Chapter Twenty One

Amanda had seen him angry before, but never in this manner. Not this side of his anger that caused him to yell. She was too frightened that she didn't feel like to sob as usual. Ray was shutting her out in every way possible. 

So why was he still keeping her? Maybe he didn't want to do it himself so he wanted to push her to the wall so she could quit. 

But she doubted that was a Ray characteristics. He wasn't corny, if Ray wanted her completely gone, he would do it himself.

Suddenly she felt hot, her eyes became teary as she stomped out of his office and out of the complex. 

Amanda was seated in an out door coffee shop. The sun was out, but very kind that morning as it just radiated light and didn't cause heat or burns. 

Thank you. She said to the waiter that just served her coffee.

She needed to cool off, not that this helped much, but the beautiful weather did it's part. She watched as different people passed. Different people with different shades. She took a sip of her coffee. Wasn't really a big fan of coffee, but somehow since her arrival to Canada, she had somehow started being receptive to coffee, well if it had enough cream.

This didn't take away her current agony, but it was hard to concentrate only on her problem with this much people In view. She saw kids who played behind their parents. She saw people with different pets. She was a dog person so she could barely take her eyes off any dog that passed. She saw young and old couples as some of them  held hands.

Yes, that last part was  totally  not helping her current love life.

Had had finished off her coffee, dropping a tip for the waiter as she set out to leave.

She wasn't totally sure what the time said when she came here, but she was sure to have spent over two hours there.

She checked her time and it was almost noon as she headed back to Blazzer, hoping she still knew her way back. 

She was beginning to realize her new work relationship with Ray, she was sure not not have a very pleasant one with Karen too.

She feared Karen must have overhead Ray yelling at her, the door was most likely sound proof. Well, she hoped it was.

She couldn't stand the girl hearing all what Ray had said to her.

She got back, used the elevator and was now on her supposed office floor. She had met Mr Troy. He introduced himself as the general manager and enquired why she left without any proper or official procedure.

Mr Troy was definitely in his early fifties or late forties, she wasn't sure. He wasn't too tall as she was taller than him. He wore a dark gray, not so fitted cooperate trousers with a black, brown and red tiny striped office shirt along with a dark grey tie.

He sounded abit vulgar and at the same time calm. She wasn't used to this side of the job. Having to be questioned by anyone that wasn't Raymond or Tyler. 

I was having a break down so I went for a coffee. She responded calmly.

I won't put your job before your health, but by all means we make sure that all our staff are to carry out their duties and do what is expected of them at all time. And that includes taking due measures  if you need to step out.

I'm sorry about that. She said. She had realized she couldn't possibly be dissident with all the people there so she knew she needed this man on her side.

You should also be informed that all your reasons to be step out, be late or be absent cannot alway be endorsed.

I understand. She responded.

Now, get to work he said as he went his way.

Amanda had settled in her office. She went through her work laptop as there was a mail that needed to be responded to. Which she did.

Karen was not in seat, she had thought maybe she was in Ray's office, but it was over an hour now, so she doubted that. It was past 4 PM now as she finished up all the work she had to do and she couldn't wait for closing hours.

Oh, wait! Where would she be staying while she is here? Her belonging? She hoped it was safe and still as she left them.

She was about to go see Annie before the door to Ray's office opened and Karen stepped out.

Oh wait a minute. Wait a fucking minute!

If she wasn't exaggerating, Karen had been there for over four hours. Four Fucking hours! Yea, the fucking could be literally! 

She doubted she had ever been in Ray's office that long. What type of work could they have been doing in there and "together" for four hours? 

She thought his words and behavior hurt her, but the thought of him spending time with his blond haired assistant broke her even more.

Maybe Ray wasn't even acting to hurt her, maybe this was just him. Cruel and inconsiderate. she wasn't even around and she doubted he knew she was back, so this was not about her.

Hey you. Karen said with a smile.

Oh stop the pretense, you man snatchers. Amanda only thought in her mind.

Why was she so perfect? Definitely an act! She knew what she was doing, both of them did. Amanda felt stupid for thinking she took Ray from her. No one can take a person from another person. She corrected her self.

"Besides your lies contributed more to this" the judgmental part of her mind had dropped its own observation. 

How she hated her self! A simple truth could have fixed all this! She thought.

 For the first time that day, she noticed what Karen was wearing.

She wore a short fitted blue gown with a red ropey high heel.

Wheww! All that legs. She hated her self for even acknowledging her beauty and sophisticated physic.

She was beautiful and even her hatred for her couldn't conceal that much beauty.

Hey. She responded and she began to randomly press different buttons on the laptop before her, to keep busy.

Karen moved to her table. The two tables were slightly distanced from each other, so they couldn't really see what the other person was doing.

You weren't looking so excited when you left earlier. Karen said.

 hope you feel better now? She added  as she slightly looked her direction, wearing her usual smile before now facing her own work.

Yes. Never been better. Amanda responded.

Her heart felt very heavy from repeatedly thinking of the possible answer to the question; what were they doing inside Ray's office "alone" for over four hours? 

A man could actually nut fifty times in four hours. But the problem was she wasn't looking like who was into any kind of fumbling. Her gown was very much intact. Her hair still laid. Lipstick was still very perfect, so she doubted she had the answer to the question that tore her up.

I was thinking of getting a drink after work, do you mind tagging along? Karen asked and Amanda totally found that request surprisingly shocking.

No, thank you. I'm good. Amanda responded without taking her gaze off the laptop before her.

Amanda didn't exactly know what to think about her co assistant anymore.

Was she actually nice to her? Or did she know all about them and treating her nice as a form of mockery?

Oh, hey girls. She didn't notice Annie's entrance but heard her speak.

Look how cute the two of you are. She spoke with a wide smile.

Right. Karen acknowledge her complement as Amanda only thought both of them to be drunk or something. Because there was nothing cute about her mood or current state.

Oh, i think someone is yet to adapt. Annie said as she moved her direction to Amanda.

I think I will be fine. Amanda responded.

Yea, you will. Karen said supporting her statement.

Girl, I'm not even talking to you. Df? Amanda thought to her self.

I think you will too. Annie added.

  I came looking for you earlier, but it happened to be that you stepped out.

Once you close for the day, come to my office. I will be taking you to the hotel  where you'd be staying.

Oh okay, thanks for the info. I will be there once it's five in the evening. 

Okay dear,l. she responded, before leaving them to them self.

They had sat in silence for few minutes before she heard the entrance door to Ray's office open. He stepped out, looking like he was done for the day.

For what ever reason it was, she didn't know.  But her heart skipped. She looked up at him as their gaze met before she immediately took her attention back to her un existing busyness.

Annie don't forget. 7pm sharp. He said as he made his way to the exit.