LAURA 

Surprisingly, May was more than delighted to help me with job hunting after my holiday of heartbreak. Which was usually spent perfectly with pints of ice-cream and horror movies, another interesting talk with Sin about the former and baking with May (I didn't do much, I was only laughing at her comments on anything I said and snacking). It was definitely not a one-person job but when I begrudgingly mentioned it to the blonde, she gave a secretive smile and said: 'These boobs were not given for anything else. Hell yeah, I'll help.'

May was only needed for the temporary aspect of my jobs so she agreed to hand in the applications on that side of the town while I handled the journalist side. I ran from press organizations and decided to reapply for an internship at my old company, the Daily Bugle, Daily Globe even, hoping for some good news. My face was tired from smiling and penning down my particulars, photocopying documents and the very scent of paper starting to disturb me. Whatever calories I'd burnt was worth it so I could go home and add more.

I had gone through seven bars of chocolate and three snack breaks by the time I reached the Daily Globe around four, chucking the last bits of hot dog into a nearby trashcan and walking in. My sweaty palms left imprints at thought of seeing Eddie, so I had to expertly swerve away from anything that related to him. 

'Where are the onsite-reporting internship applications supposed to be dropped off for the interview?' I asked the woman at the front desk after she jotted down my specifications.

'Floor thirty-eight,' she said with a polite smile. I only frowned because shit, it was Eddie's floor. 'I'll inform Mr. Barnum about your involvement, Ms. Sharp.'

'Wait, Barnum. As in, Paul Barnum?'

'Yes. Mr. Barnum has a few empty slots available luckily and Mr. Brock is with him at the moment. Your interview will be held shortly.'

I shook my head, correcting her. 'I came here to give out my application not - '

'They'll be held together, ma'am. Right through the turning tile, second lift from the left.'

I laughed at myself internally as I walked away. I spun a web of lies and now, I was caught in it. Raking a tense hand through my hair, I pointedly looked at my application form, cursing every nerve in my body that went for applying at the Daily Globe.

Following the lady's directions that I had scratched down on my palm, I zig-zagged through the assortment of doors and crosschecking with the numbers on my palm. I found it at some forgotten corner of the floor, the door was wooden, just like Eddie's. The voices from the other side of the door were deep and in an argument, the only one I focused on was his. My god was it enchanting, breathy and centered. 

' - my trainees' details are confidential, Barnum.'

'Oh, c'mon. For the last time, it is not for personal purposes!'

'Bullshit. I can tell because of your literal imploring - '

Eavesdropping was one of my adversest traits. I inhaled a deep breath, chanting to myself about self-control and confidence. And also, trying to ignore the leather-jacketed elephant in the room who I happened to love. I've got this, I told myself and Sin repeated the words in my head. Sometimes, he could play nice. Or maybe it was the hot-dog talking.

Shuffling the papers in hand, I rapped the door gently and called out. 'Mr. Barnum?'

The voices abruptly stopped talking. Paul's voice came through. 'Yeah, come on in.'

I straightened out my white blouse, letting my grey pleated skirt hitch up my waist. I'd taken some time out to shave my legs that were sheathed by dress pants and put on some heels for the day. Looking at the blurred reflection on the gold board quickly, I fluffed my hair and pushed the door open. 

I wore a smile if tight lips counted, setting my eyes straight on Paul. Paul's eyes fell on me indignantly and he looked back into the planner in front of him, widening his eyes in realization and casting me a marveled stare.

'Laura? Your last name's Sharp?'

'In the flesh,' I nodded, gulping when I felt Eddie's eyes riling me up. I shot him a sideways glance to gauge his expression. Eddie's brown gaze was indescribable but from here, I could hear the wild beating of his heart and that was all I needed. To know that he was affected by me. This made me shoot a tiny grin at my feet.

'Right in front of your boss, you're applying for another position,' Paul smirked at me as he flipped open my file. 'A girl with guts, indeed.'

Eddie remained silent to Paul's comments not even flinching when Paul motioned at me to take a seat. It was a come-hither gesture, my tummy twisting at his smile.

'So, Laura Sharp,' he mused and drew out my name weirdly. 'It is a small world. Now, that you're here - '

'I'd prefer to keep this strictly professional, Mr. Barnum. And since my . . . boss is in the room with us,' I said with a courteous smile, showing all my teeth. 

'Brock, leave us.'

'No!' I said way too quickly to be considered normal and both of them shot me odd glances. I cleared my throat and pointed to my feet. 'Got caught under the desk. Sorry.'

Paul waved it off and nodded. 'Eddie, have a seat then. This won't take long.'

Eddie looked more than relieved to join us, leaning into the chair and his knees spread apart. The material of his jeans skimmed the side of thigh and I struggled to keep my mask of cool, whole.

'It says here you were fired from your job for,' he looked closer with an amused smile. 'Your inability to remain calm? What - '

'I spoke out of line in a conference,' I filled in with a monotonous mask. 'Apparently, doing the right thing gets you into positions you don't want to be.'

You could say that.

Eddie made a noise at the back of his throat. He looked at me from the corner of his eyes, which I ignored. 'Sometimes, the right things aren't always the best choice, Ms. Sharp.'

I shrugged at Paul, quickly glancing at Eddie. 'Maybe. I can't say. I've always taken the right choices.'

Paul cleared his throat and grinned at the paperwork. 'Other than your recent dissettlement, your CV is spotless. Ranked in your merit, distinction in your masters; you have the whole package.'

He was hitting on me, alright. He'd said this before and I knew that he was referring to that very same incident. I crossed my legs with a sharp inhale.

'Brock, tell me. Why should I hire her?'

Eddie watched me as he spoke his mind. 'She was solid with her views. And she was levelheaded with her approach on the field. She assumes these things that she thinks she right about and somehow manages to convince that its right and then I end up regretting it - '

'Excuse me,' Paul stopped his short, my throat was thick with emotion. 'What's going on here?'

Eddie sunk back into his chair with his arms crossed and I breathed heavily. How could he say that? He was the one who wanted space. He agreed to this because this was what he wanted.

'I can't do this.' I murmured to myself. What was I thinking? Working where Eddie worked. Looking back at Paul, I said sympathetically. 'I don't think I'm cut for a job around here. I'll just take my leave.'

Paul rose from his seat when I went to the door. 'You don't want to work here? You were actually going to get the job so - '

I turned to him with shock. 'What?'

'Whatever Eddie said, it's true. And I'd love it if you would work under me,' he said and added swiftly. 'Professionally, of course.'

Oh, wow that worked. Congratulations.

I let out a huff and treaded a finger into my hair with incredible joy. I got a job! Holy shit, I could work again and with the Daily Globe! I jumped forward and grabbed Paul's for a heady handshake. 'Thank you, thank you so much!'

'Ah, as an intern at first. No pay for the first three months, then interview again. Then we'll see what happens.' He said with an amused grin at the handshake.

'Yes,' I blew with a grin. 'For sure.'

'Guess I'll see you bright and early on Monday.'

After thanking him one last time, I left the room with a skip in my step. I walked a few meters away from the door and swerved to an empty corner. Bracing my back against the wall, I slid down to the floor and fitting my head between my knees. The application wrinkled in my hands with the amount of happiness I was experiencing. 

You're hurting, Laura. 

Yes, I was. Anywhere near Eddie was getting awkward and that mere thought hurt. I desired things to be more slick and feeble, strengthening with the distance between us. Besides he should be here right now, kissing me breathless and broiling with pleasure since I was going to be working by him.

I washed all those thoughts out of my head. Walking with my head high, I hit the streets with my scooter with a small scream peeling out of my lips. I was in a new job, my apartment and I was definitely going to have a shot tonight.

Neat, like the rest of my thoughts.