“Wouldn’t you go through it?,” he asked her as she held her pen midway into scribbling whatever signature she had adopted.
It had been two day since she spoke to Danielle about the job offer from the boss and she was actually worried when Tristan would not show up at work. Claire actually thought that the opportunity had gone away with the clouds like a puff of smoke. She had to admit finally that somehow taking that job up was of great importance to her even as Jake kicked against it vehemently. Yes, she had told her best friend about it.
Oh you are more confused about how she dealt with them kissing and stuff or rather how they both dealt with it. I would tell you even if you do not ask.
Well Claire had after work called Jake and almost like he had been expecting her to call, he picked on the first ring explaining that he was just about to call her himself. Claire smiled inwardly as there was nothing else she knew to do at the moment than smile. She asked how he was and informed him that she was done for the day. Jake got the message and he had to plead with here to wait as he was around the area so they could go see his mother together. That was clever really, using his sick mother as both bait and trap. Quite alright he trapped Claire using the emotions stuff and before one could understand what was happening, the both of them were seated in his car totally not saying a word past the rather awkward greeting between them and headed for the hospital. What could they say at the moment when both their heads were wrapped in a space of their own.
Jake drove calmly to the hospital and the only time he did something to get her attention on their way was when he put on the music. Something really low-key and apologetic to keep his up and coming apology legit. The mood was getting far too gloomy and making Claire feel awkward and guilty. It was almost like a part of her conscience was crucifying her for being cruel and taking the whole thing out of hand big time. It was just a kiss and somehow she had been kissed also by another person who apparently she was not mad at or taking it out on him. For instead of being as mad as a hornet with Tristan, she seemed to be wanting to spend sometime with him. Claire cleared her throat and without permission changed the music to some upbeat country stuff. Jake did not disapprove and soon they were both humming to the lovely tone although Claire was actually thinking about some other weird things.
It was almost everything and nothing to do with the kiss. She had been thinking what if Jake really liked her and she was being an ass to him which she had to admit that he did not deserve. He had been there for her more than anyone and was not judging her for being her. She had never had a boyfriend but what if he was the one for her and not some fantasy she knew would never happen with Tristan; or would it now he had kissed her and she was getting a job that would bring her closer to knowing things about him. Perhaps she was acting a little weird and thinking all sorts of nonsense. There was no way in the world anything she was cooking up would happen. However seeing the hospital sign, Claire snapped out of it.
They had gotten out of the car and a few paces away from it side by side when Jake stopped catching her hands in his. He looked her in the eyes like he was about to make a solemn proclamation.
“Um…. Claire, about this morning…,” he began
“I told you it was okay Jake.” Claire said
“Yes you did but still here me out. This, what I’m about to say means a lot to me you know.” he said
“Okay…,” Claire said dragging the word and looking him over like he was something weird.
Truth be told, he was acting weird. Almost like he was battling with his emotions or something else. Probably something else but she just could not figure out what it was about him that was off and weird. She was however not going to torment him to get answers as she was giving him all her attention. Jake took a deep breath like he needed a breather and then began.
“About this morning Claire, I don’t regret it really. I do cherish the moment but…. what I’m trying to say now is that I do feel sad I had to do it that way. I shouldn’t have come up on you like that and I’m sorry. I would love to make it right.” he said.
Alright, he most definitely was beginning to make her feel rather emotional. Claire reached out her hand to touch his face.
“Listen Jake, it was just a kiss and for the upteenth time, I’m not angry.” she said
“Yes it was just a kiss Claire but it obviously would throw a wedge between our friendship,” he pointed out
“No it won’t,” Claire said
“You sure?,” he asked her seeking for answers in her face
“No it won’t and I know that because you are more than family to me. You are all I got Jake.” she said to him back then.
Claire knew at that moment that she was lying and she was not sure if that was a bad thing to do as she really valued the no judgement friendship they shared. The kiss was however going to be a problem at least for a while as she figured out how to deal with it and see where it was all headed with him. She had not the slightest of idea what it felt like to be in love and did not want to make her grand entry into the lovey dovey start of relationships one she would regret. Hence, Claire stood by her lie to protect both herself and him. They went in together acting less awkward and she saw his mother. Man the woman was strangely happy to see they had come together to see her. Emphasis on the together as she expressly commented on that bit. She assured Claire that she was no quitter and would be out of the hospital as soon as possible. Claire believed her and expressed her anticipation.
For the next two days, work was becoming boring and she could not understand why she would actually be missing a singular pest to her life. Tristan Jenkins was nothing else but her nemesis and frustration put together in one awful jar called a body. He was obviously there to torment her and yet, here she was missing his presence. She had walked in the previous day to see him but was disappointed to the bone this time as even Alfredo did not show up to pick up something at random which meant, Claire had no one to ask his whereabouts.
Danielle did note that she had been observing Claire and could tell she was Miss Tristan to which the young woman denied. She stated there was nothing to miss about the bully of a boss and Danielle snickered at her. Claire at first could not understand her problem really but by the second day, she could begin to see the signs that she was missing Tristan around the place. It was really hard to admit so she decided to agree on something unrealistically the cause of her unsettled attitude. She dismissed all that feeling to being because she wanted that job he had offered.
So that morning when she walked into the restaurant as early as possible and found the car parked outside, Claire rushed inside hoping it was not Alfredo. She was relieved when she barged inside to find Tristan going through his files standing there.
“Oh Miss Willows, I thought there was something called knocking?,” he said to her looking up
“Certainly sir. I’m sorry but I’ll take it,” she said.
He looked at her confused.
“Take what exactly?,” he asked looking her over and making Claire begin to wonder if that was actually a bad idea. But trust the lady, she was undaunted especially now she had set her mind to do that one thing.
“The job offer at your place. I’ll take it.” Claire said
“Oh would you now?,” he asked her acting all weird and sketchy as he dropped the files on his desk and walked around to half sit like he always did on his desk. It was as if he knew how sexy he looks to her whenever he does that a was trying to get inside her head with it. It normally sends jitters down her spine.
“But on some added conditions.” Claire said recalling in her haziness Danielle’s advice.
He raised an eyebrow and smiled. Of course she would bring in her terms and he could not wait to hear them all. He was hoping to hear the usual no touching that would eventually lead to tons of touching terms and conditions but she just wanted to secure her position in the place at least or something else. He had to pretend to agree thinking by the time he was done playing her, she would be bored of him but Claire wanted it in writing. He had been about picking up what he wanted and returning home but he could spare a couple of moments for her which was why he got into typing the agreement. As he printed it out, all she asked was where she would sign without even going through it. He had to ask her to but she said she trusted him. If only she knew the extra terms he had added but who cares, it was his home ball after all.
She signed the document and he put it in a file there at his office before turning to her.
“Alright Miss Willows, I guess it’s time I take you to your new place of work.” he said.