Chapter Twenty Nine - First Day

Hailey's POV

This is my second working day and I'm definitely not at all excited.

I ended up taking the pills in case I had another nightmare in a strange home with others around.

The atmosphere in the house was thick except for Adana or as the guys called her, Chubbs, which does not bother her. I can see that the brother and sister duo really loved each other.

I don't know if I missed that connection, but I definitely wish I had it so that I would know what it's like to belong.

The most awkward thing that ever happened to me, happened this morning, when I realize that I didn't pack a blow dryer with me.

Wrapped in a short towel, with my wet hair dangling and dripping around my shoulders, I didn't think twice before going to the room next door, knocking once and opening the door to borrow a dryer from Adana. To my horror and embarrassment Adana was nowhere around but Adian was sitting on her bed waiting for her.

He looked up from the phone in his hands when he heard the door opened, his eyes roaming my scantily covered body with a smirk, causing me to become self-conscious of my appearance.

"Uhm, I was looking for Adana?" I question him nervously.

He looked around the room. 'well obviously she's not here" he said rather rudely with a tinge of annoyance that he didn't show when I first walked into the room.

"I'm sorry" I apologize. turning to leave.

"Ms. Sullivan, you are not in your apartment. You are now sharing a house with strangers, I will appreciate if you would dress modestly before venturing out of your room" he puts me in my place, letting me know that I don't belong.

Nodding with my back facing him. "I'm sorry, I know this isn't my home. it won't happen again" I said with my voice wavering. as I quickly bolt out of the room, leaving the door open with tears streaming down my face.

I dressed in kaki skirt that fell about four inches above my knee and a purple long sleeve fitted shirt that fell on my hip. A outfit I knew emphasized my legs, my hips and butt, deciding that I will not dress like a matron for him. I remained in my room refusing to invade his territory, the kitchen.

A soft knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts, "yes" I answered.

Basil came in, "Hey, sleepyhead, Adian just left with Chubbs so I'm your ride to work" he opens his arms with s smile.

Nodding I got up and left with him, refusing to enter the kitchen, hence I'm hungry now.

I'm waiting for assignments from Jerry, yesterday was a bad day, so I hope today is more productive.

The ringing of the company's phone brought me out of another day dream.

"Hello?" I answered awkwardly.

"Hailey, Jerry here. There's a staff meeting in ten minutes. I know you don't know the way, so I'll be by shortly to meet you." Jerry said, before quickly hanging up.

"Okay" I said to myself, since he was no longer on the line.

Standing behind my desk, staring at everything on top of it. What would I need to take with me?

I put my phone into the desk draw because I definitely won't be needing that, before putting my note pad, two pencils and my iPad to take with me. Satisfied with my choices, I stood and waited for my first staff meeting. A place that hopefully I belonged.

Less than five minutes later. there was a knock on the door, but it opened before I could answer.

"Morning sweetheart" Jerry waltz in with the second friendly smile I got so far today.

"Morning" I smiled in returned as he comes closer, planting a peck on my cheek.

"You ready?" he asks walking to the door so I quickly picked up my pads and pencils following him.

As I walked out he locked my door behind us, preceding to walk ahead of me.

"I know the staff isn't ready to cooperate with you so I'll help you while I can." Jerry premises.

As we entered the large conference room, "so the princess needed an escort" my husband mockingly announced.

Stopping as I heard the snickers and giggles with all eyes focus on me, the new girl, confirming again that I didn't belong.

I turned to bolt, but the soft smile in Jerry's eyes stopped me. This is a battle I have to fight on my own. My f***ing husband.

Smiling sweetly, "good morning" I said to no one in particular before looking to Mr. Knights at the head of the table. "morning" I said with a small smile.

"Morning sweetheart" my father-in-law, welcomes me, "come, come " he invites me further in.

I started walking further into the room, avoiding the blue eyes, that haunts my dreams.

Jerry ushered me in a seat, between himself and my friend from yesterday. Ah um.. his name.. I can't recall.

Embarrass, "morning" I muttered with a smile sitting beside him, turning my attention to my father-in-law.

Mr. Knights started the meeting and together with uncle Jerry they got feedbacks from everyone on different cases. I kept my eyes down on the empty note pad in front of me, listening attentively even though nothing concerned me yet.

"I have a suggestion" I heard my husband say, but refusing to look at him.

"What the f**k now" I heard uncle Jerry mutter softly causing me to chuckle.

"Ms. Sullivan is new here, so I have a project for her" Adian informs the board.

Sliding a file from where Adian sat at the other end of the table to where I sat. "This is a merger I've been working on for a while now, Secured this deal and I'll see if you're really as tough as your references said you are" Adian challenge me.