Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Sophia sat grinning goofily at herself, the atmosphere at the office had changed in the past two weeks, and Lennox had been more tolerating of mistakes he would have flipped out on in the past. Sophia didn't know why it made her glad that the change was because of her, too much assuming, but who was closest to him than her. Sophia nodded along to her rhetoric question, her grin getting wider. He'd also been smiling a lot, a beautiful heart twisting I am just a twenty and I'm never getting older, smile. His deep unexpected chuckles did things to her that made Sophia feel as if she was melting from the inside, and she also hadn't been arrested for breaking and entering so she guessed she was safe. Lennox was in a good mood, work was going great, and the weather was awesome...

"Earth to Sophia" Tzuyu snapped, slamming her hand on Sophia's desk, causing her to almost fly out of her seat.

"Tzuyu, can you stop trying to kill me every morning cause at the rate this keeps happening, I won't be alive much longer" Sophia muttered clutching at her heart.

Tzuyu shrugged boredom written all over her lazy gaze. "You won't have to worry about dying if you stop spacing off and actually start listening to the humans around you, I've been calling your name forever".

"That's just exaggerating, we both know you haven't. What do you need".

Tzuyu looked suddenly skeptical. "It's about sir Lennox, he's been acting strange... I think something is going on"

Sophia's eyes widened then narrowed. "What do you mean, I think everything has been the same".

Tzuyu leaned over her desk. "What do you mean things have been the same, he's freaking smiling at us when we read him our monthly report, doesn't complain when he catches us talking and he's letting you do your job, which has never happened, he's even allowing you to ride the elevator with him... By any chance" she said, staring straight into Sophia's eyes, and looking serious. Sophia swallowed, her palm getting sweaty. "Are you..."

Sophia spluttered. "Am I what... Going out with the boss" she gasped dramatically. "That will never happen in a million years, I don't even like Mr. Lennox in that manner, he's rude, bossy, and a freaking... " Sophia paused because Tzuyu was staring at her with her mouth hanging open. "What? You don't believe me" she asked, making sure her voice sounded horrified at the thought.

"What are you babbling about, and cut the bullshit that you don't like Mr. Lennox because deep inside your dirty soul, you've got a massive crush on him".

"I do n..." Tzuyu waved her words off.

"You do, your voice just went up another pitch," she said and Sophia frowned.

"It did not" she managed but Tzuyu had the all-knowing look on her face.

"I'm not going out with Mr. Lennox," she said in a rush.

"I know that, and I hate to burst your bubble but Mr. Lennox doesn't like girls or girls like you... You're just too plain to catch anyone's attention" she said with a flourish. And bitchy Tzuyu is back, Sophia thought warily.

Sophia gave a tight-lipped smile. "You think so? That is really an eye-opener, and here I thought I was vogue cover-worthy, the horror to be finally put in my place" she got out dramatically, batting her lashes. Tzuyu glared at her.

"Sarcasm doesn't suit you Sophia, but I'll get back to what I wanted to ask before you went off with your oh my gosh, I'm delusional that the boss is going to date me. I think Mr. Lennox is seeing someone".

Sophia sighed in exasperation. "A guy I suppose".

"Of course and we have to find out who it is, Kyle Is freaking out right now... What if something happens and then Mr. Lennox flips out, and makes our life a living hell".

Sophia tapped her feet "I don't know, I think you're being a tad bit paranoid... We should be happy if Mr. Lennox Is being nice to us".

"Haven't you heard the phrase 'peace before the storm', my dear friend this is peace, so I'd like to be prepared for when the storm will hit, and trust me it will"?

"First of all, there's no storm hitting, and second of all, these are all speculations. Mr. Lennox is nicer now, just accept it".

Tzuyu fidgeted. "I don't know, I guess this sudden change is just messing with our head. Keep your eyes on him, and if you notice anything, give us a heads up ok".

Sophia nodded, pressing her lips together before answering. "Sure, I'll make sure to report any changes I notice but I still think your fears are irrational".

"You should be more scared because you might not get to keep your job during the storm," she told her voice an eerie whisper. Tzuyu walked back to her section. Sophia stared after her muttering under her breath, can't a girl just daydream in peace? Sophia scoffed pulling out her mirror as she stared at her face. Would Lennox be attracted to her, or not? She dropped the glass like it was an offending item.

"You don't care if he does, I mean, you don't even like him like that, why the hell are you worrying if he'd find you attractive or not". She sighed heavily, pulling at her hair, hating that the thought didn't go away even after trying hard to think about something else.

*****

Bianca stepped out of the door leading out of the company and came to a stop as she saw Andria. Bianca crossed her arm, a smile that didn't reach her eyes playing across her lips. They had not been on a speaking term since the breakup, and because the stipulated period was almost up, the competition had gotten fiercer.

"What's with the smile, you must think you're on your way to earning a promotion, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but you're not," Andria said, her chin slightly tucked.

"Oh well, I'm just smiling because I see a sore loser. Rumors spread you know, and a little birdie told me that you and your ex-boyfriend are having a hard time making a sale... Correct me, Andria, If I'm wrong".

Andria pinched her nose, sighing. "I didn't know you've stooped so low to listen to rumors with no base, but I will correct you, obviously, since you've never been more wrong in your life, our sales hit the stipulated quota, and it keeps increasing. I and Jonathan are already winners" she said with a sneer.

Bianca laughed, uncrossing her arms as she stepped closer to Andria. "You're very good at bluffing your way through your difficulties Andria, but not this time, we both know the truth and the truth is you're far behind the rest of us, and I'll make sure you stay behind. You and your crazy ex-lover will be thrown out of LC for good, just watch me".

Andria's face twitched, but she remained unfazed. "If you don't get thrown out first Bianca. You must think you're better than everyone, newsflash Bianca, you're not, so quit looking for a confrontation just because you're jealous of my achievements".

Bianca scoffed. "Keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night... I'll bring you down Andria, and do you know why? Because you ruined our friendship all because of your selfishness... Have a shitty day".

Andria made to retort but Bianca was already moving towards the parking lot.

Andria splayed both hands on her face, her knees almost giving out beneath her. She inhaled deeply, repeating the motion until she calmed down. Andria adjusted her purse on her shoulder, raised her chin, and walked into the company.