Whisper [{starting off =D}]

[blatentlyobvious]

Holy man that took a while! Sorrry, but there are a few grammatical errors in here this time. I'm sure they're pretty easy to spot..
hhah. anyway
here it is =)

I breathe a sigh of relief, thankful for the lulling quiet inside the building. Its seclusion kept it away from the mad flurry of the streets of LA. Wanda, my favorite barista was hanging out behind the counter, wiping the machines nervously.

“Wanda, Wanda, Wanda!” I called cheerfully as I strode up to the counter. Her face lit up when she saw the list in my hands. I grinned ear to ear. “Is it slow today?” I asked conversationally.

“Sort of, but...look.” She pointed towards the couch. Wow, nice couch. I shrugged and she threw me a look. I looked harder and saw familiar faces. Celebrities, of course. Not the ones I would expect. I’d seen some in here before; Kate Moss, Keanu Reeves, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rosdale. But now, three guys from the Disney smorgasbord were gathered on the couches; the oldest comfortably resting in my seat.

“Seriously?” I whispered. “I get like five minutes out of my entire day and now I lose my spot to celebs?” I growled the last word and Wanda rolled her eyes. “What?” She threw me a desperate look.

“Just be nice, okay?” She snatched the little list from my hand. “They’re my customers for now and you gotta be nice.” She sighed.

“You really think I’ve earned a rep for that?” I asked pondering. I hadn’t really been mean to anyone in this shop. No, I hadn’t ever been mean to anyone in this shop. I glared at Wanda, a response to my own thoughts. “I haven’t done anything to anyone Wan.” I grumbled.

She laughed. “Not yet. These will be ready in twenty minutes. Unfortunately you caught me just at the last three pots of coffee.” She smirked. “I’ll be as fast as I can.”

I smiled, honestly relieved that it gave me more time to be here. Then I looked back to the couches and realized I didn’t have my favorite place to sit. There was room on a couch beside one of the Disney boys. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.

“Oh!” I said remembering. Wanda turned to me quickly. “Can you make her double espresso crap last and really hot?” She nodded. “I want it to burn her.” She laughed and focused on the first orders of coffee.

I took a breath, and then a step, and it became a pattern as I made my way to the back near the couches. It was dimly lit, and the music was soothing, though the whole atmosphere had been a little disturbed by the new comers. As soon as I was within five feet of them, all of them looked up - simultaneously. Wow. They were brothers.

The one I took to be the youngest sat on the end of one couch, the LA times in his lap, sport section open. A ringlet of his curly hair fell over one of his eyes; eyes that stared at me in wonderment. I shifted my gaze to the middle of the three guys, distinguished from his brothers with stronger facial structure and straightened hair. He was really something to look at, all three were. Even the oldest, closest to my age was something. A warm smile was spread across his face, but his wide shoulders were tensed. I could see the pull against the dark red vest he wore.

I caught myself before they could and realized how I’d come over to sit down, not to get engulfed by their obviously very attractive energy. I smiled brightly and plunked down beside the young one. “You guys don’t mind if I sit here do you? Not many other alternatives. The couches are it.” I explained.

The oldest, with the nice shoulders, shook his head. “No, of course not.” He looked around to his brothers, two looks I’m sure he thought I missed. Too bad for him I was an intuitive human being. These looks were obviously to ask if they were all right with this oddly outgoing girl to sit with them. They’d both returned their okay. The middle kid smiled at me. Not just a friendly smile, and I looked down at my empty hands.

“I’m Kevin.” The oldest boy introduced himself, and his brothers subsequently. Nick, the curly, short-haired young one, and Joseph, the older, more...mysterious boy.

“Pleased to meet the pop sensation of 2009.” I replied with a smirk. “I’m Alexa Wurth.” Nick sat up a bit and turned towards me. He smirked and looked at Kevin and Joseph.

“Well, we don’t want to always be classified as pop. We want to branch out a little more.” He offered. His brothers nodded in agreement and I looked up in thought.

“Sorry. How about I call you the musical sensation of 2009.” I suggested. Kevin chuckled, and Joe smiled at me again. “So, you enjoying LA?” I asked, trying to avoid an awkward silence. It’d been my move to sit down, so technically it was up to me to kick things off.

“Well, it’s good to be home.” Nick said laughing quietly. “I mean, with the tour over we’re just happy to hang out and rest a bit.” He elaborated. I nodded as they talked a little more about their recent tour, and I simply smiled politely, not asking questions, but enjoying the information. Joseph didn’t say much, he just sort of went along with what Nick and Kevin said. It seemed so strange to me that he, being the lead singer, was so withheld.

“So,” Kevin started, his eyes darting to my empty hands and back. “You come to a coffee shop to not drink coffee?” I laughed a little and shook my head.

“First off, not a coffee shop. This is a café! Much more classy.” I smirked and by chance my eyes fell to Josephs’. His stare was intent, and it didn’t seem as though me picking up on it, didn’t bother him. I refocused on my attention so I could explain to them. “Second, my lack of coffee is due to the fact that I hate it.” So simple, I know.

“You hate coffee but you come to this café?” Nick said laughing. “That makes even less sense.”

I sighed. No, my last explanation obviously did not do much for that question. Another was due.
“Well, at my job, I’m not supposed to run coffee – that’s not my job – but almost every day I end up having to. I don’t drink coffee because I think it’s ridiculously addictive and it makes the people I work with insane.” I shrugged, like this should explain it all.

[bloodtypeespresso]

...not the coffee!

LOL, i liked it! I'd like more, but i like where this is going!

[blatentlyobvious]

haha. I had my coffee this morning =)))
felt so much better.

Kevin and Joe and Nick stared. I looked down at my hands a little embarrassed now by the fact that no one was saying anything. I looked to Wanda who was giggling and held back a glare.

Then Joe laughed and it surprised me. And when he spoke, it really stunned me. Not effects I would normally get from talking to a guy. “That sucks.” His voice was smooth like honey. “But I think you’re right about it being so addictive. Look at Kevin.” I did and his brother shot him a look. He shrugged at me and smiled.

My brilliant response: “Yeah.” And another smile.

I heard Wanda cough. The kind of cough where you’re “trying” not to interrupt, but you really want to interrupt. She pointed to the orders; all nineteen of them plus a smoothie for me. I nodded.

“Nice to meet you guys. Keep making music. You’re good.” I added the compliment before standing.

“You’re a fan?” Nick asked standing. Kevin and Joe looked at me expectantly.

I didn’t listen to a lot of their music, so what was I supposed to say? I wouldn’t lie, that wouldn’t be morally responsible. So instead, I came up with my best save.

“Of course I’ve heard you’re music but you know how our lives are; so much music it’s hard to be a fan of everyone.”

They each looked at me, smiling their polite smiles. I felt a little bit of guilt pull at me.

“I’ll be sure to listen to some more of it though. I promise.” I offered before turning to run. Not literally, but when I caught a glimpse of the clock above the cappuccino machine, I figured I might have to.

I handed Wanda the hundred, leaving the rest for her tip, as per usual. Coffee for nineteen was expensive but I didn’t actually feel bad for spending that money now. It all came out of the petty cash from reception anyway, not my pocket.

Carefully I started to pile up the trays. Wanda helped me to get them in my arms. As soon as I turned away from the counter, Joe was standing right beside me, a cute smirk on his face.

He was close enough for me to see his rich brown eyes, and his lush eye lashes. Ones even I envied. His hair, looking black with wisps of brown in this light, was straight and looked so natural. I guessed from looking at his brothers that his hair was curly like theirs, or at least wavy. It rounded perfectly around his ears. He must have been in the perfect light because his best features were highlighted supremely.

Light fell across his jaw line and illuminated his plump, perfectly pink lips. My heart was racing, and my stomach felt like it was being pulled to the ground. I tried to say something, anything so I wouldn’t seem like a fool. The thought of him staring at me stopped me.

It surprised me how I liked the way his perfect lips moved, almost with a crookedness over the words “can I help you with those?” My mind didn’t register them until a little while after.

“If you want.” Before I could even adjust to hand him one tray, he swept two out of my arms. I wanted to tell him to be careful, but he was astonishingly graceful with his movements. Pretty slick for a kid who earned such a clumsy reputation after the AMA’s in 2007. “Thanks.” I half-squeaked. I could feel what was coming, and this wouldn’t be any different than other guys.

In the past, I’d had my fair share of guys, and eventually, after each one broke it off, I’d be left thinking “I’m never going to date again. Guys suck.” Then the next one would come along and it all happened again. If I liked Joe now, the contingency of a relationship wouldn’t be promising. Plus, he was a celebrity and I had vowed not to date them the year I moved out here. There isn’t enough room with their oversized egos. Of course, I would have to actually see his ego to discredit him...

He opened the door for me and let me slip out first. I didn’t even bother with a goodbye for Wanda. I’d feel bad later. Right now I had to focus on not liking this guy. He had the two trays piled up in one arm while the other swung. Not a whole lot was said until a block after the café.

“Where’s your building?” He said as we waited for a light. I pointed in the direction of a Macy’s plaza. “I’m around the bend from there. On Eighth and Figueroa St.” I replied.

”Oh. That’s pretty close to the Staples Center huh?” He pondered. I smiled thinking of just how prime some thought our location could be considered. Though, we were pretty close to the entertainment district.

“Yeah. I suppose.” The light turned but he wasn’t paying attention. I freed one of my arms and hesitantly tapped his shoulder. He picked up his feet and we started walking again. We got to my building about ten minutes later. I pointed out lots of different places. The Hotel my mom and I stayed at when we first moved out here, the bench just outside Macy’s plaza where my Mom’s last boyfriend had proposed and, in the same spot, where she’d turned him down. It’d only been four months since then; I wondered how he’d been holding up. Mom had been just fine. I didn’t fill him in on much of the personal details, I just reminded myself as I pointed little things out.

I stood in front of the office tower, watching a few people pass in and out. Joe was looking up to the top of the building, 35 stories up. I couldn’t help but watch the contours of the muscles in his neck as he moved his head. He was strong, which I was realizing now. “There’s a lot of building there.” He said looking back at me. I chuckled.

“Look around you. It’s LA.” I said smiling. “Plus, there are buildings that are way higher than this.”

He smiled at me, nearly throwing me off. I needed to get myself under control. I’d seen smiles like his before, ones that could mess me up, derail my train of thought, I just needed to adjust to this.

“One day, I’m going to take a helicopter above LA. You know?” He looked around him. “To see what it feels like to be bigger than all this...” I looked at him like he was something completely foreign and it clicked. We were really different. Everything he had, and – comparatively – how little I had, proved it. He could afford to take a Helicopter around the city just because he wanted to. I had to work my ass to the bone at a job where the number one boss treated me like yesterdays green tea latte remains.

“You already are.” I said quietly. He heard me and his head jerked back. A look of disdain crossed through his eyes, as though he didn’t think he was. Modesty - a rarity among celebrities here. Where is that ego?

“Hey, uh...” He was stuttering. Oh crap, don’t... “I know it’s really sudden but I was wondering if maybe I could call you?” Oh... he said it. “Who knows if we’ll ever see each other again.” I know.

Chapter Two:

I know if I had of spoken right away I would have stammered out a very lame sounding excuse and god knows he wouldn’t have understood it. I took a minute to think. “It is sudden.” I started. “Sorry Joe. I know you didn’t have to do this, and I really appreciate you coming all this way and keeping me company but I just...” All of a sudden I started thinking on top of speaking. What if he had a temper? What if he dropped all these coffees, including my boss’s, and stormed off? I stopped talking, afraid that if he did overreact, I would have to save those coffees.

“Oh.” He looked mortified. I wonder how many girls had rejected him before. Considering it was Joe Jonas, probably not many... I felt terrible, but I knew we would both be better off. Well, I thought I knew. He looked up cautiously and his brown eyes were wide. “Am I too young?” I glared without thinking about it. He shrunk back. How dumb could guys be? Am I too young? Have they no idea that most of the time women hear their words with implications?

“How old are you?” I growled. He said nineteen so quietly I could barely hear him. “No. you’re definitely not too young. But you’re immature enough to ask that.” I mumbled the last part, and I don’t think he caught on. He straightened up.

“Then what is it?” He wasn’t pushy, simply insecure, which made me believe he had not had many experiences with rejection. I would gladly give some of mine up to him.

“You’re not my type.” I said quickly. A harsh response that I’d received enough times before. His eyes were wide again with curiosity.

“Well what is your type?” I groaned accordingly but I thought fast.

“I like men in the service.” I said holding back a nervous laugh. I’d actually never dated a soldier, but I didn’t want to admit my lie. “You know, officers, sergeants, corporals, colonels.” Colonels? Really Alexa? I took the trays from his hands and he let them go willingly. I wanted to get inside as soon as I could.

“Oh.” I wanted to cave and to just give him my number; he was so gorgeous. The reminder that I wasn’t in any position to handle a relationship pushed to the front of my mind again. I would focus on work. Besides, we had a potential deal coming up with Rolster Industries that could promote the companies status and I was the one dealing with most of it.

“Sorry.” I said. I stood for a minute and finally turned to go inside. As I pushed through the door, he waved slightly and sighed. He pulled out his phone and I’d completely forgotten that I didn’t give him directions back to his brothers. He was talking rapidly and occasionally he would nod. He sat down on a stone bench and hung up. I shouldn’t have watched, after telling him I didn’t want to give him my number. My feet carried me to the elevator and upstairs. When I got through the door, I realized I’d been gone for almost an hour. That would cost me. I’d be working late tonight.

[bloodtypeespresso]

"Am i too young?"

LOL! poor Joe, that was funny, in an it shouldn't be funny sort of way.

[blatentlyobvious]

Been a while. Hope you like tonights installment of Whisper... I'm thinking of changing the title. Any ideas?

I rushed to reception and gave Debby her latte. I made trips around the office, dropping off the luke-warm drinks and telling people to heat them up. I got down to the last two cups, Tina’s and Howard’s, and I slowed down. Tina was sitting at her desk, the phone pressed to her ear and her fingers speeding across her keys. I lifted the coffee cup in my hands and moved it in front of her face. She pointed to the coaster on her desk and I rolled my eyes.

“Well that wasn’t part of the contract...No, he signed it, and it’s legally binding...Well if he wants to discuss that then he can...yes I can give you the lawyers number if you like...well he should stop playing these games with...” Obviously my Aunt was busy. Instead of interrupting her conversation I wrote a little note saying “heat it up” on a post it and stuck it to the coffee. I added a last minute heart and swept out of her room.

Howard wasn’t on the phone, which was a change. I knocked on her door and when she waved me in, stepped grudgingly. I set the drink in front of her.

“Sorry about the delay Miss. Howard. The machine was malfunctioning so there was a wait.” I lied.

“It’s fine but...” She held up another cup. “I just got my own.” Oh, and you couldn’t do that every day? You had to have someone running your coffee for you? You stupid piece of- “I’d like to see the Burlington file on my desk in ten minutes.” Fuck. I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.

“Sure, sure.” I walked out of the office calmly, not freaking out until I reached my own office. I closed the door and growled. She expected the Burlington file in ten minutes. I still needed approval from two other people before her and I didn’t even know if they’d read through it yesterday. I looked at my piece of the file, which was in fact splayed out on my desk. I checked the suggested ordering and put every article in its’ rightful place inside a folder. I jumped up and ran down to accounting to find Justin Ferestich, head of accounting.

Thank God he was at his desk.

“Justin.” I called running up to him. He looked up completely surprised. “Please tell me you looked over the Burlington file.” I was calming myself down, reminding myself that Howard could wait five more minutes, though it wouldn’t be good for my repertoire.

Justin laughed a deep, bellowing laugh. He patted my shoulder. “You shouldn’t be this concerned with her. She told us all we had only twenty minutes.” He explained.

I rolled my eyes. “And I’ve got ten.” I explained. “Did you approve the final copy?”

“Yup. I was just about to email you. Here you go.” He handed me a file half the size of my own and I swept it up. I could kiss this man! Every time I was in a panic he had the strange and wonderful ability to calm me down. He called behind me as I walked away “I let Tina know!” I ran off to get the legal file from my Aunt and scuttled past reception.

“Having fun?” Debbie said laughing. I shot a death look at her and she shut up. Sometimes I loved her, most of the time I hated her. Debbie was ditsy, and she didn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. I think part of my resentment towards her was the fact that it would typically be her job to run coffee. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so hard on her.

I got to Tina’s office and she was finished on the phone. I sat down in the chair in front of her desk and got comfortable. It was as comfortable as it could be with two overflowing files in my arms. My smile grew when Tina looked up. “Hey.” I said cheerfully.

“Sweetheart, thank you for the coffee. It was delicious. Did you say Hi to Wanda for me?” I looked up and pursed my lips. I had gotten distracted. I hadn’t even said goodbye myself...

“Forgot. Sorry. Guess what?” I said perking up again. I leaned forward on my elbows. She mimicked me. Our faces were about five inches apart.

“What?” She whispered.

“Burlington file is due!” I whispered back.

“WOW.” She put on a face of mock enthusiasm. Her mouth was a great, round O and her eyes were bigger than ever. Like a kid who’d just been surprised with a trip to Disneyland. I laughed and sat back again.

“You’ve approved it?” I asked patiently. Thank you Justin. You’re a miracle worker. Tina nodded and handed over a smaller file, neater than Justin’s and mine.

“Right before you got back from...coffee.” She said quietly. I knew she was prodding me for information. The fact that I took so long raised her suspicions. I shook my head.

”Not right now. I gotta get this to her.” I hopped up from the chair. I heard her laugh as I turned away from her office.

Howard didn’t look up when I walked in. She was busy on her computer. I dropped the files on her desk in front of her. She looked up to see me beaming. Happiness must annoy her. She nearly scowled.

“Thanks.” She mumbled. I nodded and turned to go. “They’re late.” She said quickly. I paused mid step and then shook my head so slightly I hardly felt it. I walked out of her office. I had more to deal with than a two-minute-late file that was done.

[blatentlyobvious]

It's been a longg time. I have this going on talesofjonas.proboards100.com (WHICH YOU SHOULD ALL CHECK OUT!!!!!) But anyhow. This is the next installment. You'll notice I'm still not going by chapters, but the chapters are still written in. At least you know when it breaks. Lol.
Cheers guys!! ENJOY AND REPLYY!! (and remember to check out the K2 Crew!!)

Driving home was more talkative then driving to work this morning. As soon as Tina pulled out of the parking lot, she pressed for information on today’s extended coffee run. Immediately I waved her off but she was persistent.

“Come on.” She pleaded. She stuck her bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout and widened her eyes. I laughed, shaking my head. It wasn’t uncommon for my Aunt to have such a childish spark to her. It was why I loved her so much. It made her fun.

“I ran into a guy today, and we were talking and I don’t know...” I trailed off. I really didn’t understand. I knew I liked Joe, but he was out of my league, out of my circle (so to speak), and I’d made the vow.

“Give me a little more to work with Lexa. Seriously.” She said.

“It doesn’t even matter Tina. I promise. I just got held up. I figured things out and everything is good now.” I explained quickly. A terrible cover, but nonetheless, it was the best I could come up with. But...

Truth was, I hadn’t figured things out. I was still wishing that I had given the guy my number, and that I was going to see him again, and I knew that wasn’t a good thing.


Chapter Three:

A million tiny drops of blood remain, splattered against the pane of glass. She looks around, her heart beating frantically. Hoping is no longer an option. She knows she has to get rid of this before anyone can find out. She carefully lifts his hands and ties them together with the rope. Her stomach is churning and her nose is burning from the disgusting smell of his corpse. An ironic death for a man with such devotion. Esmeralda knows the killer could have cleverly disguised the homicide as a suicide, but he’s taken steps to make it look like what it truly is.
The man’s body is mutilated. His wrists are cut open up the length of his arm and she can see that’s where most of the blood drained. His neck is cut too, a wide gash, red, swollen, and so far open she can see-

“MOM!” I called into the living room. It took her a while to maneuver through the huge house and get to me in the kitchen. I was parked at the counter with my laptop open in front of me, my eyes averting the gruesome words in front of me.

“What? What?” She said when she saw me at the counter. I looked at her amazed. She was all dolled up, and looking completely together, unlike yesterday morning. She’s up and ready even before me. I’m pretty impressed with her.

“Where did this come from? You’ve never seen a dead body have you?” I wrinkled my nose and pushed the thought out of my mind. I couldn’t truly imagine Mom around a dead body like the one she described.

“I just thought of it.” She took a stool and scooted up beside me. I looked at her curiously. She was smiling, reading her own words again. “Do you like it?” She asked. Her eyes didn’t move from the screen. I would tell her no, if I could stand the look on her face. I hated it. I couldn’t stand gore, but I didn’t want to lie to her.

“Your writing is really good.” I said. She smiled at me knowingly.

“Do you like the story?”

I shook my head quickly and closed my laptop. “Too bloody for me. You should send me the romance one you’re working on.” I suggested.

She waved her hand, a ‘forgettaboutit’ gesture she’d inherited from my grandmother. She ran a hand through her perfectly curly hair. It was a move of frustration.

“I have a block.” She explained. I nodded and patted her arm. She leaned forward and massaged her temples. “I don’t know where to go with it. I have to get it done though. Patty wants to see a first draft by the first week of next month.”

I shook my head. Patty was my mom’s literary agent. She’d been hard pressing Mom about her first romance novel for weeks now. I’m sure the pressure to get it done was the one thing holding my Mom back. That was what normally happened with her.

Heather Stinson – my grand, unique, and one time married, five years divorced mother – was a published writer. Even when she was still married to my dad she never dropped her pen. She wrote constantly, and I guess that was one of the reasons my parents divorced. That and the fact that my Dad really didn’t appreciate my mother anymore...nor did she appreciate him. There was little love between the two of them in the last years of their marriage. I would say it’s a shame they split, but it was easier to live with them.

My mom has had three best sellers, two of which were a series about a woman who travels to London to find her passion. The third won the 2004 Willa Award for her story of a young woman’s journey out west to California in 1845. She was so proud of it that she hung the award on the wall beside the kitchen window. We moved it to beside Tina’s kitchen window when we came out here. I can see it right now and it makes me really proud to call her my Mom.

I think about when we moved out here, and how strange it felt. I grew up in Massachusetts, in a big house in Cambridge. It was big there, but compared to this place its nothing.

My Aunt is well off to say the least. She has one of the nicest houses I’ve ever seen. The amazing thing is, she’s accommodated for both Mom and I. Mom has a studio in the right wing (yes, there are wings) that is dedicated to her writing. She loves that room, but she doesn’t lock herself away in it. She spreads out over the entire house.

When you walk through the front door, you see this great expanse of hallway. It basically divides the house in two sides, on the main floor at least. On the left of that hallway sits (from front to back) the games room, the bathroom, the dining room, the kitchen.

On the right, the living room, the stairs (tucked in between rooms), Mom’s study, Tina’s office, and a second bathroom. Upstairs is just as obnoxiously large. All of our bedrooms are lined up along the back of the house. At the far end is Tina’s, then Mom’s, mine, a bathroom and a guest room. Tina has a master bathroom attached to hers.

I have to admit, we got lucky. We have a nice set-up. It helps that Tina is a legal advisor who’s paid more than enough money.

On the other hand, sometimes there is too much room.

I should mention that is due to the fact that three years before Mom and I joined my aunt out here, Tina was married. She had this really great guy named Carl Lusburg. A year before we arrived, he was in a pretty bad car accident. It was really messed up. At the time, Tina was pregnant, and when Carl died a few days after the crash, the baby died too. She miscarried.

My Aunt doesn’t resent what happened. She says that she didn’t have a part to play in it, and that things happened because they happened. I’ve always known that she was really torn by it; who wouldn’t be? She was heavy into alcohol for a little while after, and my Mom flew out a few times to convince her to get some help. When she did, she put herself back together and she started to amp up her work. Since then, she’s moved her career right along, started the firm, and had the job at Boardwalk Entertainment since. Way back then was when she partnered.

To be honest, I think that’s why now, Mom and Tina fit so well together. When they were younger they fought a lot, even though the love was still there. When they started dealing with their lives, really dealing with them, they got close. They never argue now. I think they’re each others rocks.

I get jealous sometimes, that they have each other. And Tina has her first real boyfriend after Carl. And two months ago I would have said Mom has Henry – but she’s been on dates since. I know that I have them, but I always want someone of my own too.

And my thoughts landed on Joe again. The funny thing was, it had only been half a day since I’d seen him, and I was already processing thoughts about being his girlfriend.

There must be some sort of disease that they cause. A disease that causes girls to go mad. Joe wouldn’t be my boyfriend – ever. It wasn’t possible for so many reasons. And there was no way I would run into him again.

He’s just a celebrity, I reminded myself.

[blatentlyobvious]

It's been WAYYYYY too long since I've updated this story. =)) But I'm doing it now so I really hope you love it. Enjoyy!

Chapter Four:

I don’t have a lot of fun anymore. I really don’t. Since I’ve taken this job, my social life has disappeared. Not completely, I mean, I still have friends. Wanda and I go out sometimes, to movies or clubs. I haven’t kept in touch with more than a few friends from high school. It’s a sad thought with the realization that I’m coming up on twenty and I don’t have many friends. It just seems like I’m trying to bury myself in my job lately. I don’t want to be a premature workaholic. It’s sort of why I’m thankful for the Friday’s that I have off. I think they are the only things keeping me from obsession.

Still, I find myself overly stressed out when things boil down, like yesterday, for example. My heart was beating so fast and my head was spinning when I rushed around the office to get the file together.

I just wish I could have fun doing something I love. I’ve always wanted to travel. I’ve wanted to see the world since I was young enough to understand about it. The worst part is, I have a map up in my room with the names of cities I want to visit, circled in red. It taunts me, and I know that I should take it down, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s like I’m clinging on to the false hope that one day I’ll escape from the office and come into my own, that one day I will actually see those places.

I looked at the time in the bottom corner of my computer screen. I had thirteen minutes before my lunch could start at 12:30. Those minutes would drag by. I had nothing to do because Sharron from the catering company had neglected to get her invoices into me by the agreed deadline. I had already met with the client from Underground Productions concerning the employment of several people for set design. I had arranged their other services and whatnot and now, I had nothing to do. It wasn’t a relaxing feeling, however rare it was.

Caroline Davis pulled me out of the tense state when she popped into my office with a blueberry muffin for me. She was one of the better people who worked on the Admin team.

“Thought you could use something sweet and fluffy.” She offered reaching across my desk to put it down. She smiled at me, her teeth sparkling white. I smiled back glancing at her then the muffin. It looked delicious.

“Thanks. I think you’re right.” I replied. She tucked a strand of her grey hair behind her ear and fiddled with the hem of her suit jacket. Apparently she also thought I could be of use for something. I tried not to roll my eyes. “What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you could do a mail run for me?” She asked sheepishly. I groaned slightly. “I’m really sorry to ask darling, and I know it’s not your job, I just don’t know who else to ask.” She added quickly.

“Well, technically you should be asking Debbie.” I pointed out.

She looked at me, clearly surprised. “Darling Debbie isn’t here. She’s at home sick. And the temp doesn’t know right from left…”

Debbie wasn’t here? And she didn’t tell me? Why didn’t she tell me? This is what I mean by stupid. When you go home sick and you work for Admin, it’s your responsibility to inform me so I can get a temp. So where the hell did the temp come from?

“Who got the temp?”

“Tina.” I sighed. Thank God for my Aunt or Mrs. Howard would be losing it on me.

So I agreed to help her out with the mail run. She loaded up my arms with a bunch of letters, and packages and sent me off downstairs.

The place where the mail is dropped off is around the corner from downstairs reception. I walked quickly, wanting to be back in time for lunch that I could actually enjoy. I set the packages and letters in the bin for BER and headed for the elevators. As I stood there, waiting as patiently as possible (the elevators get pretty congested around lunch) someone approached me.

I turned to see Joe Jonas, smiling at me, his cheeks a little pink. “Hello.” He said quietly.

And here I thought I would never see him again…I couldn’t do this.

“I can’t talk.” I said quickly, avoiding his mesmerizing stare.

“But it’s twelve thirty. Don’t you have a lunch break or something?” He asked with a grin.

“Not yet. I still have,” I checked my watch. “Five minutes.”

An elevator dinged and a crowd of hungry people swarmed out. I stepped in trying my hardest to ignore Joe, but he followed. I looked at him with shock.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Well, see,” He pressed the close door button and pressed 32. How did he know that? “I really like you and I think you were lying yesterday when you said I wasn’t your type.”

I stared at him in disbelief, as the elevator started moving. A thought ran through my mind. I was alone, in an elevator, with an incredibly hot guy, and I could definitely make the elevator stop, and he obviously wanted me, and…and… no. “No. I wasn’t lying. You’re not my type. I don’t–” I almost spilled my vow, which I didn’t want to even think about doing. “You’re not my type.” I repeated. How did he even find me here?

“See, I just don’t believe that. I saw how you looked at me yesterday.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. You remember how I mentioned I couldn’t find his ego? Surprise, I think I just spotted it.

“Gimme a break Joe. See, I knew you were like this.” I groaned. His face changed and he stopped smiling. It was almost a pout.

“I’m like what?” He asked. I could hear the concern in his voice. Was he afraid of what I thought?

“A narcissistic clown who puts on a pretty smile for the media but lets his ego run his thoughts when the camera’s stop rolling.” I narrowed my eyes. True, I didn’t know Joe Jonas, and true, my harsh insult was directed more at a previous few guys I’d run into, and true I was being an uptight bitch, but to be honest, I didn’t think I wanted to deal with this.

“I’m not like that. I promise.” He said apologetically. “I just thought I saw a connection yesterday.”

I felt a pang of guilt. “There couldn’t have been a connection.” I said, thinking out loud.

“Why?” Did he have to look so good? Did he have to be so innocent about it? He shouldn’t have come back for another round of rejection.

I came up with a showstopper. “I’m a lesbian.”

He stood for a minute, and then burst out in laughter. shit, I had really hoped that would work. I rolled my eyes and the door opened.

“Come on.” He laughed, following me out. He was following me out? I stopped and turned around abruptly. He was right there. I choked up a bit. He was only a couple of inches from me, and his eyes softened. I stepped back before I got dizzy.

“I don’t date celebrities.” I said quietly. I wanted to kick myself for saying that. It was so weak.

“Well, can you be friends with them?” He asked, equally as quiet. I knew the answer that I should give him. But I couldn’t bring myself to.

“What the hell.” I finally groaned. I started to walk away, but he didn’t follow this time. I turned around with a smile. Maybe I could get my ‘someone’ after all, or after a while... “Well you came all this way. Do you want some food?” I offered.

He half smiled, and my heart thudded against my chest. I could feel my face warm up. Out of no where, I wondered what it would be like to share a cup of hot chocolate with him on a cold morning. “Sure.” He replied.

He rushed in front of me and got the door. I smiled to myself. I thanked him and asked him to wait a minute. The temp, a short, slender girl with straight black hair and big, turquoise eyes smiled at me. I reached my hand forward.

“Hi. I’m Alexa.” I said with a smile. She beamed and shook my hand.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Hannah.” She replied. I never pictured her as a Hannah. Maybe a Lucy, or a Alana.

“Is everything going okay?” She nodded quickly. I saw her eyes dart to Joe and back to me, curiously.

“Oh.” I said walking over and pulling Joe by the hand to the front. “This is my, uh...my cousin. Joe.”

Joe threw me a look and I tried not to cringe. I suck at lying, but we aren’t allowed to have friends in the office, so what else was there to do. Hannah looked at me in disbelief.

“Joe Jonas.” He said sticking out his hand. She shook his hand too and I watched a blush cover her little cheeks. She knew who he was already, she didn’t need and introduction.

“Don’t mention this to anyone please.” I begged quietly. Hannah laughed. Such a unexpectedly loud sound from someone so small.

“Don’t worry about it. Your assistant admin right?” She asked, obviously getting back to business.

“Yes. I’m right down the hall if you need me. Enjoy your lunch.” I said. I snatched Joe’s wrist again and with my head down bolted to my office. I closed the door, dropped his arm, and started to pace.

“What was that about?” Joe asked laughing. Amusement lit up his eyes. I rolled my eyes at him.

“That’s why you shouldn’t have come up. We’re not allowed to have ‘guests’ in the office unless it’s a client. I’m going to be in so much shit if Howard finds you here.” I explained it to him and sat down in my chair. He stood, looking around my office, looking out the window, until finally I asked him to sit down.

“I’m just here for lunch with a friend.” He said. “What’s so bad about that?”

“You tell me. My boss won’t let anyone have people in their offices for lunch. She’s a,” I paused and leaned in to whisper. Walls were too thin. “She’s a tyrant.” Joe laughed and I told him to keep his voice down.

“Well, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you say.” He offered. I glared at him and put his hands up defensively. “Sorry.”

“Can you stay here? I’m going to go get lunch from the kitchen.” I explained. He nodded and flashed that grin again. “Okay, keep the door shut, don’t let anyone in and um, try not to mess up my desk anymore than it is.” I felt like a mother instructing her kid. He looked at my desk then back to me and gave me a hardly reassuring thumbs up.

As fast as I could I grabbed lunch from the kitchen and sprinted back to my office. Tina was standing outside hers, apparently waiting for me.

“What?” I said, stopping too abruptly and nearly sending the pasta flying. She looked down.

“Elena sent your friend away.” She informed me with a subtle sadness in her voice.

“Joe left?” I asked. I felt something tug at my heart. I hadn’t been gone for more than ten minutes and my boss had already managed to send away the one thing that was making me happy.

“Seemed nice though.” She added. I shrugged, trying my best to play it off.

“Yeah. You want some pasta?” I asked, holding out a plate to her. She smiled sadly and took the plate.

After lunch, I sluggishly made my way back to my office. I still couldn’t believe that Howard kicked Joe out of my office. Nothing gave her the right to do that. I was fuming because of her. I could only hope that Joe would come back. I had no way to get a hold of him. There was no way for me to find him now.
Or not. There was a note attached to the computer screen. Joe had scribbled his number down in messy writing plus a
“sorry to bolt” beside it. I smiled, feeling the warmth returning.
Maybe all hope wasn’t lost.