MILIANI'S POV
"What do you mean you haven't had time for Andrew?" Layla asked in confusion.
I took some chips from the bag and ate them trying to understand what was happening too. For the past two weeks I've been asked on three dates by Andrew and I didn't show up for any of them. I was always too occupied at work. Declan would give me tasks that required me to stay with him past work hours. And it was always on the days of my dates. Coincidence? I think not. But I wasn't sure yet. I mean he didn't have any reason to stop me from going on my date anyways.
"Layla, I don't even know what's going on. And I think he thinks I'm ignoring him or something or giving excuses because I don't want to be with him." I said as I rubbed my temples.
"Can't you talk to your boss to give you a day off or something? Then on that day go on your date with Andrew" She said while rubbing my back.
That was…brilliant. Why didn't I think of that before? But realistically, the odds of Declan giving me a day off without any valid reason was very low. It felt like he derived joy from frustrating me. There was always this smug smile on his face when he gave me more tasks to complete.
Ugh
Sometimes I felt like punching him in the face, his handsome, well structured face.
Shit, focus Miliani!
"He might not give me a day off though. He behaves bipolar at times and his behaviour is very unpredictable"
"You won't know until you try right?"
She was right. I had to give it a shot.
"Alright I'll ask him tomorrow after work"
"Great! Now let's go make something to eat. I'm starving!"
I chuckled and followed her to the kitchen.
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After a long, gruesome day of sorting out files and trying to stay awake during meetings it was finally time to go home. I packed up my bag and was waiting for the perfect time to approach Declan.
Lord help me, this man is intimidating as hell.
I walked over to his desk while he was packing up his stuff. I couldn't mouth any words and just stood there staring.
"Peters if you look any longer you'll bore holes into my body," He said and I realised I had been staring for a long time.
"I.. uhm"
"Do you have anything to say," He crossed his arms and smirked at me "Or do you just enjoy looking at me"
Narcissistic bastard. I don't enjoy looking at you, well I do but that's not the point.
I let out a deep sigh "I wanted to request something and I just didn't know how to say it" He raised one eyebrow and looked intrigued.
"Alright, continue"
"Well for the past two weeks I've been working extra long hours at the office. For example, today. This is already 7pm and work closes by 4 or 5pm"
"Yes, there's so much that needs to be done, you know with the company launching a new product next week."
"I'm aware sir-, I mean Declan"
"So? What's the request, Peters?"
"I want a day off. I think I deserve one"
"Think?"
"I..," I gulped "I know that I deserve one"
"Hm"
"If it's okay with you of course" There was a deafening silence after I spoke. Was he going to fire me for asking for a day off?
That's quite extreme, girl chill.
"Alright"
"What?"
He looked up at me "I hate repeating myself, Peters"
"Sorry sir, I mean Declan"
"You'll have a day off tomorrow and resume immediately the day after. Got it?"
"Yes Declan, thank you" I said excitedly and left the office.
I could finally be with Andrew. I texted him and told him about my day off. He was elated and asked if we could go to the movies then the amusement park after. I agreed immediately.
"Doesn't he have to go to work too?" Layla asked as I told her the good news.
"Oh yeahhh. Well he's in the marketing department and they get the option to have days off for each week. So he chose tomorrow for this week" I said as I explained to her
"Wow, that's amazing. How come you're not given that option?" She asked again
"Well maybe it's because my job is demanding or Declan's just being a bitch" I said and we laughed together.
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"That was the scariest movie I've ever seen in my life" I said, holding Andrew's hand tightly as we came out of the cinema to get snacks.
He smiled at me and chuckled a bit. "You don't like horror movies?"
"Well I do, but that, that was terrifying"
"They're meant to be terrifying Milly, it's why it's called a horror movie" He said and laughed again.
"Stop laughing at me. It was terrifying" I said while pouting my lips.
"You're cute, let me get you some ice cream then we'll go to the amusement park okay?"
"Alright"
"Vanilla?"
"I hate Vanilla, I prefer strawberry"
"Oh alright then. Sit tight I'll be right back"
I sat down and brought out my phone to reply to my texts.
'How's your date going so far?' My cousin asked
'It's going really well. He's getting some ice cream and then after we'll go to the amusement park'
'Oh okay, have fun!'
'I will. I'll see you later'
I was about to drop my phone when I received a text from… Declan?
'How is your day off, Peters?'
This is weird
'It's going well, thank you for asking'
'I'd be a bad boss if I didn't ask'
This was… new.
'Well enjoy the rest of your day. Also your dress is beautiful.. Really brings out your eyes. Hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did' After that he went offline.
'Wait what?'
I was speechless. Dress? Movie? He was here?
I looked around and saw someone with his stature walking away. He had on a black on black outfit, typical Declan. But I wasn't sure if he was messing with me or not. How did he know I was here? No wonder I felt like someone was watching me while in the cinema. Is my boss stalking me now? I was deeply engrossed in my thoughts when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I panicked a little but immediately calmed down when I saw that it was Andrew.
"You okay? You seem tense. Did the movie get you that bad?"
"Uhm no, I mean yes! I mean.." I tried to calm myself down.
"Here, have some ice cream to cool yourself. We don't have to go to the amusement park if you're not up for it though"
I looked up at him. I couldn't let Declan ruin my date, again. I smiled.
"No it's okay, I'm fine. Let's go"
He smiled and took my hand. While walking out of the building I felt the sudden urge to turn and there he was staring right back at me. Declan Pierce. I thought I was hallucinating and closed my eyes and when I opened them again, he was gone. Did he just disappear? Is that even possible? Or am I just imagining things? I shook my head and looked away.
What are you up to Declan?