Few minutes Later,Naomi arrived at the office.Naomi pushed the revolving glass door of the building with her shoulder, her bag slipping slightly down her arm as she stepped into the cool, humming air of the lobby.The familiar scent of fresh coffee mixed with printer ink drifted through the corridor. Her heels clicked softly against the polished tiles, each step deliberate, though her heart raced like she was sneaking into someplace forbidden.She tightened her grip on the strap of her bag, casting a quick glance toward the wing that led to Tasha's office. If she could just slide past unseen, slip into her own space before Tasha caught sight of her, she'd be safe. Safe from questions. Safe from that knowing grin her best friend always wore when she sensed Naomi hiding something.Naomi slowed her pace, almost tiptoeing. Her breathing shallowed, and she tucked her chin slightly like a child caught sneaking cookies from the jar. Her eyes darted toward the door—half-open, blinds tilted. No movement. Perfect.She quickened her steps. Just a few more feet,then,
"Girl, I see you. You can't do that with me."The words rang out loud, playful and triumphant. Laughter followed, bubbling from the familiar voice that always managed to cut through Naomi's attempts at pretense.Naomi froze mid-step, her cover blown. She squeezed her eyes shut for a heartbeat, then turned, feigning innocence."Tash," she said, her tone pitched somewhere between a sigh and a smile. "I wasn't trying to—""Uh-huh," Tasha cut her off, leaning in the doorway with arms crossed, her grin wide enough to light up the whole floor. "Come on in, girl. Don't even think of escaping."Naomi exhaled, her shoulders slumping. "Let me at least drop off my bag at my desk first," she smirked, holding the strap like a shield."No. You won't come back if you do, and we both know it." Tasha's tone was playful but resolute.Naomi hesitated, then rolled her eyes with mock defeat. Reluctantly, she turned toward Tasha's office, pushing the door open and stepping inside. The faint scent of Tasha's vanilla latte filled the air, mingling with the papers scattered neatly across her desk.Tasha's office always reflected her personality—vibrant yet organized.
A splash of framed motivational quotes on the wall, a plant stubbornly thriving in the corner, and a pair of heels discarded under the desk. Naomi perched on the visitor's chair, bag still on her lap like she needed it as a shield."So," Tasha began, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "My assistant told me the manager won't be coming to work today. Something about an outside meeting with a client."Naomi's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion swirling. "Oh, Tash… don't tell me you went asking around because I happened to mention him on the phone earlier."Tasha gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Excuse me? Do you really think I've got nothing better to do than stalk the manager's schedule?"Naomi chuckled, shaking her head, but said nothing. Her silence was answer enough.Her best friend leaned forward, smirking. "Come on, girl. I didn't. Honestly. I just asked Becky about today's schedule. She told me my presentation got pushed to tomorrow since the manager wouldn't be around to hear it. Naturally, I asked why. And voila—he's tied up with a client. That's all. I swear on this my morning latte,a smile playing on her lips.
"Naomi tilted her head, studying Tasha's face, searching for exaggeration. "Mmm-hmm," she muttered, her voice low.
"Oh, don't give me that look." Tasha laughed again, waving her hand. "You're acting like I went undercover with a walkie-talkie."
Still, Naomi wasn't convinced. She smoothed her skirt, trying to appear unaffected. "Fine. Whatever you say."Tasha leaned back, but her eyes twinkled. "Though, judging by the look on your face right now… seems like you already know."Naomi's heart skipped. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze darting to the window as if the blinds held a distraction. "Not exactly," she said softly. "He only mentioned he'd come in late. I thought maybe he was just pulling my legs."Her words felt casual, but Tasha was not so easily fooled. The pause, the slight flush in Naomi's cheeks—signs only a best friend would catch."Oh?" Tasha leaned forward again, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "So… are you guys like friends now, or something?"
The question hung in the air like a spark waiting to catch fire.Naomi's throat tightened. She swallowed, trying to summon composure. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears, could feel the weight of Tasha's stare digging into her like an X-ray. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out at first.Her mind flashed back to the phone call that morning—Michael's calm voice, the way he'd said her name, his tone both professional and oddly warm. Too warm for someone who was just her manager. She hadn't expected it to affect her the way it did. And worse, she hadn't expected Tasha to sniff it out this fast.Naomi managed a laugh, forced and airy. "Friends? Please. He's my manager, Tash. That's all."Tasha arched a brow, unconvinced. "Mhm. And managers usually call you at home in the morning to check on… surveys?"Naomi's eyes widened. She hadn't even told Tasha all the details about the call. How did she—But of course. Tasha always noticed. Always guessed. Always pulled the truth out without asking directly."I… it was just work stuff," Naomi said quickly, her words tumbling out. "Nothing personal."Tasha didn't speak. She just smiled, that knowing smile that made Naomi's skin prickle.The silence stretched, tension pulling at the edges of the room. Naomi fiddled with the strap of her bag, her mind racing for a way to steer the conversation elsewhere. But deep down, she knew Tasha wouldn't let this go.Not until Naomi admitted what even she wasn't ready to face.
Well,I should get to my office,catch you later at lunch "madam know it all", Naomi said as she stood up and head to the door.
I only know it all when it comes to important stuffs,Tasha replied,both laughing.
You are so impossible Tash, Naomi smirked chuckling.
That's why I'm your best bestest friend,don't ever forget that.
Whatever Tash,Naomi said,now feets away from Tasha's office.