HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!
Chapter 3 - Thrifty
"We've fixed all the glitches and I think it would be perfect to try the software out at the launch on Sunday," I stare at everyone individually, hoping that there were no sweat beads currently forming under my arm pits or back. This is my first solo presentation and to say I am nervous is an extreme understatement, you'd think I was giving birth or something.
The managers turn to discuss the business with each other and I stand by idly. Kol is not present, apparently as CEO of a company you can come to work whenever you please. I enjoy the fact that he isn't here. Kol and I had a fight, a fight in which he was completely at fault and anyone who disagrees is simply wrong.
"We love your idea Ms. Bennett. You will attend the Gilbert luncheon and present the software, with the marketing buzz, this is sure to give our company the edge. I'm very proud of you," Rudy Owens, one of the boards of directions explains.
I am elated. My first project is approved! Nothing could get me down from this moment. I start gathering my graphs and poster board to leave the conference room. Greeting the other board members and saying goodbyes. I exit the conference room and notice Caroline standing by my office door. Caroline is my assigned receptionist.
"Any messages Caroline?" I ask politely.
"No, but you do have a visitor, I told him he couldn't enter but he is our boss, so I allowed him to."
I nod in understanding, "it is okay, if you hadn't he'd probably catch a fit and fire both of us."
Caroline laughs. I like her a lot, she's sweet and bubbly. She reminds me of a sweeter version of Rebekah. I enter my office placing my belongings on the sofa. I'll ask Caroline to put them up for me later. He coughs signifying that I should acknowledge his presence. I roll my eyes and turn towards the young man seated in my chair.
"I heard you did spectacular on your presentation," Kol smiles.
"What do you want?"
"Are you still mad at me Thirfty?" I roll my eyes in annoyance at that ridiculous nickname.
"Don't call me that!"
"Ah, so that's a yes then," he rises from the chair and moves to face me, "you know a girl as pretty as yourself shouldn't hold grunges, I hear they provoke wrinkles."
"Is there a reason that you're here?" I move my arms across my chest.
He sighs, "Okay, I apologize, are you happy now?"
"Whatever," I mumble moving towards my desk and sitting in the chair.
"I suggest you get over it Bonnie, it's not that big of a deal and furthermore we are to attend the Gilbert luncheon together and I'd like them to think we are a well-adjusted and capable company. I can't do that with you being angry over a stupid fight."
I want to lash out at him, I really do, but he's right. I'm acting completely unreasonable and childish. In my defense, that incident four nights ago did affect me mainly because I did act stupid and childish.
"You're right, but I'm returning the favor, that's a promise."
Kol smiles, he's happy that he's won once again when it comes to me. It's not intentional I swear, he just pushes my buttons and it makes me go crazy. I point to the door and he simply laughs then walks towards it. I sigh in exasperation moving the papers across my desk. I'm pretty sure this job may be the actually death of me.
Four Nights Ago
My first day is going great! Everyone is amazing! I can definitely see myself fitting in here. I met my assistant Caroline Forbes, she is an absolute doll. She's bubbly and cute; the only downside to her is her constant jabbering about her boyfriend Tyler who's in the Army. I didn't do much today, mostly I got introduced and paperwork. I get my first assignment tomorrow.
"Hey Bonnie, are you ready to go?" Caroline pops her head into my office.
"Yeah, just give me a second to reapply my mascara and lipstick," she nods and moves her head away.
I'm heading out to a bar a couple blocks away from the office. Apparently there's some tradition where a new hire goes out with the staff and they drink, socialize and what not. I thought Kol was making a pass at me when he first mentioned it, can we say embarrassing? I finish up my lipstick and walk to meet Caroline.
We reach the bar at approximately a quarter past six which is entirely my fault. Caroline spots the other employees and we walk towards the booth. I recognized most of the people here; we exchange greetings and place our orders. The first two rounds of drinks are on me because that too was some stupid tradition. I'm a little surprised that Kol isn't here.
"Hello," Kol's fluid Australian accent rings into my ear. I spoke too soon.
"Heya boss," Karen, one of the other managers at the company says. Caroline is convinced that she has a huge crush on Kol.
"Hey Karen, how are you today?"
"Wonderful, enjoying all the free drinks that Bonnie here is paying for," she places a hand on my shoulder, Caroline rolls her eyes.
"And what are you drinking Ms. Bennett?" Kol inquires.
"Nothing."
"Why not? And it can't be that you don't drink, I have two incidences that prove otherwise," He smirks.
"I don't drink on Mondays." This wasn't true; I drink every day of the week. The thing was I had to pay for the drinks and I have yet to receive my first pay check and I'm not exactly rich.
"Liar," Kol states, he sits beside me and gestures to the waitress, "I'm feeling generous, the rest of the drinks are on me and get my friend here a Long Island Iced Tea."
The waitress nods and makes her way to the bartender.
"Wow, very generous of you Kol," Karen bats her eyes and leans forward, "you were always the giving time."
"She's my sister's best friend Karen; I have to make a good impression."
The waitress returns with the drinks and sets them on the table. I have a confession to make, I've never had a Long Island Tea before, and I am not going to let Kol know that. For some reason, I feel the need to prove myself to him. I take a sip of the drink; it's a little harsh going doing but delicious nonetheless.
We had been talking for the past hour, conversation and drinks flowed freely. I rise from the booth a little wobbly. Kol's hand steadies me. I mutter thanks to him and he smiles. I take out my phone and there's a text from my boyfriend. We have a Skype date later. A popular song begins to play and I couldn't help myself. I drag Terrence, another co-worker of mine and the only other African American at the company, to the dance floor. It's a little weird dancing like this on a Monday in work attire. We move to the beat and I can feel Kol's gaze on me. The song ends soon and we make our way back to the booth. I reach for my third Long Island Iced Tea when Kol's hand comes up to stop me.
"Bonnie, no more, you're already drunk."
"I am not," I groan, obvious lie.
"You've already had two. You're so petite; you'll pass out, no more."
"I agree with Kol, Bonnie," Caroline says, "Plus it's only Monday."
Remember how I said I have this thing where I need to prove people, more specifically Kol, wrong? I reach for the drink and finish it in one swift gulp.
It's eight p.m. now and I'm a complete mess. Words keep flying out and I can feel the headache creeping up on me. I feel like channeling Rebekah and decide that the best way to scare off an impending hangover is to drink more. Kol looks clearly annoyed, I don't give a fuck. Suddenly one of my favorite jams come on, "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore, who I had the honor of seeing live in concert. I begin to sing along. Everyone in the bar stops what they are doing to watch me. When the song ends, I receive applause; I bend to take a bow.
"Very good, Bonnie!" Terrance beams, "Not even I can put it down like that."
Kol rises from the booth, "Come on Bonnie, I'll give you a ride to your apartment."
"I'd much rather walk," I reply.
Kol pulls me from the booth, gripping tightly on my arm, "Come on it's eight o'clock, you have work tomorrow and you're drunk."
"I'm not leaving with you."
"Oh? Would you rather give an encore?" he moves away, "well let's hear it then, Bonnie, give us an encore." I feel like punching him in the face. "Come on darling, thrifty, thrifty, thrifty," he starts to chant.
It didn't take long before the entire bar begins to chant with him. I sigh frustratingly and take my purse; I suddenly don't feel drunk anymore. Instead I feel extremely embarrassed. I shove his shoulders and walk out the door. I will have to do damage control tomorrow at work.
I only make it a few blocks out from the bar before I realize that I am indeed still drunk and hear the footsteps behind me. I hasten my footsteps which prove to be a little bit difficult since they feel so heavy and I know I'm four seconds away from greeting the pavement with my face. He catches me.
"Thanks," I look into his sweet brown eyes; temporarily distracted about who he is and where we are.
"My car is in the other direction," he whispers, I catch myself staring at his lips.
I can feel his fingers against the small of my back leading me to the garage. I feel hyper aware of his everything right now. The slight pressure on my back sending chills through my body. He opens the car door for me and I slide into the passenger seat. His hand brushes my breasts as he reaches over to get the seatbelt. I hear it click and the door closes. He enters the driver's seat and I can't help but stare at him. He turns to me and smiles, lord help me because I return it.
We arrive at my apartment complex a few minutes later. I am now only feeling a slight buzz. We drove the entire car ride in silence, which was good because I had time to reflect on my behavior and there was a slight part of me that thought maybe I handled the situation different. I watch him walk towards the car from the opposite side of the car. His suit is well tailored and fit him perfectly. Impressive ass too, I would love to pinch one of those cheeks. Whoa, calm down Bonnie, you have a boyfriend whom you like very much. He opens the door and I slip out.
"I'd appreciate it, if the next time you simply agree with me," there goes the spell.
"How about next time you don't act like the boss of me and everything I do?" I walk towards the apartment lobby.
"Well I am your boss, and I was only trying to be a good friend."
"I don't appreciate being handled like a little kid."
"How did I treat you like a kid?"
"By telling me what to drink and how much to drink! You don't even realize that you treat me different and we've only been working together for a day!"
"What in God's name are you talking about?"
"You paid for the drinks that I was supposed to!"
He stares at me with shock on his face, "Bonnie … I was only trying to be nice … I know you don't have the money."
"Well, I would have done fine by myself."
"What is the problem here? I feel like I'm missing something."
"I just don't want people to get the wrong impression about the two of us, you paid for the drinks then offered to take me home, I don't want to be the girl who got the job because she's sleeping with her boss."
"Except you can't be that girl because we're not sleeping together! I just want to be your friend."
"I think friendship is off the table for now."
He laughs, actually laughs, "Sometimes I forget that you are still a child."
"Excuse me? You're only three years older than me."
"Ah, that I am," he pauses, "I need you to grow up Bonnie, you are being childish."
"I'm being childish?" I take a step forward, "you know what? Fuck you Kol."
"See? Childish," He turns away and walks towards his car, "see you at work, Thrifty."
Is there a way to kill someone and have it not be traced back to me? I'm dying to know.
Present Day
A sweet aroma fills my nostrils as soon as I open the apartment door. I put my pocketbook down and head into the kitchen. Is Rebekah cooking? Rebekah doesn't cook. I'm ninety-nine percent sure she has no idea how to cook.
"Bonnie, sweetheart!" Rebekah embraces me with a hug. Something's wrong, she seems too happy.
"Are you …. Cooking?"
She shakes her head, "yes! It's to congratulate you on your first presentation and getting the approval on the project."
"How did you? …. Never mind .. Kol?" she nods, "wait, you know how to cook?"
"Oh heavens no! I just ordered take out and all I had to do is warm it in the oven!" she grins.
"Obviously, okay we can eat after I skype with Aiden and tell him the good news."
"Speaking of gorgeous Scottish boyfriends, when he is coming to New York?"
"When he gets the time off from work."
"Wrong answer love," she steps away from me, "Aiden?"
My mouth falls open when I see Aiden appear from the balcony. His smooth mocha skin glistens under the kitchen light. He smiles at me, revealing his deep dimples. Seeing him in person makes me realize how much I miss him. I run into his arms and greet him with a kiss. He returns it. I feel overcome with a million emotions.
"Aiden," I sigh.
"I missed you," he says.
"I missed you more."
"I hope you like the dinner I prepared for us."
"You cooked?" I turn to glare at Rebekah and she shrugs, "You little fucker."
"Language," he frowns. I forgot that he doesn't like when people swear.
"What are you doing here?" I inquire.
"I got a job offer for here in the city and I'm checking it out."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
"Well, color me surprised." I kiss him once more.
There is a knock at the door and Rebekah excuses herself to answer. Aiden grabs my hand and leads me to the den, I stop when I see our unexpected guest. Kol stood before us, hugging his sister with a bottle of champagne in is hand.
"Okay, now that Kol's here we can eat," Rebekah leads us back to the kitchen.
"Bonnie, always a pleasure," Kol leans forward then takes my hand. He kisses my knuckles and I flush.
"Kol, this is my boyfriend Aiden Murray, he's in town on business," I gesture to Aiden, "Aide, this is my boss and Rebekah's brother Kol Mikaelson."
"Kol, I've heard so much about you." Aiden extends a hand.
"Good things I hope," Kol shakes it.
"Not even close."
Kol smiles at Aiden, there is something about the smile that holds a little bit of mischief to it. One can only hope I survive this dinner.
a/n: what? An author's note at the end? I'm living on the edgeee! Wooo! Okay so I've written this chapter like four times and it still didn't come out as I like. I've been trying to hint at some things with bonnie's behavior , if you figure it out let me know! I really love this story though and I have so many things planned but university likes to butt rape me and software engineering sucks! Enough about me. I can't wait to get rid of Aiden but I kinda like him sighs writing problems. Ohhh and did you all see KENNETT EYE FUCK! OMGG I DIED! LIKE WHAT IS AIR! I CAN'T EVEN WITH MY FEELS!
Sidenote: I reaaalllly like 4x10 which is the first episode I watched in a while because I quit TVD. I loved that the originals were back and I loved the part where Stefan walked away from Elena. He emancipated himself from the bitch! Soo happy! Like I don't give a fuck about Delena or Elena tbh. I don't even remember there scenes. Stefan walking away was BOSS! Okay I'm done.