Flirtation Fluctuation

Do you know what really sucks the most? When you have fever and body pain yet you still have to study up for your final papers and work again on Saturday and present your hard work in front of a room full of arrogant boomers and Mr.Grey.

The board was happy with it but they asked almost 101 questions and I felt my throat was parched from talking too much and Mr. Grey was adding more fuel to the fire with his obnoxious yet devastating tactics of looking, asking questions about the minute details as far as goading the board members to keep asking questions until they were satisfied. My boss is a freaking thermometer, for being so Mercurial now and then. Just pick a side seriously how hard is that?

One board member made fun of my young age and Mr.Grey shot daggers at him with his eyes and told him to stay relevant to the topic.

I don't know if I like him or hate him it's so weirdly confusing with this man. Gosh, it was finally over. My feet were killing me. After being subjected to strappy heels. Today I was wearing a formal shirt and skirt with a trench coat.

My head is killing me, my left hand is better, I have covered up with my long-sleeved sweater, I put on after feeling feverish. I don't know why today Andrea was watching me closely like a hawk. She asked me twice if I needed anything, but I refused. She already has a lot on her plate as it is being the assistant of moody Dicktator Vincent Grey.

David got a promotion to CFO - Chief financial officer so we all are going for couple of drinks in the evening. Chloe is evidently glowing with happiness for David. She wants to dress up for the evening and she'd asked me if I can help her decide. I said yes obviously. So, I told her to bring her outfit choices to my place and we'll go to the bar together.

I put on a simple little black dress with thigh-high boots.

"Which one, Cassie?"

Chloe held up two outfits completely opposite of each other.

One was a bit much in the face dress, a deep V neck black dress with a high slit and the other one was classy, satin blush pink small v neck with backless spaghetti straps.

Chloe is a bubbly girl so pink one was an obvious choice.

We arrived at the bar at the right time as David was about to toast.

"I could not have done this without you guys. Your support and our teamwork made it possible for me to become CFO. Thank you and yes, the drinks are on me tonight!!"

There were so many people who cheered for him.

"Here's to you, David Oliver. " I took a glass of white wine and gulped it down.

"You look great, Cassie."

He kissed my cheeks.

"Don't I always?" I defended myself.

"Chloe, you look exquisite, let me get you a drink," David told the bartender to make a Cosmo.

Chloe went to ladies' room to check her makeup again as David returned with drinks.

"Where'd she go?" He looked around.

"To check her makeup, you fool. I know you like her, why don't you tell her so?"

I said straightforwardly.

You know what annoys me about it I know in my gut they are perfect for each other and yet they both do nothing.

"Since you're celebrating, I will tell you a secret, Chloe likes you a lot. The same way you like her." I spilled it out.

"You're kidding me right? The hell ."

He cursed.

"Yeah, so don't waste time and just tell her how you feel." I advised him.

"You're right" he muttered.

I left the table and walked towards the bar. I really want some water.

"You know you do have to pay for it because technically it's not a drink!"

A guy was seated next to me. He had blonde hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a leather jacket and white tshirt and Denims.

"I am sure David won't mind paying for water!"

I welcomed the cool liquid. I was thirsty.

"Hi! I am Trevor. I am David's bestfriend from college. "

"I am Cassie. I work with David in IT."

"He's lucky surrounded by such beautiful ladies all the time. "

I chuckled at his statement.

"So, how was our diligent David in college?" I asked.

"Oh, he was the nerd I was the jock sort of. We both played basketball together."

"Cool, I was good at tennis but not basketball. "

"Do you know David was caught one day stripping for his long distant girlfriend in the bathroom by a senior. It was hilarious. "

Oh my god, I didn't need to know that.

I ate some crackers as we both talked about our work and hobbies. Trevor was very nice. Trevor kept refilling my martini. I don't drink until 4 because after that I get dramatically drunk.

I noticed David and Chloe dancing together. The lovebirds are together finally. I wanted to leave.

I kind of stumbled in the dark step.

Whoa, my head felt wobbly. I almost tripped before Trevor caught me.

"You okay?" He asked me as he placed his hand on my waist. Uhhh okay what? Now, I feel awkward.

"I am fine really. " he removed his leather jacket and draped it over me and he was asking if we can meet again but a tall shadow appeared out of nowhere.

Vincent Grey here?

"Are you drunk Cassie? "

What? No Miss Bennett??

"Maybe I have had four drinks. I am fine."

He touched my neck.

" you have a fever and you're drinking. Let's go."

"Hey man! cool it. She's fine." Trevor said. "I saw you kept refilling her glass even when she clearly refused multiple times. Is that what you do get girls drunk and get them to go out?" Mr.Grey replied angrily. Whoaa he has such alpha aura. I feel fuzzy and dizzy because of the sounds and the lights.

Mr.Grey covered with his coat and led me out of the bar.

"Watch it!" There was a loose tile as he pulled me closer to him. His eyes are ocean blue up close. I wonder if it changes color. He is so warm that I want to hug him tight and fall asleep. A sexy teddy bear! hilarious. !!

We reached my apartment in a daze of fluttering lights. That cologne is so addicting. Whoa! My train of thoughts are turning unprofessional.

Is it because of the booze kicking in? Or else is it me? Am I attracted to Mr. Mercurial Grey? Nah, must be the booze. But I barely had three drinks. I am okay. I feel dizzy because of fever. Strange.

He parked quickly and helped me out of the car. He led me to my doorstep.

"Your keys?"

I fished out the keys from my purse.

He unlocked the door, and Tabby purred loudly.

"Tabby!" I picked her up and kissed her.

She's very good, moody but good nature. Kinda like the man in my kitchen. Wait, what?

"What are you doing! I'm fine. " I removed my jacket as he handed me a glass of water. I was already getting sober. I drank all of it.

"You should go sit down. I'll make us some coffee. " I offered as Mr.Grey looked around the house.

"This is not as bad as I imagined. "

He remarked in a brooding tone.

I poured the coffee into two mugs. He is sitting on the couch. He's on a phone call.

It's related to the Santino shipping but something's wrong.

"What's wrong?" I couldn't help myself.

" Santino shipping was rotten to the core apparently, you were right," he said

He seems so pissed.

" I trusted this deal to a friend who turned out to be an asshole." He grunted.

"I think we both need a drink." I found all the unused whiskey, scotch, hard liquor, and placed it on the table and served two glasses for each of us.

He drank the whiskey smoothly while I had a hard time following suit.

I coughed. But I drank the sparkling water after a while Mr.Grey helped himself glass with the whiskey and scotch.

I helped myself to some wine and I was burning up.

We drank in silence as Tabby settled on my lap, she's getting heavier.

He asked me where I found her.

"Tabby is a stray cat, she's also pregnant, so I'm taking care of her."

"Why the hell did you bring me back here, I was enjoying myself. " I said with a scoff.

" that is because the guy you were flirting with was refilling your glass a bit too much and hardly had one drink for himself."

"If you were mine I would have handcuffed you to the bedpost."

What!! My cheeks turn red as I saw the mental image of that. Is he into those things?? And why the hell did I like that mental image so much. It must be alcohol for sure. I mean, it's me. I have never had a serious relationship since I was a teenager. He was twirling my hair with his fingers. Why is he acting like this?

"You don't seem you're usual stuck up self either." He looked gloomy, to be honest. His usual alpha aura was not present at the moment. There was something wrong.

"My grandfather is in the hospital, my family is worried about. I am waiting for a call if he is going under surgery or not."

Oh, my god. How can he act so normal as if nothing happened? Maybe whiskey will loosen him up. I poured us both some whiskey, and we gulped it down. I went into the kitchen and ate some cheese crackers.

I offered him too, but he refused.

His phone rang. His expression suggested what he feared. His grandfather is going under surgery. He grabbed the bottle and chugged a bit more.

"Pace yourself. " But he didn't listen to me. I brought a glass of water. Thank god I am not drunk. Because I took my in the minimal of the amount and I hate whiskey and hard liquor.

"C'mon drink it!" I pushed the glass to his mouth as he sprawled back on the couch.

He was definitely drunk. I don't know how many drinks he had at the party. Maybe it's the stress. Thankfully, he drank the water.

I was about to get up but he dragged me back and I fall over his lap.

"Beautiful and sexy. You're made to torment every man." He stumbled on his words. Wait what the hell just happened?

"You're lying and you're only saying that because you are drunk,, my friend." I chuckled, but he tightened his arms around me. I can feel his chest muscles and Man he works out!

"I don't think we can ever be friends, Cassiopeia. " He said my name.

" I beg to differ, you just shared me something that's been troubling you, I am your friend. But why did you drink so much Mr.Grey?"

"Because it scared me. "

His eyes locked onto mine.

"Scared? You? Of what?"

"Scared of losing what's important to me. My family is my lifeboat."

" well, That's sweet. I am not sure if I can say the same but still." I commented and sat next to him, but his hands were holding mine.

"No, my mother Grace saved me from the dark," Mr.Grey said a moment later, his voice lowered. He reeked of whiskey and bourbon now.

"Dark? What do you mean?"

" My mother adopted me after my birth mother passed away." I never imagined that the lovely woman Grace I met was not his actual mother, but her love was so clear.

He lifted his head and laid on my lap.

Question what do you when your usually stuck up boss acts out of the blue and shows that he is human with hidden pain? You comfort him, right?

He was saying something more.

"My birth mother was an addict, she overdosed confront of me and died."

"Oh,. I am so sorry." I tightened my hold on his hand.

The hair at the back of the neck stood up at that statement. Oh, my god the uncanny familiar pain and suffering all came rushing back in an instant. My heart ached for him.

I never would have imagined this man, who's always so controlled, had a rough start in life like this!

His breathing was steady. I looked down and he was fast asleep.

I should inform Taylor, his driver, to pick him up in the morning. I removed his coat and picked out his phone. Unlocked it with a finger touch.

And found Taylor's number and copied it on my phone.

It's almost midnight.

"Hey! Taylor! It's me! Cassie from IT."

So, I need you to come and pick up Mr.Grey from my apartment tomorrow morning. He was drunk and he passed out on my couch so, here's my location."

I sent the text.

And I got a reply after two minutes.

"Thank you, Miss Bennett, I'll come by in the morning."

I slowly tiptoed and picked up Tabby away from Mr.Grey and deposited her on my bed.

Then I removed Mr.Grey's shoes and covered him up with a blanket.

I took a headache pill and changed into shorts and t-shirt and climbed onto my bed.

I am tired, but I couldn't help thinking about what he said. He and I have some similarities when it comes to our mothers.I feel bad that now I know something so personal about him but he knows nothing about me. Ugh I am swearing off drinking now. Tabby curled up next to me and we both slept out of tiredness and the booze.

"What the hell!" I heard him yell.

I got out of my bed quickly, and I see Tabby near Mr.Grey's legs.

"Good morning Mr.Grey."

"Cassie where's my cell?."

He just nodded. He had a headache. Obviously.

"I have already asked Taylor to pick you up from here. "

"How the hell did I get drunk in your apartment?"

I walked into my kitchen and switched on the coffeemaker. "Uh, you were upset about your grandfather and also the shipping deal and so you kept drinking. ,"

"I see, how's your fever?"

"Much better. I was fine really." I handed him a mug.

"Do you want a pill for the headache?"

"No, that's fine. I'll leave. "

"Mr.Grey I uhh, have to tell you something else. Otherwise, it won't be fair to you. "

He looked at me with a frown.

I sat down next to him.

"Last night you told me something which was personal to you may be by mistake or fluke, I don't know. "

"What anecdote did I share, Cassiopeia?"

Okay, is he mad at me? But it's not my fault.

"You told me how your family is important to you, your lifeboat and then you said if it hadn't been for Grace adopting you, you would have been left in the dark..."

"Christ!." He hissed. He looked as if he is going to pop a vein.

"You also said that your birth mother was an addict, and she overdosed in front of you."

"Fuck!" He got up and seemed distressed.

"I am so sorry, I know you didn't want to share but if you want me to sign a confidential statement, I'll do it Mr.Grey but I promise I won't tell this to anyone else. You can count on me."

He took another sip of the coffee.

"Alright, so this is what? a peace offering?" He was angry again.

"Kind of, so since you told me something so personal to me I thought I should do that too. That way we're even. ,"

"I am listening. ,"

"My mother was an Astrophysicist as you know. But she was also a schizophrenic. A very aggressive one at that. So my dad sent her away for treatment. But she couldn't cope and committed suicide. ," I confessed.

My heart was beating so fast. My palms felt sweaty. I scooped up and Tabby for comfort.

"I am sorry to hear that Cassiopeia, but you should be proud of what you have achieved. You're brave and smart and I know the project will be an enormous success."

"Thank you."

The bell rang.

"That must be Taylor, I should get going.

I'll see you at the office." He looked at Tabby.

" That cat sure is clever." I laughed and brought Tabby closer to my chest.

He said and picked up his jacket and left.

My heartfelt as If I just finished a marathon.

I showered and ate some cereal and quickly dressed up in casual denim and wore a creme colored activewear crop top paired with a sleek of white coat jacket. Gertie was fine as dandy today. I cycled to the flower shop.

I want to buy some flowers for the reception. Which one?

Lilies are so beautiful. A peace offering. Perfect! I want to have a final check on everything before I leave for Boston the day after tomorrow.

"Good morning Andrea! How are you?"

"I am busy but okay. You look happy. "

She said as she removed her headset.

"I feel great, I will be doing my final checks and then I can finally relax!!"

"These are for the reception to lighten the mood. "

I placed the Vase of Lilies on top of the table. "They are very beautiful. Thank you Cassie. I also loved the unicorn."

"I am glad. You helped me so much when I was new in Seattle and got me settled here so easily. I can never thank you enough for that Andrea."

"You know when you posted your online auction I knew in an instant that you will be a perfect fit here, that's why I forwarded the email to Mr.Grey because I had a hunch he was looking for someone like you to work for GreyX projects."

"I am going to cry and ruin whatever bare makeup I had applied today. Thank you. Let's go to lunch together okay?"

"Great! My treat! I'll reserve us a table." she sat down and started typing on her phone.

"Awesome."

I skipped ahead and went to David's office.

"Good morning Mr.CFO! What's happening in the esteemed world of Grey today?"

I asked as he laughed at me.

"You've got to stop with that question. Anyways I have a meeting and I am going to need a new assistant. "

"Okay, so you don't want these bacon sandwich I got for you?"

"Whoa, you should always lead with that. You know I never say no to know that!"

David took a sniff of the paper bag.

"This smells so good. I love your cooking Cassie."

"Thanks. I'll leave you to your sandwich after you tell me what happened after I left you alone with Chloe."

"Nothing, she was shy all of a sudden and we danced and kissed and then I dropped her at her house. "

"That's a start, I know Chloe's can be very enthusiastic but she is also very sensitive you have to be careful with this. Just show her how you feel and it'll be fine. Words are never enough. Actions are much better. "

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Alright, I'll leave you alone now, bye." I got up and left his office.

My workspace, I'll miss it. I got attached to it. I wonder what Mr.Grey is doing now. I work on my laptop and made some rough notes and corrections. I stored all the concept files on the PC just in case. And sort out the paperwork and sketches.

Andrea booked us a table at La Gabbia, a French restaurant for the uber-rich.

I ordered the Sole meunière, a lemony crispy, buttery fish with Sancerre white wine. We talked about our favorite holiday destinations and our favorite music albums. It was just great spending time with a friend and relaxing. I miss Ashley and can't wait to meet her soon.

By then I finished my work it was 7 pm, the office was almost empty with only me, Andrea and David left. I did not see Mr.Grey at all today.

My stomach grumbled. I am so hungry, I need food from the office pantry. I was pouring myself another cup of coffee when Andrea hurried in. She looked distraught. Her usually perfect chignon was crooked.

"Cassie!. Mr.Grey is missing and Nobody knows where he is."