Chapter Five - Back to normal

Aubrey

I regretted drinking so much last night because now I have to go to work, and I feel like shit! Why did I let myself get in such a state? I don’t know how I will face Gabe at this video call on Sunday, not after last night. I should not have got as wasted, not in front of him. I was dancing on tables and everything, and then he had to take my drunken ass home. How embarrassing for me.

I had my shades on to hide my eyes as I walked into work, an extra-strong coffee in my hand. It was my third coffee thus far, and I took painkillers, so hopefully, the hangover will ease within the next couple of hours. I said hello to everyone, heading straight for my office.

“You looked like you had a good night,” Darren said, coming into my office.

“I am regretting it now,” I groan, resting my head on the table.

“Well, sweetie, you better perk up because Mr Hunter is here, and he is going to see Kay, and then you and I, but I don’t know in what order,” He says.

No! This can’t be happening. I am not ready to face him, not this soon. There was me thinking my day couldn’t get any worse.

“He is here?” I ask, panicked.

“Yes, and calm down,” Darren laughs, “Anyway, I need to get back to work. See you at break?” He adds.

I nod, and he heads out. I try to pull myself together because I don’t know when he is stopping by. I tried to forget the hangover and got to work. I was going to do some more work for the new idea site. I could do a better mock-up once I receive some products and prices from the company itself, which I hope will get emailed to me by Monday. I could work on some other things until then.

I had got lost in my work and only getting pulled out of it with a knock on my office door. I look up and see Mr Hunter standing there. I motion him to come on.

“Good afternoon, Miss Winters,” He speaks politely.

“Good afternoon, Mr Hunter,” I reply with a smile.

He steps further into my office, closing the door behind him.

“How is the head?” He laughs.

“Pounding,” I complain, “I am sorry about last night. I hope I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself,” I added.

“You don’t need to be sorry,” He shrugs, “Who knew you were that fun,” He added.

I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or be offended by it.

“Meaning?” I ask.

“I didn’t mean anything by it, Aubrey,” He sighs, shaking his head.

“So, what do you need?” I ask, changing the subject.

I didn’t want to say anything else about what he said because if he said one wrong thing, I might snap at him. I can’t do that, not while I am here.

“I am just checking in with everyone, rather than have a meeting through video tomorrow,” Gabe states, “Can I see what you have done?” He adds.

I nod, and he comes around to my side of the desk, leaning over the top of me to look at the computer screen. Does he not know personal space? Though I do have to admit, he smells terrific. It was a mixture of coffee, aftershave and something else, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was nice, whatever it was.

I look up at him, raising my brow.

“You can bring the other chair around,” I suggest.

He was too close for comfort. He abruptly pulls away. Is he mad because I asked him to get a chair? Surely not. He grabbed the other chair and brought it around, sitting it next to mine. He was still closer than he needed to be, but I didn’t say anything.

I clicked on the file of Modern Vintage and letting him look through it. He wasn’t saying much as he studies everything closely.

“It is not bad, but the mock-up for the site needs more,” He said.

“I can’t do much more until I receive what I asked the company for, items and prices to put on the site,” I reply.

It is not bad? What does he know? I worked my ass off on this, and without the resources that I need. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at him. I was in a bitchy mood today, again, it would seem. Last night we were getting on alright, but now, there is something about him being here that annoys me.

“When did you ask for the things?” He asks.

“I emailed them yesterday,” I reply, “I will give them to Monday,” I added.

“I will get in touch with them and get them to send over right away,” Gabe says.

“No, don’t do that,” I announced, “I am sure they will get them to me when they have a moment,” I added.

I do not need him to get me what I need. I know what I am doing. I do not want to be that kind of person who needs the big boss getting me what I need.

“Excuse me?” Gabe uttered.

“Mr Hunter, I know my job. I don’t need you to help me with it,” I respond through gritted teeth, “Putting pressure on them isn’t going to help with anything,” I added.

He shakes his head, getting to his feet.

“I know you can do your job, Miss Winters, but this needs to be a team effort,” He said firmly, “So whatever issues you have with me, get over them. Conference room in half-an-hour,” He added, walking out of my office.

It would seem like we are back to disliking each other. Maybe I did overreact a little, but so did he. I huffed to myself, running my fingers through my hair. I finished up a few things, grabbing my iPad to take to the meeting with me because everyone was backed up onto that anyway. I need another coffee before this meeting.

I went to the break room to get a coffee from the machine. Darren was in getting one too.

“What happened with you and Mr Taylor? He seems mad when he left your office,” He laughs.

“He was trying to do my work for me, something I don’t need,” I said, “He didn’t like when I told him that,” I added, shrugging.

“You need to be careful, Aubrey,” He warns.

“I know, but he just irks me,” I state.

“I know he does. I swear, it is some underlying sexual tension,” Darren smirks.

I glare at him the moment he mentions that. He held his hands up and laughed.

“I would not go there, ever,” I reply.

Darren laughs a little louder, winks at me before heading out towards the conference room. Why would he even say that shit? I would not go down that road. I grab my coffee, making my way to the conference room. Darren was there, as well as Kay and Gabe. I am assuming it is only the four of us at this meeting.

I took a seat next to Darren, Gabe not looking at me. How mature of him. I wasn’t going to let him bother me. I don’t know how we got on great last night, and then today, it is the complete opposite. Maybe out of work we can get along, and if we are drinking.

I should get used to clashing with him because it isn’t like we will be spending much time together outside of work and drinking. I had to concentrate on my job and nothing else.

I can do that! I am a grown-up!