9. LYCA
Chapter 9
LYCA
“ M y article’s out!” Jessie screamed with delight as she burst into my apartment. “We have to celebrate!”
Thankfully, Lucas was still in school and it was my day off from work. “Congratulations, Jessie,” I said enthusiastically, giving her a hug.
“We have to celebrate with the star of the article, of course,” Jessie said meaningfully, giving me a mischievous smile. “Is Xander home?”
“How would I know?” I replied with a nonchalant shrug. I tried not to seem affected, but the truth is it’s been quite awkward in the office between us lately. Ever since that Twister game day, I had been feeling tense and questioning my strange emotions. We hadn’t gotten a chance to catch up or anything, because I became very busy and he was rarely in the office. The parties next door had completely stopped, and I began to even wonder if he still lived there. I heard that his father had put him in some kind of training, but I wasn’t sure what it was.
Jessie crossed her arms in front of her chest and cocked her head. “Really? Aren’t you two close now?”
“No.”
“Okay…” she said with a teasing grin. “But you could be, you know. I mean, gosh! The way he was looking at you when you were playing Twister! And how sweet he was with Lucas!”
I gave her a weak smile. “It was just that one time, Jess. In the office, we hardly see each other. Here too. And he hasn’t called or anything.”
“Okay, maybe I should just knock on his door then.” To my horror, she dramatically marched over there and pounded on the door with all her might. The sharp knocks reverberated through the hallway, each one amplifying the escalating tension in the air. I held my breath as we waited, my heart racing with a potent mix of anxiety and embarrassment.
Nothing. Apparently, he wasn’t home.
“I told you,” I said. “I don’t even know if he still stays here.”
Jessie frowned. “You should ask him when you see him. If not, I’ll call him up myself.”
“Jess!”
“No, really!”
I laughed despite the weird situation. “Just let it go, alright? There’s nothing there. Besides, he's a real playboy and a total party animal, and you know how I feel about guys like that.”
“I don’t believe that he’s like that. I think it’s just some marketing ploy or something.”
“Well, even if it is, there’s nothing to it, and I’m not interested in him. Period.”
I eventually hurried her out, promising we would celebrate another time since I needed to head over to the office early today.
Later, as I walked through the familiar corridor leading to my office, I noticed that the dedicated lounge room was open. The door was ajar, and curiosity got the best of me.
I was about to knock when I caught sight of something that shocked me. Lying on the couch was a woman in a red bikini, her full breasts almost spilling out of the top.
“What the —” I began, recognizing the woman as Phoebe, one of the office assistants who’d been blatantly throwing herself at Xander.
She screamed when she saw me. “What are you doing here?” she yelled.
“I should be the one asking you that,” I replied firmly, feeling disgusted by walking in on her like this. “Get dressed, Phoebe.”
In the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder if something was really going on between her and Xander. After all, she was quite attractive and young too.
Phoebe glared at me but stood up from the couch. Just then, someone came up behind me, one of the team’s star racers.
“Oh, man!” he shouted when he saw Phoebe. “Is this my welcome gift?”
I was confused. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m taking over this room,” he said. “Xander’s been promoted, you know.”
Phoebe looked disappointed as she put on a coat and covered herself. I, on the other hand, was bewildered.
“You guys haven’t heard?” the racer asked. “Xander’s taking over our old boss’s position. Mr. Steele made him the team manager. The perks of being the big boss’s son, huh?”
“Well, I think he’s capable enough,” Phoebe remarked.
I was stunned. If Xander was the new manager of the team, it meant I might have to report to him regarding the racers’ affairs.
“He’s new and lacks experience in that regard,” I muttered, not realizing I was thinking out loud.
Our conversation was cut short by the arrival of other employees. Phoebe disappeared into the adjoining bathroom to change while I headed to the main lobby to check on the sound of a commotion taking place.
My gaze instinctively shifted toward the entrance just as the imposing figure of Mr. Steele strode in, accompanied by none other than Xander.
The room's energy heightened, a ripple of curiosity sweeping through. I edged closer, joining the cluster of employees, eager to witness the unfolding announcement. Mr. Steele's voice cut through the ambient noise, commanding attention.
“Good morning, everyone! I have an exciting announcement to make,” he declared, pride gleaming in his eyes. “Starting today, Xander will be taking on the role of the new manager for Steele Velocity Racing!”
A mixture of gasps, whispers, and applause filled the lobby. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was true.
I hadn't expected Xander to assume such a pivotal position within the racing team. Mr. Steele proceeded to list Xander's credentials—achievements and experiences that I wasn't privy to. The revelation left me feeling uneasy, questioning whether he was truly qualified for this role.
Amid the applause and congratulations that erupted around me, I couldn't shake the nagging doubt in my mind.
Is he capable? Can he really do this?
As the clapping subsided, I caught snippets of hushed conversations around me. Some were openly excited, while others exchanged uncertain glances. The unease mirrored my own feelings.
Lunchtime at Steele Motorsport International brought a temporary reprieve from the fast-paced rhythms of the morning. I decided to go to the bustling cafeteria instead of joining the employees and racers in the team pantry.
As I navigated through the sea of colleagues, lost in my own thoughts, I collided with someone tall and muscular. I quickly looked up and locked eyes with Xander. The brief collision sent a jolt through me. I took a step back, steadying myself, just as he gripped my arms. His touch ignited a blaze inside me. He still had that effect.
“Lyca, hi! Fancy bumping into you here. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, fine. I was just in a hurry.”
“Right, okay…” He made no move to step away or go ahead.
We both stood there in brief silence, so I said the first thing that came to mind. “Congratulations on the new position, Xander. Team manager, that's quite the leap.”
“Thanks,” he replied, smiling. “I'm still going to navigate and grope my way around for a bit, but I'm excited for the challenge.”
The honesty in his admission brought a hint of warmth. “Well, I'm sure you'll find your footing soon enough.”
He chuckled, his eyes reflecting a fusion of determination and playfulness. “Guess we'll be seeing more of each other.”
My smile faltered, and a frown creased my forehead. “You are not my boss.”
Xander's grin widened, and he teased, “True, but you might have to report to me when it comes to the team's matters. So, you better be nicer to me, sweetheart.”
I scoffed, “Sweetheart?”, I gave him a look that made him laugh. “Whatever.”
As I moved on, he called, “See you around, sweeth…sorry, Lyca.”