Chapter 23
My eyes stared through the window. I recalled joining at Sound ease. I wondered if Leo had chosen my workstation because he knew that I loved the view. At the time, it had seemed a little far-fetched and like I was daydreaming. Now, it seemed a bit like the truth. I sent off the last script via mail. Most of the shows I was supposed to assist with were morning shows and now I was free.
I exhaled slowly. Leo had asked me over the phone last night if I wanted to return to the airwaves, but I dodged the question. The idea seemed insane to me. I would be an on-air personality for California”s largest broadcasting company. I returned my gaze to my laptop when I heard buzzing on my desk. It was from my phone. My eyes widened slightly when I saw the caller ID. It was my mother.
A small smile tugged on my lips. “Perhaps it’s time for a coffee break.”
I stood up, picking up the phone and heading towards the break room. It had been a while since I had spoken to my mother. I missed hearing from my parents. They were far away in Asia. I often procrastinated visiting them. I stepped into the elevator and picked the call.
“Hi Mommy! I’m so excited you’re calling!” I squealed, cheerfully.“My darling, how are you?” My mother’s voice came from the other end. Not as cheerful as hers but filled with warmth. I stepped out of the elevator and headed towards the break room. “I’ve been good Mom. Just busy with work and all. I told you about the new job at SoundEase yeah?”
“Yes I and I’m happy you’re working now but when are you planning to come and visit us? It’s been way too long Cass! We miss you!” I couldn’t help chuckling. I headed towards the coffee maker and turned it on, pouring herself some coffee.
My mother knew how to make the most dramatic requests. The sort that left you mostly confused and unsure how to react. “I mean it I! I miss you very much. Your sister came around last month and — “
My mother didn’t need to speak further. I let out a sigh. I often texted Lucy on WhatsApp, so they were in some sort of constant communication. However, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt. It had been a while I had gone to see my parents and perhaps I should.
“I know Mom and I’m sorry. I’ve just been extra busy and super caught up over here with work buttt...” I dragged the “but” hoping I wasn’t making an empty promise and would actually be able to come around. “But I promise that I’ll try and come around soon”
“You better do that young lady! ”I want to see you. I want to hear about working with the biggest broadcasting company in Cali,” my father’s eager voice said from the background. I let out a small chuckle. My heart flooded with warmth. “I promise Daddy. I’ll come soon!” I called, grabbing my coffee and taking a sip.
“And don’t come alone!” My mother hissed. “Bring a boyfriend along with you this time Cassandra!” I couldn’t help chuckling, slightly rolling my eyes. “Mother! You know I’m not seeing anyone!”
“Well, find someone! And if you can’t, Mrs Thomas has the finest son...” My father teased. I let out a chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Dad!” I cried. “stop trying to set me up. I’ll find someone. Soon?”
“You better! My sister had a twin last weekend!” My mother started. Listening to my mother, share family news always brought a smile to my face. As she regaled me with stories, I couldn”t help but laugh along. It felt good to hear her voice, and I found myself wondering why I didn”t call her more often.
I sipped my coffee while they chatted, a feeling of comfort spreading through my veins. They spoke for a few minutes before my mother spoke. “Alright Cassandra. We won’t keep you any longer. Go back to work but just call more often, okay?”
I smiled and nodded even though they couldn’t see me. “I promise more. I’ll call you more often. Tell Dad I’m coming soon too. With a boyfriend!” My father said and I couldn’t help the laughter.
“Well, we’ll be waiting for you I. Send love to Lisa for us and take care.” My mother continued, my voice softening.
“I will mother. Love you both very much! We love you too!” They chorused and I felt a lump in my throat. I heard the two-toned beep and resisted the urge to cry. I missed them very much and needed to see them. Taking another sip of my coffee, I headed into the hallway when I saw him.
I froze. It didn’t matter how many times I saw Leo or that they had become friends over the past few days. I still felt many emotions whenever I saw him. These included curiosity, excitement, uncertainty, anxiety, and love.
He looked much better today. He was in a charcoal gray suit, clean shaven and his eyes filled once again with his confident aura. I chewed my lower lip and considered greeting him. I was about heading to him when I felt a sudden irritation in my eye.
“Goodness!” I squealed, my fingers hurriedly itching against my eyes. Noel rushed towards my side. He was a coworker that I had become friends with over time. He stepped out of the break room and the minute he saw me, he ran over, concern on his face.
“I boo, are you okay?” He asked gently, reaching out to help blow off whatever had gotten into my eye. After huffing and puffing a few times, I blinked. I managed a small smile. “Thanks so much Noel. I think it’s gone.”
He smiled at me. I couldn’t help but notice that Leo hadn’t moved from where he stood at the other end of the hallway. He shook awkwardly and stared at me. I couldn’t help wondering what he was thinking or considering.
“Are you okay now?”
I jerked and turned my head to Noel, my mind already far away trying to unravel Leo’s mind. Noel’s eyebrows were still furrowed, concern still on his face. I nodded, color rising to my cheeks both from embarrassment and his concern. “Yes, Noel. I’m very fine now. Thank you.” I blinked for emphasis.
“Are you —-“
They heard someone angrily clearing their throat. They both whipped their heads sideways to find Leo standing beside them. I swallowed. He wasn’t going to do something stupid. Was he?
“Mr Duncan, Miss Evans. I want to believe there’s work to be done?” He asked, turning to Noel. I jutted my chin at him, slightly annoyed but Noel looked downwards.
“I’m sorry Sir. I’m heading to my workstation.”Leo glared at his back. Even as he turned away, I felt my hackles rising. But, seeing him stare at the man suddenly made it all make sense. He was jealous! It became obvious when he turned towards me and his gaze had softened.
I crossed my arms, shaking my eyes, unable to hide the amusement from my voice. “Leo Woodrow, are you jealous?” I teased.He turned towards me and blinked, swallowing and taking a few steps back. A small chuckle escaped my lips.
“What? Cat got your tongue. We’re not even together, remember?”
However, I wasn’t sure where that line started and where it stopped anymore. For the past couple of days, I had spoken to Leo every day. He had called, texted, and even sent mystery flowers to my work desk. My stomach fluttered every day. Lisa wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t sure if I could trust my own judgment. Especially when Leo was involved.
He glanced at me with a scowl on his face, yet his blue eyes revealed the vulnerability he had begun to show me. “I know we aren’t but that doesn’t change how I feel about you,” He reached to grab my wrist. I looked around, panicked that staff would step out and see them together. What would we are thinking? Leo didn’t seem to care but for me that would be scandalous.
“I’ve been trying to take things slow and I give you the space that you wanted but it’s hard. I love you, Cassandra! And it drives me crazy to even see anyone close to you. Especially when I know you’re not mine.”
He had a pained expression on his face as he spoke, his voice a whisper. I felt my heart skips a beat. It always skipped when he confessed his feelings that way. I swallowed, pulling back my arm and stepping back.
“Leo, declaring feelings won’t fix everything and neither would be trying to start a scandal. Like I said, we need time.” He closed his eyes and let out a breath. “You’re right. You’re right. You can go. I’ll call you later tonight,” He muttered.
I shook my head and smiled. I walked to his side and lifted myself on the tips of my toes so I could whisper to his ears. “And I’d love to speak to you,” When his eyes flung open, I was already strutting into the elevator. Where was that line again?