AN: Hey everyone, I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything and I apologize. I went through a really depressing time. I had been offered a job and was waiting for them to send me the contract to sign only to have them withdraw the job at the last minute without giving me any reason at all. That just sucked the will to write out of me for a while. Let me assure you that I have planned out the entire plot for all the stories I have started already and I know how I will end each of them so no worries that I won't finish my stories. The difficulty is just finding the time and the mood to write well. But I was determined to post something by my birthday so here it is. It is a bit short, but I will be posting more regularly now (I hope). I'm planning to post something at least every two weeks. (I will really try). So here it is, enjoy!

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Chapter 5

Beryl stopped in front of Serena and Rei. She gave Serena and then Rei a penetrating look that sent more chills down Serena's spine. Something was not right. Beryl's gaze settled on Rei, her lips thin with suppressed anger.

"Rei Hino," Beryl said quietly, a hint of cold steel in her voice.

"Yes," said Rei, seeming to falter under the cool look she was receiving from Beryl's icy green eyes.

Serena felt the tightness in her limbs dissipate somewhat as it became apparent that she was not the cause of whatever had upset the Beryl. From the expression on the woman's face though, it was serious, and it looked like Rei was somehow the cause of it. Serena was unsure of how to leave the tension filled scene without calling attention to herself. At the same time, part of her was curious as to why the VP seemed to be shooting icicles at Rei.

"Ms. Hino. I understand that you have been working late, often," said Beryl smoothly, never breaking eye contact with Rei. "I have heard that you have been involving yourself with some of Mr. Shields' project reports." There was a slight pause as Beryl flicked an invisible piece of lint from the lapel of her suit before she began again. "While we appreciate your dedication, I think it is best if you focused on the responsibilities of your role as a junior communication specialist rather than concerning yourself with matters regarding our president. At your level of experience, it is unlikely that you will be able to fully handle the level of complexity or the nature of Mr. Shields' work. I am sure you understand the importance of Mr. Shields' time, you wouldn't want to be an intrusion, correct?" said Beryl tightly.

Beryl's ice laced speech left no room for misinterpretation. She did not like Rei overstepping her position and she was not shy about letting everyone know it. She didn't even care that Serena was present for this little lecture. Serena could now see why the people in the office were so nervous around Beryl. It would be dangerous to cross this woman.

Serena could see that even Rei was not unaffected by Beryl's dangerous tone. Rei seemed to be struck silent with shock, her eyes wide at Beryl's words. For a moment, no one spoke, and two pairs of eyes seem to clash in a silent struggle.

Serena felt a stir of sympathy for Rei. She did not particularly like Rei. The woman had been less than friendly to Serena since the beginning; however, Serena couldn't help but feel sorry for Rei's predicament. She knew all too well how it felt to be made to feel inferior somehow.

"Sorry, but there must have been a mistake," said Serena standing up from her seat. The sound of her own voice startled Serena and she silently berated herself for opening her big mouth. Why couldn't she learn to stay quiet and out of trouble?

It was two late to back out now as both Beryl and Rei focused their attention on her. Both seemed surprised at the intrusion. Beryl's eyes sharpened on Serena, pinning Serena on the spot like a hapless fly caught in the spider's web.

Now that she was in the spotlight, Serena knew she had to finish what she started. "Rei has been staying late to work on the Borgens account with me. I'm new and she was nice enough to help me become accustomed to the position." Serena gave them her best smile.

Beryl scrutinized Serena with a steady look. "I see. I hope you will give the same kind of dedication to our new project for the Diamond Corporation," said Beryl giving Serena and Rei and cool smile. "I will see you tomorrow ladies," and with only a nod to them both, she walked away.

Serena felt the tension slowly drain from her and she sank into her seat with relief. Despite her rashly jumping into the situation, she had managed to avoid making things worst. Now if she could only stay out of trouble.

"Hey Serena." Serena looked up at the sound of Rei's hesitant voice.

"Thanks for covering for me. You didn't have to, but I really appreciate it." Rei gave Serena the first sincere smile since they met and Serena found herself smiling back in return. She was struck by how beautiful Rei was when she was scowling.

"Why don't we get out of here," said Serena glancing at the watch. It was well past five.

"If you're not busy, why don't I buy you a drink?" offered Rei.

"Sure!" said Serena enthusiastically. "I know a great place that serves bubble tea."

"You like bubble tea too?" said Rei laughing. "I'm really addicted to the stuff. Let's go then."

***

The heat was unbearable even in the early evening as Serena and Rei got to the Tea Stop. Rei had driven them both in her car and thankfully it had been an air-conditioned drive. Serena had been suitably impressed with Rei's red BMW and when Serena commented on how lucky Rei was to be able to afford such a car, Rei had laughed telling her that it had been a gift from her grandpa.

Serena heaved a blissful sigh as she sipped her lychee bubble tea. She gave an extra strong slurp and was rewarded with a mouth full of tapioca pearls and a slight buzz of brain freeze.

"This stuff is so good, especially on a scorcher of a day like this," sighed Serena.

"You sure enjoy your food," said Rei eying a large plate of curry fish balls and a second, equally large plate of tempura shrimp that Serena had finished off.

"Yeah, well it's one of those luxuries that I allow myself," said Serena lazily.

"I'm surprised you're not fat with all the food you eat," said Rei eying her critically.

"Hey! I don't eat that much," Serena said defensively.

"Yes you do, I've seen those huge lunches you bring to the office," teased Rei.

"That's because my roommate is a great cook and she packs it for me," laughed Serena.

"I'm jealous. I have to work out like crazy to keep my size, but you can eat all you want and still stay slim," said Rei.

"I guess I've always had a good metabolism," said Serena.

"Well, the food's all on me. I owe you for covering for me, even though I've been a total bitch to you," said Rei nonchalantly.

"Hey you're forgiven if you buy me food," said Serena happily and they both had a good laugh over it.

"So why were you so uptight around me anyways?" asked Serena curiously. She had a pretty good idea as to the reason, but felt that she had to ask anyways.

"I guess I was just being foolish," said Rei flatly. "I've had a crush on Darien Shields since I first read about him in Fortune magazine but now that I work for him, I'm positively in love."

"Darien's been in Fortune magazine?" said Serena surprised.

"Yeah, a year ago when they did an article on young and prominent entrepreneurs," said Rei giving Serena a 'where have you been look'. "I've been trying to get his attention by taking on extra work. I've even offered to help him write up some minor reports, but he's been nothing but professional with me. That's why I was so mad when you first came. I had been working for him for months now and he barely gives me a second glance, but on your first day on the job you already have his attention," said Rei depressed.

"Whoa Rei, you have it totally all wrong," cried Serena. Several patrons looked at their table at the sound of her voice. Serena ducked in her seat in embarrassment and lowered her voice. "That kind of attention, I don't need," said Serena. "He thinks of me as some kind of klutzy clown, always have and probably always will," grumbled Serena.

"What do you mean?" asked Rei.

"I've known Darien since I was a kid, and he's always treated me like some kind of walking disaster. I ran into him that first day and he probably hates my guts."

"So there's nothing between you two?" asked Rei

"Nothing unless its animosity. I hadn't seen him for years, not since high school and not until the day I first started. In fact I didn't even know he owned the company until I bumped into him. I might not have taken the job if I had known he was the President," said Serena, idly swirling the tapioca pearls in her drink.

Rei gave Serena an incredulous look. "How can you not know who the President of the company that you're working for is?"

"I just didn't okay."

"Fine. Since you say there's nothing between you and him, then Darien Shields is mine, I'm calling it," said Rei, a determined gleam in her eye.

"Ha, you can have him," snorted Serena. "But don't be so sure, it looks like Beryl wants him too. And she's the VP to boot."

Rei slumped in her seat. "Yeah, her and a million other women. But there's nothing between them, at least I don't think there's anything, so I've still got a chance," said Rei, brightening at the thought.

"You live dangerously Rei Hino," laughed Serena. "That woman looks like she could have both of us for breakfast.

They both laughed at the thought. They stayed for another hour at the Tea Stop, telling each other about themselves. Rei told Serena that she had come over with her parents in her teens from Japan. Her parents died in a car accident shortly after she entered University and since then her relationship with her Grandfather became extremely close. He was still living in Japan and she visited him every year for their New Years festival. Serena found that Rei had diverse interests that included yoga, mediation and writing her own music.

Rei wasn't such a bad person, thought Serena. She was obviously an ambitious person who didn't hesitate to go after what she wanted. Serena couldn't help but admire the feisty brunette's outspoken and confident nature. Often, she still felt like the gawky teen who concerned herself with nothing but food and boys but she did not waste too much time lamenting about it. She had always had strong support from family and friends and any sadness she experienced never lasted very long.

Later, Rei drove Serena back to her apartment. In the elevator ride up her apartment, the events of the day trickled through Serena's mind and she felt happy to have finally come to an understanding with Rei. She could look forward to finally talking to Rei at the office instead of the cold silence that she had been receiving. Things were looking up.