Love Isn't Always Black or White
Disclamer: I own nothing in this story.
Author Note: This is my first Jori multi chapter story. Its an idea that came to me, and i decided to start writing it. Let me know if you think i should continue. Reviews welcome. Happy reading!
Chapter One: New Job Jitters
Tori's POV
I doubt. It's always been something I've struggled with. From do they actually like me, to did I order the right food. Moving away from my parents and sister to the big apple; New York, was one of the biggest decisions of my life. However looking up at the black glimmering building in the heart of New York City, I knew I'd made the right one. So coffee in hand, big smile on my face, I walked in the massive sliding doors.
The reception to West Animals and Wildlife Magazine was like nothing I had ever seen before. The receptionists desk was situated on the left hand side, with all different editions of the magazine littering the walls. The walls themselves were a variety of different animal prints; zebra, leopard, even giraffe! To the right there was a small but modern seating area; a glass table lays atop a black rug adorned with small paw prints. Around the glass table wereI some sleek black and white leather chairs. More editions, signed by a variety of well known and not so well known celebrities are spaced around the room. A corridor leading to an elevator and escalators sits across from the main sliding doors. Looking the room over again you can really see how they have tried to incorporate animals into the space while also keeping their business like edge. It's absolutely stunning.
As I turned to continue to the reception, I felt hot liquid hit my chest and my god it burns!
"SHIT!" I bellowed, while jumping and pulling my shirt away from me. Great this was new.
"Well, that isn't a good greeting at all," Someone says, I can hear the smile in their voice. As I look up to give them a piece of my mind, I'm struck by these piercing blue/green eyes. I focus more, and I notice she has shoulder length, brown, wavy hair. She looks in her mid forties and she has this smirk on her face that I don't know whether to run or smile.
"Shall we try that again?" The mystery woman says while laughing. She sticks out her hand and added "My names Stacey West, I'm the boss of this establishment, I gather you're Tori Vega?"
"U-uhhhh y-yeah me vega," I stutter, I take a deep breath and try again, "Yes Mrs west, I'm Tori Vega, nice to meet you" I say much clearer, and return her handshake. "Sorry for the swearing, the coffee was REALLY hot," I laugh nervously.
"Coffee usually is dear," She states, smirk returning to her bronzed face. I feel my face start to heat up, as I look to the ground. "It's okay Tori, honestly, I did the same thing on my first day on the job at your age. So honestly, its fine," She says with a reassuring smile and hand on my shoulder. I breathe a sigh of relief, my big goofy smile returning to my face.
"Shall we get you cleaned up, and then do what needs to be done for the day?" She asks checking her watch. I nod, afraid something stupid will come out of my mouth. She leads me down the corridor, giving the receptionist a smile and wave. We head up the building in the elevator, landing on the 102nd floor. The doors open to a large working area, with desks littering the room. An office at the end of the room covers roughly half of the back wall on the left. A single but modern glass desk sits outside the office on the right, facing the room.
"Wow," I say trying to think of something more but nothing is coming to mind. "Wow," I repeat. I take another look around before glancing at Mrs. West. She's got that smirk back on her face and it causes me to smile. She seems like a pretty cool boss.
"I get that a lot Tori. Anyway, as you can see, this is where all the final editing and analysis of the magazine as a whole happens. Or as my daughter likes to put it 'This is where the magic happens'" Mrs. west chuckles and continues down the middle pathway to what I'm guessing is her office. She has a daughter? She doesn't look old enough.
"I'm sorry but you do not look old enough to have a daughter," I say letting the shock enter my voice. I look up at her and she has this glint in her eye, theres something else, but its gone before I can try read what she's thinking.
"I have 2, one you shall meet at some point as she's an editor of the magazine. Rather good one at that… But lets keep that between us," she winks. As we reach her office door, she points to the desk, "That will be your work desk, feel free to make it your own… but keep it tidy Tori," she gives me a stern but friendly smile. I place my bag onto the top of the desk and look to my left seeing a door that I hadn't noticed. Mrs. West sees where my gaze is focused and informs me "thats the toilet for this floor. Feel free to clean yourself up in there. When I see my daughter later, ill see if she still has a spare shirt in her car boot." She smiles.
"Oh no Mrs. West don't trouble your daughter, I have a waistcoat in my bag which should hide the stain," I insist not wanting to cause trouble on my first day. Which I'm guessing might be my last? My smile drops from my face and Mrs. West must notice. She sits perched on the end of my desk and looks at me reassuringly.
"Sweet heart, I'm not going to fire you for something that is easily done, so put that smile back on your face and get to work newbie," she says sternly with a slight wink at the end. She then retires to her office and desk as her iPhone starts to light up and people start to turn up. Grabbing my waistcoat out of my bag and putting it on; making sure no coffee can be seen. I breathe a sigh of relief noticing that all coffee is hidden. Looking at my desk I notice a computer, mouse and keyboard sitting on the left, a filing cabinet by my left leg and a set of drawers on my right, other office supplies; stapler, pencils, pens , etc.,. are neatly placed in an organiser next to the computer. In front of me theres a wide variety of notepads, jotters, labels and sticky notes. Least they are efficient. Looking to my right I see a phone sitting within reach and a big pile of paperwork and folders…. Best get on with my job. Smile returning to my face, I open up one of the folders and all I can think is…. Pffft what doubt!
