Rekindle the old flames

Macy

I expected Tobias to put up a really great fight but his easy acceptance bothers me the most. I knew walking in here and claiming my position on the board in my father's place would not be easy. His attitude was expected but he really didn't put up much of a fight and that part scares me.

A knock resounds on my door and immediately Lena enters. I remember her. She must have been a sophomore when we were seniors.

"Sorry to interrupt. I just thought you could use a coffee." Lena puts the coffee on the table. I am surprised by her thoughtfulness.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it. Working with frigid drains me. I need ten of these on a daily if I have to bear with his attitude." Lena rolls her eyes.

"Frigid?" I ask resisting a smile.

"Oh yeah. That's Tobias Spektor. You know cold, mean and annoying. Tobias drives me to the fucking wall. I just hope his nature is not contagious." she mutters.

"I like the creativity." I comment.

It reminds me of high school. Most people in school nicknamed him ice king for a reason.

"Macy, right?" Lena asks. I nod slowly taking a sip of the coffee. The chai latte is pretty better than I expected.

"We were not properly introduced but I am Lena, Frigid's secretary." I resist a laugh at the distaste if his nickname on her tongue.

"You are a good girl Lena." I compliment taking her hand.

"And you're beautiful. I could literally kill for your skincare routine products." This time I don't hold back a chuckle.

Suddenly a yell of her name resounds outside.

"Hold that thought. Frigid gets really cranky in the mornings." Lena rushes out of my office. I shoot out of my seat and walk to the blinds to watch him scold her about something. Then he turns his eyes to the blinds where I am watching them from and I can't help but be glued to one spot unmoving.

His jaw clenches before he turns his dark eyes to Lena. I quickly walk away from the blinds and sigh when I reach my seat once again. I really knew what I was signing up for so I need to get myself in check.

I hadn't realized an hour had passed since I dived into the files on the table devouring each information I can get to prepare me for the next few days or even months. Even I am not yet sure.

Another knock resounds at the door to which I murmur a quick come in. Before my mind can conclude that it might be Lena, a familiar face peeks through the door. My entire body goes rigid.

What did I expect? Of course one way or another we were bound to bump into each other. Still, Aaron had warned what to expect.

"I usually don't follow rumors but I had to check this one out for myself." Tara proclaims with scrupulous look directed at me.

I straighten in my seat taking a long look at her.

So much has changed about her. Her wavy dark hair is longer now plus all the gothic witchy high school make-up look is all gone. She almost looks normal not that she wasn't back then, just more prim and cut things we both know she hated. I wonder what changed that.

Then there is my answer flashing right at me on her left hand. A large diamond ring sits intently on her finger. Tara doesn't bother to hide it or acknowledge that I have seen it. She is still holding that look of judgement I know I deserve.

I am a shitty friend. I don't blame her if she still hates me till now.

"I knew you would come back to Havenwood. I didn't know when but I was sure you would return." she mutters.

"Havenwood is my home unless I was banished without my knowledge." I remark.

"Macy Thornton, always with the bravado. I guess that New York sun didn't burn all your brain cells." Tara lifts a brow.

"You wish." I scoff.

"Oh don't be flattered love, I prayed on it for a while to be honest." she retorts thoughtfully.

"Tara..."

"Let me guess, your father and brother sent you to clean up their mess." Tara cuts me off with a glare.

I can't even deny it. She has always been quite the mind reader, mine mostly.

"They suggested it. I put myself up to it. Is that a problem?"

"Not mine. That sounds more like a you problem." she archs a brow.

"What do you want Tara?" I question tired or rotating in circles with her. If she wants to torment me in terms of revenge, I really have enough on my plate already.

"I thought you could use a friend." she replies cooly settling down in the seat.

I narrow my eyes at her. Her, a friend after all I did to her.

"A friend?"

"Yes. You need someone to show you the ropes around here, I am the right person to do that for you."

"Why would you do that?" I inquire gaze intent on her hand movements and then back to her eyes.

"Oh my gosh Macy!"

I stare at her dumbfounded.

"Do you think I am here for some sick revenge?" Tara asks.

"I wouldn't put it beneath you after what happened between us." I answer honestly.

"Trust me I have thought of how many ways I could break your legs, I still do. It's just you need help and I still have a teeny tiny adoration for you. Plus I really don't need the Spektors taking over the entire town." Tara gazes right at me calmly.

"I thought it is only the hospital and a few shares of the Academy." I mention not sure of her words. What does she mean the Spektors are taking over town.

"The Spektors have expanded since the last four years buying out most of the vampire families and a few humans. They own most of the land and businesses in town." Tara explains.

I hadn't realized how big of a problem the Spektors had become. I thought they wanted the academy only but I guess the academy was the long term.

"I see the cogs in your brain turning. Let me guess, you didn't know." she smirks.

"Don't be such a smart ass." I roll my eyes.

"Don't count on it." she chides.

"My offer still stands, it's up to you to take it." she declares standing up.

I watch her skeptical of each word she just mentioned. We weren't really on good terms when I left. I don't expect to be on her top friend list. I don't trust her but I need allies.

"How do I know that Tobias didn't put you up to this or it is some sick game?"

"You don't." she responds clearly.

"If you're interested in meeting the rest of the staff, come to the teacher's lounge in thirty." Tara murmurs before she walks out.

It is all confusing to be honest. In my head, I can never see Tobias and Tara working together. She hated his guts. She couldn't stand him in high school but years have passed, many things have

changed. Even all I knew could have changed.

Guess I have no choice but to follow my gut.