Anna hailed a taxi on the busy street,the tears pricking the corners of her eyes. She couldn't believe Vincent would stoop that low,her thoughts swirled. At a point she couldn't believe she was worried about it.
She was still in thoughts as she walked into her apartment,the cool air conditioning a Stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside. She dropped her bag on the couch and collapsed beside it, letting out a deep sigh. Helen, her friend, looked up from her book, a concerned expression on her face."Hey, what's wrong? You look like you've been through a war". She set the book aside and moved to sit beside Anna.
Anna shook her head, trying to brush it off but Helen's keen eyes saw right through her. "Come on,spill. What happened?", Anna took a deep breath,the scent of Helen's cooking wafting from the kitchen,a comforting distraction. "It's Vincent," she said, her voice barely above a whisper." We had a fight at work".
Helen's expression turned sympathetic,"what happened?" Anna hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Vincent was her boss, after all but Helen was her closest friend " He's just being impossible," she said finally,the words tumbling out. I don't know, maybe I'm overreacting,but he just pushed me to the edge sometimes." Helen's expression sympathetic and she wrapped an arm around Anna's shoulders." What happened?,tell me everything".
Anna hesitated for a moment before launching into the details of the fight,the words spilling out in a fumbled mass. His Ex, Sheila,came to the office today, acting all sweet and innocent. And Vincent he just listened to her, sided with her over me. It felt like a punch to the guy,you know?"
Helen's smile was sly "Girl,why are you tripping?you guys are in a fake relationship, right? Why let his ex get under your skin like that? Anna's face turned sheepish,a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice."it's not about the fake relationship, it's about... I don't know,it just felt like he was choosing her over me". Helen's smile grew wider."so does that mean you have feelings for Vincent?". Anna's eyes widened in shock, and she practically shouted," No! Absolutely not! What are you even talking about,"Helen?!", Helen chuckled, clearly enjoying the reaction."Okay,okay I got it. No feelings, got it".
No feelings, got it". Anna's face was still flushed with denial, "I'm telling you, Helen,it's not like that. Vincent's just my boss, nothing more. This fake relationship thing is just for show nothing more". Helen raised on eyebrow,still grinning. "Sure, sure got it, Boss, right.
Vincent's face turned concerned as he approached Franco."hey, where's Anna? I need to talk to her about the meeting", Franco shrugged."she left, looked pretty upset,man".
Vincent's eyes narrowed,a hint of guilt creeping in."Did she say why?"
Franco shook his head. "No, but I'd say it has something to do with you", Anna walked into a quiet café on the outskirts of town, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping her. She needed a break from the chaos of the day,her phone buzzed in her bag as she ordered a coffee. It was Vincent." Hey, we need to talk- about today".
Anna sighed, her tone softening slightly."okay fine. What do you want to talk about?"
"I'm sorry Anna" Anna paused, her voice a bit softer "for what?"
"For my response earlier".