Disclamer: I own nothing in this story.
Authors note: Thanks for the reviews! keep them coming, because of the good feedback I've decided to continue writing this story. Hope you all enjoy the new chapter. As usual reviews welcomed! Anyway.. on with the next chapter...
Chapter Two: Honesty and Truth
Tori's POV
Well, thats got to have been the most hectic month I've ever experienced. I've never been so happy for it to be Sunday again. Over the last month I've met and interacted with some of the staff but because I'm still learning and training; Stacey (I got told Mrs. West makes her feel old) deals with most of it or assists me. But thats fine, I'm loving my job at the moment. I haven't met Stacey's daughter; apparently something went wrong at another office and Lauren was the one who had to go sort the mess out. I wonder what she's like? I can't wait to meet her, if she's anything like her mum, we'll get on well hopefully. But you never know, she might hate me and think I'm…
My thoughts got cut short by the smell of pancakes. Sniffing and finally lifting myself away from my massive, comfortable bed; I put on a pair of shorts. Shuffling out of my room I walked down the hall into the living room and could see Andre cooking in the kitchen. Andre is my room mate and my best friend since college all the way through Uni. He's my confidant and the person who knows almost all my personal secrets. We got a place together the minute I got the job. He'd wanted to move back to New York since he left just after senior year in high school. He said i was the only good thing to come out of the move, so when he got the chance to do return a few years ago he didn't know wether to take it or not knowing he'd leave me, I of course told him he's being silly and to take the opportunity while he has the chance! He hasn't looked back since. We kept in touch and then when the opportunity came to move out here myself, he immediately said I could live with him. Everything just fell in place. He managed to get the job at a law firm and as the years have gone on he has become a highly recommended defence lawyer.
Smiling fondly I look around the place, I now call home. It's not massive or luxurious but it is warm and comforting. Both our styles can be seen throughout the apartment. Andre's music instruments litter the walls in the living room, along with his boxes full of folders and papers for work. While my books are neatly placed in the bookshelf next to the kitchen. Flat screen tv and all the essentials sat opposite a large comfy leather couch, next to the bookshelf. Mine and Andre's rooms sat opposite each other. The bathroom sat at the end of the hall. It was actually really nice, clean and big. We have a shower and bath tub. We did well to get it for a good price.
Still smiling I make my way to the kitchen and watch Andre flipping and dancing with the pancakes… Yes dancing WITH the pancakes. Chuckling to myself, I give Andre a once over; his braided, dark brown hair and deep brown eyes mix well with his chocolate skin. He has the typical 'cool guy' appearance. He's very laid back and very much a chick magnet. However to me, he's like my big brother.
My thoughts got interrupted as Andre tried to twirl while flipping the pancake and it ended up on his head. I nearly fell out of my chair because I was laughing so hard… Yep, My dorky brother. Big grin on my face I quirk my eyebrow up.
"Um Andre, doesn't the PANcake go in the pan," I tease, biting my cheeks trying to look serious. He just glares at me and takes my pancakes away. "HEY! They are mine!" I pout and cross my arms and he chuckles giving them back.
"Have I ever told you how adorable you look when you pout, chica!" He says winking at me. Okay that has me smiling, I cant help it! I dig into my pancakes and moan at their deliciousness. Andre does make good pancakes. I look up at him and smile goofily.
"Thanks Dre!" I say rubbing my now full tummy. He chuckles and puts the dishes in the dishwasher.
"How's the new job Tor?" Dre asks. My smile nearly splits my face at the mention of the new job.
"Oh my god Andre it's so good! I know its only been a month and I've been super busy but it's such a good job!" I state as my arms move animatedly. Trying to convey just how excited and happy I was.
"Im glad you're getting on well, just remember though, it has only been a month and you haven't met everyone." At his words my doubts about meeting Lauren come back, my smile falters. He notices and comes up to me wrapping an arm around me. "Hey I didn't say that to dampen your mood chica! Im just telling you to be careful," He kisses the top of my head. I cant stop my eyes from gathering water.
"Stacey's daughter, I haven't met her yet, she's called Lauren and I'm so worried I wont make a good impression Dre! She's the bosses daughter!" I sniffle looking up at him. He has this warm smile on his face.
"Chica, you have got to stop doubting yourself! You're an amazing girl and people can see that. You are NOT your past. Just please put that smile back on your face. Your too pretty to cry," He looks so concerned, "Besides this Lauren chick might be hot!" he throws in with a wink for extra effect and I cant help but smile. "There it is!" i giggle
"I shall repeat, she's the bosses daughter Dre," I remind him shaking my head, I got up to go shower, giving him a big hug.
—
**Next Day**
BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Tori shut that damn alarm off! It's fucking 6 in the morning!" Andre bellowed; he's not a morning person. Whoops. I turn over and shut off the alarm.
"Yes, it is 6 in the morning but its Monday. So therefore work is to blame for the loud intrusion not me! Not everyone gets random late days at the office!" I yell back, also not good with mornings. I chuckle and drag myself out of bed to get ready for work… Shower, clothes and food. Easy enough.
I look myself over in the mirror, light make up on my face, A bright pink blouse hugging my body in the right places and a pair of black trousers that flare at the bottom, and black heels finish off the look. Not too bad. I stuff a piece of toast in my mouth and head out the door. Making sure to pick up a black blazer on the way.
"Off to work I go, hi ho hi ho." I hum on the way out the door.
Traffic. Its probably the only thing thats infuriating in this city. I'm literally down the block from my work! Move people! I look at the clock and I want to cry. Im late! Finally the traffic moved and I zoomed round the corner. Slamming the car door and running, yes running through the doors and into the elevatorI. Once it reaches my floor, I all but sprint to my desk. Stopping dead in my tracks when I see Stacey standing there. Oh shit. She turns to see me, not looking best pleased.
"Explain," she states simply, crossing her arms as her brows furrow.
"T-traffic, i-im so sorry! I've honestly been stuck a block away for an hour." I stutter out. She smirks,
"I know, just wanted to see if you'd be honest. Honesty is a massive deal to this firm Tori, and myself. Never forget that," I breathed a sigh of relief knowing she was being genuine. That look came back but I still couldn't figure it out. "You've got files waiting on your desk. You seem to be grasping your job well. So I'm going to leave you to it today. If at any point you need help, just come get me, okay?" she says wise smile in place.
"Okay, ill come get you if you need it." I smile back. She begins to walk to her office and I call out, "Oh Stacey!" she turns to give me her attention. "I wont ever forget," I say looking into her eyes, she nods and continues to her office. Honesty. Don't forget.
—
**Later that day**
My phone is ringing. Pee quicker Tori! First pee break in 5 hours and the phone rings. Great. I finish my business and run to my phone, I answer it just before it shuts off. "West Animals and Wildlife, Tori speaking, how may I help?" I say clearly while trying to control my breathing from my mini sprint session. Thank god the toilets close.
"Hey Tori, its Lauren. Can you put my mom on the phone. NOW!" My eyes go wide realising its Staceys daughter. She sounds stressed. Oh god.
"Yeah sure, hold on." I look into one of the windows and find that Stacey is talking to a member of staff. "Ummm Lauren, your mom is talking to someone at the moment. Can I take a message for you?" I ask politely.
"Tori, I need to speak to my mom, NOW. It's an emergency. Go in there, she'll understand." My eyes go wide as I realise what she wants me to do.
"Ummm," I cough, "O-okay, please hold." I stutter out, placing the phone down and staring at the door. I can do this. Totally can. It's been a month! I get up and walk to the door of Mrs West's office. Gulping I tap on the door a couple of times.
"Yes? Come in." I hear muffled slightly by the door. I open it slightly and pop my head in. Her office is nice. Very modern. It even has a sofa. I hear a cough and remember what I came in here for.
"U-umm, sorry for interrupting, Lauren's on the phone and says it's an emergency." I say offering a friendly smile at the end. Stacey's eyes go wide and after excusing herself she all but runs out the office to my desk, yanks the phone up and all but yells 'whats wrong'. Lauren says something and Stacey physically relaxes but her face falls into a scowl.
"YOU'RE WHERE?!" Okay and were back to the yelling. I rub my ear as that was loud and hurt. Stacey looks at me apologetically and I smile back letting her know its okay. "How Lauren? How did you manage that?" She rubs her temple with her free hand. Wonder what is going on. I try to focus on my work but I cant help but listen. She sighs and looks at me, "I know he's a total dick but that doesn't mean you strike him!" She whisper yells. I cant help but chuckle and that causes Stacey to grin. Her eyebrow furrow as she looks like she's concentrating. "Lauren, just stay where you are. Me and Tori will be there in a minute." Stacey looks at me apologetically again and I start to pack my stuff. I bend over to pick up my bag and all I hear from the other end is Lauren bellow:
"I'm handcuffed and in a police car! How can I go anywhere?!" My eyes go wide and I look up to see Stacey roll her eyes.
"Don't be a smart ass Lauren. We'll be there soon." Stacey smirks at me and puts the phone down. "Road trip it is. Guess you'll be meeting my daughter sooner then I thought." She chuckles as she walks back to her office to explain what's going on to her guest.
—
We reach street level and walk over to the parking lot. I make my way to my car but Stacey stops me.
"Where you going?" She asked confused.
"To my car to follow you?" I asked, confused also. She smiled and dug around for her keys in her bag.
"No honey, you can ride with me. After all one car is better then two," She chuckled and unlocked her car. Damn she has a nice car. Her Audi S5, looked brand new. It's a metallic black and just beautiful. I must have been staring for a while as I hear Stacey chuckling. "You may want to shut your mouth before flies call it home," I slam my mouth shut and I feel my face heat up. Stacey chuckles more. I look around and see she's in the car already. Right! I need to get in there. My face heats up more as I climb in the passenger seat. Like it's a habit my mouth falls open again. The inside is just as gorgeous.
"Oh my god Stacey, this is beautiful. I don't think I've ever been speechless because of a car." I chuckle, trying to convey how serious I am. Speechless because of girls yes, cars no. I would consider marrying this car.
"Thanks. She's my baby." She says as she strokes the steering wheel, whilst starting the engine. It roars, practically purring to life. I have to bite my cheek, stopping the moan in the back of my throat. Damn I need a new car. Stacey chuckles at my smitten look. Pulling out of the space and smoothly drives to wherever Lauren was. This should be funny.
About half hour later we pulled into the parking lot of a massive building in central New York. The building was about half the size of our main office, but just as modern and smart. Stacey then explained that this is our printing building. She had to move it when the place they were using next door had a major company needing it to expand. So Stacey negotiated and moved it here. Plus it's not too far from the office. Would explain why Lauren had to come sort out the mess if its to do with the printing.
As we park right outside I look to our right and see a NYPD car sitting there with a policeman leaning on the bonnet. He looked over and waved once he seemed to realised it was Stacey's car. Hmmm that's strange, pretty sure the police don't wave at random people. Unless they know each other.
Stacey got out of the car and walked over to the officer and gave him a hug. I came up behind her and made sure not to intrude. The policeman noticed me behind them and smiled warmly.
"Who's this then?" He chuckled as I blushed and looked at my feet. Stacey seemed to remember I was here. She turned and looked at me apologetically.
"Im so sorry; Tori, this is Robbie Shapiro, he's Cat's boyfriend. Cat Valentine is our receptionist." I smiled knowing who she meant. Lucky boy. Lucky lucky boy.
"Nice to meet you Robbie, I'm Tori; Tori Vega. Stacey's new assistant." I say smiling big and extending my hand. He smiles back and shakes it.
"So this is your new victim Stace," He chuckles and winks at me. Okay he's joking. Thats good. I see Stacey glare at him slightly. He held his hands up in mock surrender. "I was joking!" Stacey smiles and looks at me, sending a reassuring smile my way. I smile back letting her know I'm okay. She sighs and runs her hands through her hair.
"Come on then. Where's the convict?" Robbie belts out a laugh and leads us both to his car.
"She's still a bit pissed off Stacey, so be careful." He says genuinely concerned. Stacey gets this hard look on her face as she moves towards the passenger side of the car. She yanks the door open and pops her head in.
"What the hell Lauren! I thought we spoke about this and came to an understanding!" Stacey's nostrils flare. Ive never seen her so angry.
"Mum look I'm sorry…." Lauren didn't get much else out as Stacey exploded.
"NO! No! Sorry doesn't cut it this time! We've spoken countless times and you're so damn lucky it was Robbie who responded to this call or you'd be in such deep shit! I thought you was calling about your sister or Callum! Do you realise how scared I was?! But instead I find out its you and you're fucking boyfriend, fighting yet AGAIN. This is the last time Lauren. You understand?!" Stacey took a breath and looked at me, then back at Lauren. "Get her out Robbie." Robbie opened the car door and took off the cuffs. Lauren then stepped out and my god. This girl is gorgeous. She has auburn hair reaching just passed her shoulders. She has her mothers eyes; a lovely blue-green, the green coming across more dominant. She was slightly taller then her mum. Speaking of, Stacey's looking at me really amused. I touched my face thinking something might be on it. I realise my mouth is still open so I slam it shut quickly. I can feel my face heating up and Stacey couldn't help but laugh even though she still looks really pissed off. Stacey's scowl returned as she looked back to her daughter. She began walking to me with Lauren trailing behind, her head bowed.
"Lauren this is Tori Vega, My new assistant. Tori this is my daughter and one of our top editors, Lauren West." We say our hellos and nice to meet you's hurriedly, not wanting to push the situation anymore. Stacey turns to Lauren, "You can sit in the back." With that she walked to her car. Me and Lauren shared a look and scurried to catch up. Lauren as requested sat in the back, me taking the passenger seat again. I looked over at Stacey. Her face was unreadable.
After about 45 minutes, we arrived back at the office and Stacey immediately got out and said she was going into the reception to talk to Cat. I got out and looked at Lauren to see she hadn't moved. I sighed, my instinct to help kicking in. I walked around the car and got in the seat next to Lauren.
"I know we've only just met, but I'm thinking you know how to get in and out of a car, so why are you still here?" I say smiling trying to lighten up the situation.
"I've never seen her that mad, well once I did but never since then. Ive really fucked up and I don't know how to sort it." She said putting her head in her hands giving a defeated sigh.
"How about talking? And apologising?" I state trying to give some advice. She chuckled.
"I don't think I'm going to be doing a lot of talking." She smiled sadly. I leaned over and put my hand on top of hers.
"Your mum once told me. Honesty means everything to her. So just be honest." I looked down at her wrist seeing the slight purple bruise starting to surface. She saw where my eyes had landed and looked away. "About everything." I continued softly. She nodded and got out the car. I followed, smiling to myself knowing even if I helped a little bit that was enough for me. I headed back to the office. I looked around to see that everyone was still hard at work. Looking at the clock I saw it was about half one. I hadn't had my break yet so I walked over to Stacey's office and knocked gently. I walked in to see Lauren sitting on the couch with her mum by her side. I coughed realising I had intruded on their talk. "Sorry," I apologised gently.
"It's okay Tori. Wed just finished." Lauren said smiling up at me. I smiled back. She really is beautiful. I shook my head remembering why I went in there. I look at Stacey and smiled, "Do you mind if I just pop and get something for my lunch, I haven't had time to today," my smile faltering when I start to second guess myself.
Stacey started shaking her head, "Tori! Stop panicking, you can go get something to eat" She started laughing "You are such a worrier. You need to start having a little faith in yourself." She gave me a reassuring smile.
I looked down suddenly shy, "I know," I could feel the memories coming back so I plastered a massive, albeit fake smile on my face and bid my farewells. If only they knew how I used to be. I sigh willing the bad thoughts to go away. By the time I get to the coffee shop that I go to frequently. My mind is a haze of the passed and obviously I wasn't paying much attention as I managed to bump into someone.
"Watch where you're fucking going!" I hear the voice shout. I mumbled an apology and kept on walking to the counter. I heard them huff and the door opening. Like a robot I ordered my usual and went back to my…car? Wait when did I get in my car? I shook my head. I have got to sort my shit out. I could have crashed. I get in my car and drive back to work. Banishing the horrible thoughts, even if it's for the remainder of the work day.
I worked silently for an hour and a half after that. Every so often Lauren and Stacey would come over and see if I was okay or to ask a question. I knew they were worried about me. But I couldn't help it. I didn't want to talk. Just wanted to get the rest of the day done and then go home to Andre and the safety he exudes.
Once the end of the day rolled around, I'd given up on talking all together, just a nod here and a shake of the head there. I knew I should be fighting the voices and get out of this funk, but it's not that easy. I sighed and began to get ready to go home. Stacey came out of her office as I was picking up my bag to head out of the door.
"Tori, may I speak with you." I froze. Great I've messed up. I turned slowly to see the concerned look on Stacey's face. Only then did I feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. Stacey came rushing over and shuffled me into her office sitting me on the sofa.
Her eyes are shining with concern, "Hey Hey Hey whats wrong? I only called you in here to make sure you're okay, you're not in trouble. What's with the tears?" She was chewing on her bottom lip and her eyebrows furrowed. Probably trying to think whether she'd done anything wrong. I didn't know what to say. I've only known her for a month. I can't just dump everything onto her. Not to mention… Can I trust her.
I put on a fake smile and said; "Time of the month," She got this hard look on her face.
"I thought I told you honesty meant everything in this company." She berated, eyebrows furrowed still. Crap.
"Mrs We… I mean Stacey. Ive only been here a month I'm not going to bring my personal life's shit and baggage to work and dump it on you," I looked away. Waiting for the scolding.
Stacey tilted her head and then spoke softly, "That didn't stop you from helping Lauren when she needed it. She told me it was you that encouraged her to speak to me," she placed her hand on my shoulder. "So why wont you speak to me? I wont bite and yes I'm your boss but that doesn't mean I can't be your friend too." She said with a reassuring smile.
I sighed knowing she wouldn't let it drop, after all I've seen how she was with Lauren. I put my head in my hands and sighed again, "I have these moments sometimes. Something happened just before I moved out here, one of the reasons I took this job in the first place, that and I love what I do." I said smiling and taking a breath. My eyebrows furrowing, "I doubt myself really badly. An ex… She, She wasn't very nice and she'd make me doubt myself over everything I ever did. I was so in love I was blinded. My best friend Andre was the person who tried to make me see sense but as I said I was blinded, she had dug her claws in and it nearly broke mine and his friendship." I felt a tear slide down my cheek remembering our argument. I can't believe I nearly lost him. I laughed bitterly, "Me and Andre ended up not speaking, for months. I finally saw sense when I found out she'd been cheating on me for 90% of our relationship. When I called her out on it she just let rip and tore me and my personality to pieces. Andre to this day still says she broke me. I turned up at his door, after all those months and he took me in. I told him and then had to stop him from 'burning that bitch alive' as he said" I chuckled. Then I got sad again. "Since then I've doubted myself…. Majorly. Andre keeps telling me that she was the one with issues not me, but at the end of the day she changed how I look at myself. Coming here though has made a massive difference I'm a lot happier and believe it or not my doubt isn't as bad" I laugh and stacey smiles. "But every so often it creeps back in and well you've seen what happens," I look at her with a sad smile. Then I realise I hadn't told her about the whole liking women thing. My eyes went wide and she just chuckled.
"I don't care who you've dated, well their gender anyway," we chuckled and I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god. "But you know, Andre is right. You aren't your past honey. In fact I'm pretty sure it did you a favour if this is where you've ended up. In New York City, working for a massive magazine company; as the bosses assistant. I would say you've done a pretty darn good job." She smiled broadly. I smiled back, feeling a lot better now I've spoken to her.
"Thank you Stace. I really appreciate it." I stood and gave her a hug. She hugged back. Giving me a little squeeze. I made my way to the door, knowing I needed to get home now or Dre would worry. Just as i was exiting Stacey called me back
"Im here if you ever need to talk remember" She smiled and then winked "No checking the boss out" I flushed bright red and Stacey let out a massive laugh. We said our goodbyes and headed out. I smiled.
So much Honesty and Truth in one day.