel, he got you PREGNANT"

"Calm down will you" Kelly stops me from screaming, 

The professional football player Samuel LeRoy is the father, how the fuck does she expects me to calm down. 

"VERONICAAAA" she shouts 

"What were you thinking??" I start, "Do you have any idea what will happen if the media finds out?" I whisper

This is not good. This is so not what I had planned when I decided to move back to New York. Oh god, I need to calm down. 

I fucking hate surprises and this is the reason why. She slept with an athlete for god sake and not just anyone. 

Samuel is the most popular football player of the season. His fans are wide crazy about him so if this gets leaked out, I'm sure Kelly is the one to suffer the most, heck I don't even know if he is serious about her.

His main focus right now is his career. He is currently in Lisbon preparing for his last match, oh wait...

I remember something, I was about to board my plane to New York when this happened. The Big tv screen at the airport aired his announcement.

There were many gasps; people at the airport were very sad and shocked knowing their favorite player is retiring. 

"Is he retiring because of the baby?" I can't help but ask her directly, 

"No, of course not, I don't want him to give up his career for me"

"Then? why the sudden retirement???"

"Do you uh remember his last game with Liverpool?" she said with a little hesitation.

{Guys, this is all just my own imaginary writing, and nothing here is involved with reality okay, just wanted to make sure before I continue} 

I take some time to think. I am not really into sports but now that she mentioned I remember there was a huge drama because of this Liverpool match.

I was at a runaway show that time when the news leaked. Samuel was involved in a match-fixing that angered his fans. 

The match was on the verge of cancellation when Samuel interviewed and explained the doubt. He requested for the continuation to prove his innocence.

That match was really intense. He played really well in that match and made it a fair win with 9 extra points, but he ended up injuring his left ankle.

"is it because of that injury?" I ask

She didn't say anything and I decided not to stretch it. This might be a sensitive topic for her but what about the baby? Hell, how the heck did they meet? 

"How did you guys meet?" 

She looks at me, her eyes were soft. She was blushing while remembering her time with Samuel. 

I was surprised to see her like this. Believe me, I've seen many sides of Kelly, but being in love is the first one. Just seeing her shine like this makes me happy, I hope Samuel takes his responsibility as a father and a lover seriously. I don't care if he's a fucking football player, if he hurt her or my unborn nephew or niece I'll choke him to death.

By the time Kelly finished her entire love story, I was already on the verge of killing myself. Not that it's sweet to hear about your friend's relationship but every 10 seconds, I can't help but feel my ugly single life hitting me with a box of dried cement.

I don't date, to be honest, so I never know what it feels like to have a boyfriend. It's not like am a virgin or something but I never go down that relationship road. Just a few complimentary outings and some formal dates are enough, I never expect anything romantic. After my dad, I kind of distanced myself from these feelings that just hurt in the end. 

So, when I saw the spark in Kelly talking about Samuel, I couldn't help imagining what it would be like for me. 

That rush inside your body, the butterflies you feel for each other, I kinda want to feel it too but I am too afraid to open that door that took all these years for me to build.

Right now, all I can think of is Kelly and that jerk Leonard who hurt her. 

I talked with her for some more time before she kicked me out. " Go home and take some rest," she said while kicking my butt out of her room.

 Just tell me you are sick of me asking about Samuel after every second, I laughed as I remember her face ready to kill me any second if I don't shut up.

Whatever, now that she kicked me, I can finally get some rest.

It was around eight-thirty in the morning when I felt sunlight on my face. I used a pillow to cover my face when my alarm started beeping. 

"ugh," I yawned and got up turning the alarm off. I checked my phone and saw it was Wednesday which means my manager Mr. Lewis was finally here. 

I quickly washed up and decided to go for a more formal look for today. The famous Veronica Matthews is visiting her agency for the first time. I need to look professional and fashionable at the same time.

So, a beautiful beige-colored pantsuit and my favorite Dior sling bag with a matching pair of high heels will do. I just need some food now.

I walked over to my car and on the way bought some Starbucks and grabbed a few bites of my favorite salami sandwiches before texting my manager Mr. Lewis.

Thirty minutes later I am now standing outside my agency "The Silver Lining". I saw a few employees walk past me, giving me a cool "What is she doing here?" look. 

 Yeah, whatever they can kiss my ass, I'm so not in the mood to deal with them right now. Today I'm here for a reason which is not modeling. I already did a runaway show last week and a few cover shoots before my New York flight so I'm free for now. 

I want to know everything about this Leonard King and probably form a plan to return the chip before he could hurt any more of my friends. 

I walked down the hall to my office, greeting a few workers along the way when I saw Mr Lewis with a bunch of files. "uhh" I cursed not wanting to deal with this stuff now.

"What are those files, Mr. Lewis? it's not for me is it?" I prayed

"Oh morning Veronica," he said with a smile, "sorry to let you down honey, but these are not for you, it's for Rebecca"

"Rebecca? The rookie"  I smile inwardly feeling a little happy knowing it's not me who has to deal with that big pile of files. 

"Yeah, just some try-out shows for her before she runaway, she's a little nervous so I asked around"

I nod, quickly ending the discussion before he tries to add me to one of those shows. 

I walked inside my office and the old feeling just came rushing inside me. I look around and its all still the same except that huge wall painting resting on my cute brown Italian wallpapers looks new. The big glass table is beautifully placed in the middle of the room, accompanying just the amount to look modern and fresh.

 The right side of the room has a full wall-covered window that gives a magnificent view of the city. I remember taking a sip of my mocha coffee and staring at the city whenever I felt a little too burdened by my schedule. Just some good old memories. 

I slowly walked over to the table threw my Dior bag on the sofa placed on the right side of the room and opened my laptop before messaging Mr lewis to stop by after his deal with Rebecca.

A few minutes later, I heard a knock, I look up and saw it was Monica, my assistant. "Morning Miss Matthews" 

"Morning"

I shook my head and gestured for her to come in.

"Monica, I need you to do something for me, it's a little important so you cannot tell Mr Lewis about it, do you understand" I said immediately changing my tone from cheerful to serious.

She gives a nervous nod before stepping a little closer to my desk. 

"Here" I give her the photo of Leonard, that I just printed from my personal office printer; " I've written some details on the back that I want you to find out, be silent and cautious I don't want Mr Lewis or any other employee talking about this, do you get it".

"Yes, Mam," 

"And hurry, I need the information before midnight"

She nods and leaves my office.

I was about to sit on my chair and go through some season magazines when I heard Mr. Lewis's footsteps. 

"Veronica? you there"

 "Hmmm, what is it?" I look up and waited for his news which is never good.

"You have a shoot"

Of course, I have to deal with a shoot right away. It's my fault actually, I shouldn't have asked him to stop by. 

Too much happiness can't wield for longer, I was too happy for Rebecca's misfortune and now there's one ringing my door, great. Let's try to avoid it... "I don't think so, my schedule was clear for New York"

"Don't even try. I emailed you yesterday about the new shoot for the Opera"

Did he email me? When? Oh, right I forgot I was at the hospital yesterday. I was so tired that I probably sleep texted him without reading the email. I need to get out of it. I can't handle a shoot now and what is this weird obsession Opera's got for me? Didn't I shoot with them a couple of months ago? 

"Veronica?" 

"Yes!!"  shit I was lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear what he said??

"Are you even listening? why didn't you check your email before saying yes? I don't care now, it's your fault and I've already told them your coming, so just deal with it"

"But, I was....really busy yesterday" 

"Do you? I hardly think so. Now stop sulking and sign the papers. The shoot is next week so get ready, you need to check the outfits and theme before finalizing the cover"

"Which print will it be?" I sighed in defeat

"The coming spring collection"

"Opera's doing a spring theme?"

"Yeah, and they really want to highlight you so give them your measurements, I've already told Monica so she will remind you, and one more thing"

"Of course there is"

"Call Lucas"

"What, why??" now why does he want me to call Lucas? I mean, no offense but he is a little crazy, we are good friends actually but I don't want to deal with him right now"

He didn't say anything just shook his head and left. Ladies and gentlemen my manager, is the only person who comes either with work or something related to work. 

He's a damn workaholic who decided to make me one as well. First day at the office and already paying my worth. A shoot and a Lucas are waiting.

Great...