THE COMMUTE
by MAMBFF
Disclaimer: The rights to "Vampire Academy" belong to Richelle Mead.
Author's Note: I've had this story idea in my head, and I'm not certain if it's worth continuing. Please leave a comment/review and let me know if you'd like to see more.
This is the first time I've tried alternate POV, so I hope you like it and it's not too confusing!
My focus will be on 'Back to the Start' until it's finished, but I will update this one if it's received well enough.
Thanks for reading!
Chapter One
~VA TC VA~
Rose
The hustle and bustle of the morning commute into work is always a stressful adventure. As I head towards the train platform, the wind breezes past, bringing with it the smell of fresh bread from a bakery nearby. I try to avoid the people who push and shove to be first in line or to get ahead of you.
The reality is, they don't get any closer at all. I'll never understand that urge to be first all the time. They still end up on the same train ride every morning, arriving at their stops as usual, on time.
There is more pushing and shoving and racing to be first and some stumble and even fall. They're distracted because everyone has a cell phone surgically attached to their hands.
They fumble their way along the platform and it's surprisingly sunny on this first day of March as I follow along with the herd.
Riding the train is usually a relaxing way to work. I don't have to stress about the traffic and I can usually find a seat near the window to enjoy the passing scenery. I'm pretty familiar with the regular faces I see on the train each day, and on the ride home as well, but on this particular Friday morning, I spot a new face.
Well, not really new if I'm being honest. I've noticed him a few times this week on the morning commute and I find it difficult not to stare. He seems like he's in his own world, his attention focused on a book in his hands. My eyes travel over his form and I note how he has dark brown hair, a light dusting of unshaven scruff on his face and beautifully enviable lips that I've fantasized about kissing, more than once.
I know I shouldn't be thinking like this about someone I don't even know, especially when I've sort of been dating this one guy for a few weeks. But this man is sexy as fuck.
Jesse and I are not really serious, just a few dates, dinner out, a movie once. He sent me a text message this morning asking about meeting up for dinner tonight after work and I've still yet to reply. He's an okay guy but he can be incredibly rude and entitled. I just don't feel much more than friendship towards him.
In all honesty, I feel more attraction to the stranger across the aisle from me than I do for Jesse. Shaking those thoughts from my mind, I pull out my iPhone to reply to him.
Rose: Sure, dinner sounds great. We need to talk anyway. Where should I meet you?
He replies rather fast, so he must have been waiting for my reply.
Jesse: How about Guardian's?
Guardian's is a pub style restaurant with a least forty different styles of beer on tap at all times. Not to mention the fantastic food. I smile to myself thinking of the char-grilled burger I plan to enjoy tonight before replying.
Rose: Perfect, I'll meet you there for 6pm?
Jesse: C U then.
I glance at the time on my iPhone screen to see it reads 8:10AM. Work is the typical 9:00AM to 5:00PM with two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour for lunch. I tuck my phone back into my bag before steeling a glance across the aisle at my mystery man to find him looking my way. I smile shyly and notice that he grins and nods in return before turning to look down at his iPhone. 'Deep depths', I think to myself. His eyes are an intense, deep golden brown and his gaze sends a thrill through me.
That smile too, 'swoon'. His dimples are adorable and I bite my lip trying to shake away my thoughts and focus on the fact that he's likely already taken and would not be interested in me anyway. Some people just smile back to be polite.
The train rumbles to a stop as some passengers get off and a few others get on before it takes off again, heading into the downtown sector.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
I've come to learn that people in this city are either really nice or really rude. I've taken the train to my new job in the city this week and every day it's the same thing. Some man shoves another to get in first or someone else pushes someone to get a particular seat. I don't care either way, I just wait until they are settled before looking for a seat of my own.
The first day I caught the train, Monday, is when I saw her. Long dark brown hair, soft pouty lips, big golden-brown eyes that were so expressive. Not mention the fact that she had an incredible body. She had this aura of confidence and a sense of calm about her.
Today, I noticed she took the seat across the aisle from me and I couldn't' help but check her out as she got herself situated. She was wearing tight black jeans today and I could tell she had toned legs. My thoughts started imaging how I could get those legs wrapped around me as my eyes traveled up her form to that exquisite looking chest. I shook my head of those thoughts, I don't really have a girlfriend but I have gone out a few times with this one girl, Avery.
She's been sending me text messages all week, asking where I'm at, what I'm doing and whom I'm doing it with. She seems to think that just because we've been out a couple times, that she owns me. I'm going to have to put a stake in this, and soon.
She's a nice enough girl but the fact that I'm more attracted to the stranger across from me proves that I'm not as into Avery as I should be. I chance a glance across the aisle again at the beautiful mystery girl when my iPhone beeps once again, disrupting my quiet reading time on the way to work. Of course, it's Avery, again.
Avery: What are we doing tonight?
I shake my head in annoyance before replying. I don't want to be an asshole about this but how else do I get my point across.
Dimitri: I wasn't aware we had plans.
Avery: Come on Dimka, I haven't seen you for a week and a half!
'Dimka', I hate that she uses that name. Only my family calls me that and she happened to overhear it on our first date when my mom called me. It's just another thing I find annoying about this girl as the day goes on. But in order to change things I need to talk with her and breaking it off in a text message really is an asshole thing to do.
Dimitri: Stop calling me 'Dimka', only my family calls me that. Dinner after work tonight, I'm off at 6PM?
Avery: Where should we go?
Dimitri: There's a pub up the street from my office, Guardian's. Why don't we meet there?
Avery: A pub, really? That's not romantic.
'This isn't about romance', I think to myself.
Dimitri: Meet me there at 6:30PM or don't, it's up to you.
Avery: Fine, but you're buying!
Shaking my head, I pocket my phone and get ready to depart the train but only after those pushers get off first.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Work went by particularly fast today and I was pleased with that. After my last coffee break, I double check the appointments calendar to make sure the meetings I've set for next week, as requested, don't overlap.
I'm a PA, otherwise known as a personal assistant in an advertising firm. But my job is not restricted in duties by any means. I have the usual tasks like making photo copies, answering the phones, and getting coffee for the 'big wig' I've been assigned to that week. But I also help out with the campaign layouts, design, styles and slogans.
I'm also known as a 'floater' because I don't have a permanent PA position…yet. We're part of a larger 'pool' of assistants and each week I am assigned to one or more of the executives. I never know who it's going to be until the Monday morning email, when the head of the PA department, Alberta Petrov, delegates our new jobs.
If a permanent PA is on vacation, then I'm with that executive until they return. This particular week, I've been working for Stan Alto. He's a harsh looking sort of man and it's not that he's necessarily cruel or unkind, but when he's frustrated that his ideas are not coming to fruition the way he wants or needs, he tends to yell…a lot. This behaviour tends to garner a lot of attention around the office. Let's just say I'll be glad when this day is over and I'll have a new assignment on Monday.
When the clock strikes 5:00PM, I log out of my computer after backing up the files I worked on that day, and clean up my work space. After using the ladies' room to freshen up, I head out of the office and down the block to 'Guardian's'. I figure I'll have time to enjoy a beer or two before I have to meet up with Jesse, dreading his reaction to my confession.
One of the things I love about working in this office is the lax rules in regards to attire. You're not required to wear skirts or pant suits and heels, which is nice. You still have to look smart, but jeans are acceptable, as long as there are no holes or rips, even if it is a fashion trend. Today's attire has me in tight black jeans, a maroon V-neck shirt with long sleeves and black leather boots. Comfort is key here.
Pulling my leather jacket around my body a little tighter, I walk the block up to the bar. The wind is harsh against my skin and it almost feels like someone slapped me when a new wave of air pushes against the direction in which I'm walking. When I finally arrive, I strip off my coat and wait to be seated while subtly adjusting my boobs.
"Hi, is it just one?" The hostess asks.
"Two actually, someone is meeting me." She nods her head, grabs two menus and leads me to a booth along the back wall.
"Your server will be with you shortly." She obliges before taking her post back at the front podium.
Even though I know I'm getting the char-grilled beef burger, I peruse the menu anyway. I'm interrupted by a loud voice.
"Hey, I'm Mason, I'll be your server this evening, can I start you off with a drink?"
"Hi, I'll get a pitcher of Pilsner, please."
Mason nods and walks off to get my beer and I pull out my phone to see if I have any new messages from Jesse. I don't, but decide to let him know I'm at the pub.
Jesse: I'll be there in 10.
Rose: OK
I put my phone down on the table just as Mason returns with the pitcher of beer and two glasses.
"Thanks,"
"No problem, I'll come back when your friend arrives." He nods politely with a boyish smile as I pour a glass of beer. I've been coming here for a while but Mason is a new hire. I think he has a bit of a crush on me, so I try not to keep eye contact too long to avoid giving him any hope.
I take a bit of a chug, enjoying the coldness of it and lick my lips. Ten minutes pass and I look up to see Jesse coming in the front door of the pub. I wave him over and he casually walks in this direction, kissing my cheek before sitting down across from me. I try to stop the urge to want to wipe my cheek from his kiss, it was a little sloppy. I signal to the pitcher and he nods as I pour him a glass.
"You look tired." I point out.
"Exhausted actually, the computer system crashed today and our IT team spent the last four hours trying to get it back up and running." He explains, taking a gulp from his own beer.
"Did you get it fixed?"
"Yeah, otherwise we would've had to stay to get it up and running."
I nod, mutely as Mason approaches the table.
"Hey, did you need a few more minutes with the menus?"
"I know what I want, what about you?" I state looking across to Jesse.
"I'm good, I'll get the half stack ribs with a baked potato and a garden salad, ranch dressing." He confirms.
That's another thing that bothers me about Jesse, not that he has to by the way but he never allows the 'lady to order first', isn't that the polite thing to do? I shake my head of this thought as Mason takes down his order before turning to me.
"The char-grilled beef burger with everything, side of fries please, thanks." I nod. "And, no pickles!" I add.
Mason collects the menus and leaves as I turn back to Jesse.
"So…" I begin, as nervousness envelops me, my fingers running up the side of my glass collecting the condensation droplets.
"You said this morning that you wanted to talk, what's up?" He asks, taking another chug from his beer and finishing that glass. He pours another while I ponder my reply.
It should be quick, like ripping off a Band-Aid. "I think that we should see other people."
"What?" He replies in shock, almost choking on the mouthful of beer he just chugged.
"I just, don't feel like this is going anywhere." I reply, looking back at my glass, afraid to meet his eyes.
"Is there someone else?" He accuses, raising his voice.
"No, I just think we'd be better off as friends."
"Rose, come on, we've only had a few dates, you haven't even given me a fair shot!" He shouts, getting the attention of a few of the patrons around us.
I put my head in my hands, a little embarrassed at the attention his outburst brought and when I look up, he's scowling at me.
"I'm sorry that you're so upset about this, but I'm just not…" I trail off not sure how to explain to him my lack of attraction.
"Not what? Spit it out!"
"I'm not seeing someone else, but there is someone else I'm attracted to." I admit.
"You're a bitch, and a fucking cock tease!" He shouts as he stands from the table abruptly, knocking over his almost empty glass. Beer spills out and off the table to the floor.
"Fuck." I mumble to myself, my head in my hands once again.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Working for this new advertising company has been a great experience so far. I'm really enjoying the work and the people. Although I still have yet to find a permanent assistant who can meet my needs. The assistant assigned to me this week was one Tasha Ozera.
That girl needs a lesson in decorum. The rules for work attire are pretty lax and comfortable, but that girl dresses like she's heading out to the club, not to work.
After all the PA's left at 5:00PM, I headed into Arthur's office, my boss, to request that Tasha no longer be my PA. He laughed a little at my expense but to my delight, he agreed. The question was who would I have to deal with come Monday morning? Would they be better or worse that Ms. Ozera.
"Any idea who will be my new assistant?"
"I'll talk to Alberta, she's the head of the PA department, she knows a few of the girls want permanent positions, so I will get her to recommend the best choice."
"Thank you!" I reply, as a wave of relief washes over me.
"You've done some amazing work on your previous campaigns when you worked for Victor Dashkov, and a talent like yours needs to be nurtured, so if finding the right assistant for you is part of that, we will do whatever we can." Arthur confides.
"Victor Dashkov is a dirty player in the advertising business, and I didn't feel valued working there." I confess.
"Well, we're happy to have you on our team Dimitri, please know that you can always express your concerns with me!"
After my brief meeting with Arthur, I head back to my office to save the edits on the accounts I was working on before clocking out. The day had been promising and I was happy with what I had accomplished on the new account I was assigned on Monday, but I was not looking forward to my meeting with Avery.
The wind chill is cold, and I pull my duster closed as I hustle up the block to 'Guardian's'. I'd not been to the pub yet, but it was recommended to me by one of the other executives, Andre Dragomir.
As I walk in the front door, the hostess greats me politely. I inform her that I'm meeting someone and wanted to take a quick look around first to make sure she wasn't here already. She nods in agreement and I look to my right up the aisle of tables and booths and see Avery sitting in by the window. She waves at me eagerly when she sees me approaching.
"Hey!" She squeals with excitement as she jumps from her seat to wrap her arms around me.
"Avery, please." I admonish, pulling her arms from around my neck.
"What's wrong?" She seems to think that when she pouts like that, it's attractive, but it's not.
"You're not going to like me very much after what I have to say to you." I explain, bowing my head to prepare for the spitfire response I'm sure to receive.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
After Jesse walked out on me, I downed my beer and poured another as Mason approached, again.
"Are you okay?" He questioned worriedly.
"Yeah, thanks, just broke things off with him and he wasn't too happy about that."
"I'm sorry, did you want to cancel his order then?"
"Yes, thanks, and can I get a double shot of Vodka." I add.
He smiles weakly before leaving me with my beer. Getting drunk sounds like a good idea. My head is in my hands again as I replay the episode that transpired only moments before.
When I look up, I see my mystery train hottie enter the pub and after a brief exchange with the hostess, he's clearly looking around for someone. I slink down in my seat, to go unnoticed and watch as he seems to spot who he's looking for. I follow his steps as he approaches a booth on the far wall near the windows. A girl jumps up from her spot and wraps her arms around his neck. 'Figures', I think to myself, 'Of course he's taken'. I signal to Mason and he rushes over with my Vodka.
"Can I get my order to go please, and the bill."
"Of course." He nods.
I throw back the strong liquor and feel it burning my throat before pulling on my leather jacket and sliding from the booth. I pay my bill up at the bar and a few moments later, Mason comes out from the back with a plastic bag, my dinner inside. I thank him before leaving the pub and head up to the train station for another lonely weekend at home.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Avery glares at me, crossing her arms in front of her chest and raising an eyebrow. I know that look, I've received it in the past when turning down advances from other women, it is the 'bitch face' glare.
"Look Avery, we went out twice and you've been texting me all week, while I'm at work might I add, like you own me!" I explain firmly.
"I care about you, and just wanted to check in!"
"NO, you were trying to keep tabs on me and I don't like it. I came this close…" I start, holding my pointer and middle fingers a centimetre apart to make my point, "…this close to calling it off in a text message this morning." I finish.
"Asshole." She mumbles under her breath.
"No, I would be an asshole if I had done that, but I'm taking the time to meet with you to tell you to your face that I'm not some property to be owned. This, you and me, is not going to happen anymore and I'm only here to say that to your face. I was going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you've done nothing but give me attitude." I explain, completely exasperated with her.
She shakes her head and glares at me some more, as if that's going to make me change my mind. Instead, it only confirms my initial feelings. This girl needs a reality check.
"I'm done with this, with you Avery. Call me an asshole all you want, but you and I are done. Please, lose my number." I finish, standing brusquely from the table.
After throwing a twenty-dollar bill down on the table to cover whatever she might have ordered, I make my escape. I want to get away from her fast, so I start a jog up the street until I reach the platform for the train home. My pace quickens as a train is just pulling into the station. I swipe my card, courtesy of my new job before running into the last open car.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Of course, I miss the last train. So, I take a seat on the bench to wait for the next one. It's another fifteen minutes before it will arrive, so I pop open the top of the box in my bag, inhaling the smell of the grease within, and start munching on my French fries. It's gotten colder since I left work earlier and I see the tell-tale signs of fresh snow falling, and I'm thankful that there is no harsh wind at the moment.
The train finally pulls up and it's thankfully, pretty empty, which is nice for a change. I wander into the last car and take a seat at the back and continue to munch on my fries. Just as the bell dings signalling the doors are about to close, someone jumps into the car I'm in. It's obvious he thinks it's empty as well as I hear him spit out a few expletives, the French fry in my hand at a halt on its way to my mouth.
He says something in another language, but the way he says it, makes it clear he's swearing. I hear him mumble something else, but have no idea what. He's bundled up to keep the cold out and he has a thick beanie pulled down low over his ears and his hands shoved in the pockets of his long leather coat.
The train takes off and as it lurches, it throws the stranger off balance, causing him to turn my way. When he finally notices me, French fry in hand, his mouth starts gaping like a fish. That's when I notice it's my mystery hottie.
"Uhhhh….hi." He greets, an embarrassed tone to his salutation.
"Hi," I squeak in reply. I can't help the blush in my cheeks as his gaze takes in my appearance and the bag in my lap.
"I thought this car was empty, I'm sorry." He adds before walking closer and sitting one seat away from me. "About the swearing, I mean." He clarifies.
"Don't worry," I laugh in reply. "I had no idea what you actually said." I admit. He laughs loudly at that.
"What a fucking night and I didn't even get dinner!" He exclaims, pulling his hat off his head.
I look at my bag then at him before offering up a few fries. "Fry?"
"I don't want to take your dinner, it's okay, I'll be home in about…thirty more minutes." He sighs, glancing at his watch.
"Don't say I didn't offer." I grin back. He smiles again, and it gives me a fluttering in my belly that I was the one that put it there.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
When I jumped onto the train car, I thought it was empty and let my frustration after my meeting with Avery known. I feel stuck in my spot when I notice it's my sexy girl from the morning train rides. She looks absolutely adorable with a fry held up to her mouth and a look of shock on her face. I can't help but smile at her before apologizing for my outburst and taking a seat close to her. Her sarcastic responses lift my spirits immediately but I have a feeling that's due more in part to her presence alone.
After our banter over her fries, which smell fantastic, I want her to know that I saw her, that I see her. "You take the train in the mornings too; I saw you again this morning." I confirm, chancing a side glance at her. I have the urge to brush her hair behind her ear, just so I can see more of her face.
"Monday to Friday in fact…I noticed you too," She admits. ", been taking this train to and from work for about six months now and I know all the regulars, and this is the first week I've noticed you." She teases, eating another fry. I can't take my gaze from her lips. I want to be that fry, those fingers as she licks off the remnants of the salt.
"Uhhhh…yeah, started a new job this week, so I'll be there for the morning commute every day now too." I grin. She has no idea how incredibly beautiful she is.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
The thrill that runs through me being this close to him is almost incapacitating. It's like there is an invisible thread tugging me toward him and all I can do to keep myself from jumping him is to continue to eat my fries. After confessing that he'll be on the morning commute every day, I feel like I need to dress a little more sensually to garner more attention, but from the way he's looking at me, maybe I'm just fine the way I am.
I look down to my bag to see the fries are gone and only my burger remains. I close the top of the box and put the bag on the floor at my feet. There's no way I'm eating a messy burger in front of him.
"I'm sorry if I was staring at you this morning, I just…You have no idea how incredibly attracted to you I am and now that I just said that, I realize how forward it was." He laughs, palming his face in embarrassment.
"Really?" I squeak in reply. I've been doing that a lot with him. My voice comes out in a high-pitched tone of surprise.
"Yeah, really." He confirms. I smile at this but then my thoughts go back to the scene I saw at 'Guardian's' not twenty-five minutes ago. I bite my lip tentatively, not sure if I should share my feelings on the subject.
"This is going to sound creepy or stalkerish, but I swear I was there already when I saw you walk in…" I explain quickly.
"Okay?" He urges cautiously.
"I was at 'Guardian's' getting dinner and I saw you walk in and hug your girlfriend." I state, my eyebrow raised in question.
"You didn't see that whole exchange obviously, I'm not some player." He explains.
"Oh-,"
"Yeah, 'oh'," He teases. "And she's not my girlfriend." He clarifies.
"So, what didn't I see?" I query, biting my lower lip in anticipation.
"I was meeting her, Avery, to break things off. Well not even break things off. It's complicated but…"
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The feeling of helplessness rushes through me when she admits she saw me when Avery flung herself around me. I can't lose this chance with her; she needs to know what she didn't see. I start explaining how Avery was texting me all week after only going out on two dates and there wasn't even a kiss at the end, but not for lack of trying on her part.
I saw her shoulders slump slightly as she seemed to visibly relax. "That's the truth. I swear, she was becoming unbearable."
"I believe you." She replies, resting her hand over mine. The electricity between us is undeniable and it's almost like a shock goes through my hand at her touch.
"I was actually there to do the same to a guy I'd been out with a few times." She adds.
"Really?" I inquire, leaning back in my seat, watching her closely.
"Yeah, he stormed out and called me a 'bitch', among other things." She paused. "But now that I think back…After trying to tell him I thought we'd be better as friends, he accused me of seeing someone else so I finally just blurted out that it was because I was attracted to someone else." She explained, her eyes meeting mine suggestively. She was referring to me and it felt great.
"Hmmmm…"
"Yeah, hmmmm." She laughed in reply echoing my sentiment from earlier.
"I'm Dimitri by the way." I introduce, holding out my hand to hers to shake.
"Rose." She smiles, slipping her small hand into mine.
"It's nice to meet you Rose." I flirt, and the blush that fills her cheeks is adorable. I love that I keep getting that reaction out of her.
"My stop is next." She adds as she removes her hand from mine. I feel the loss instantly. After grabbing her bag, she stands to head to the doors and make her exit. But before she steps off, she looks back at me once more.
"See you Monday morning." She winks, and then she's gone.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
There is a skip in my step as I wander home, and a grin a mile wide on my face. 'He likes me', I gush to myself as I finally reach my apartment building. I place my dinner in the kitchen and set the warming sensor on my stove to heat my burger up a bit. When it's toasty again, I get comfortable in the living room and gorge on my dinner, not caring that the mayonnaise is smeared on my lips.
"So, fucking good," I mumble to myself while chewing. 'So ladylike', I laugh to myself once again.
As I throw away the garbage from my dinner and clean up, there is a resounding loud 'knock, knock, knock' on my apartment door. 'It must be a neighbour', I assume, as anyone visiting has to buzz the apartment they wish to be let into.
Opening the door, I'm surprised and stand stock still when I see who is standing there.
"What are you doing here?"
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The weekend seemed by to pass by so slowly and usually I would relish in that time. But my eagerness at wanting to see Rose again was featuring prominently in my every thought.
I felt like an idiot when I realized I didn't ask her for her number Friday night on the train. There was nothing I could do about that now, other than to ask her for it when I see her next.
My time on Saturday was spent in the gym of my apartment building, trying to work off some of this sexual frustration I clearly had for Rose, but it didn't help.
Later that night I got a slew of drunken text messages from Avery. So much for her losing my number, like I asked. I didn't reply and worked from my laptop on the account for Monday so I could be ahead of schedule. Sunday was much of the same, morning run and workout in the gym before stocking up on some groceries and tidying up the apartment. Monday could not come soon enough.
I'm on the platform, waiting for the morning train and it's 7:45AM. As the train pulls in, other commuters jostle and bump into me as they rush to get ahead. I just stand my ground and mull along with the flow. Rose doesn't get on for two more stops and I try to sit near one of the doors, to try to spot her when she does, but those seats are gone already. Monday is always the busiest day on the morning commute. Rather than sitting in an open seat, I stay standing so I can spot her more clearly when she does board.
As we finally approach her stop, I can't prevent the grin on my face when I see her. Just like me, she's jostled and pushed as she follows the crowd. When she finally steps on, I'm a few feet away and try to make eye contact with her but she doesn't look up. I excuse myself as I try to move past other commuters who are standing, to where Rose took her seat.
"Hey," I greet looking down at her small frame. She raises her head a little in surprise.
"Hi," She returns, keeping the left side of her face hidden behind a mass of her hair.
I crouch down, holding the support bar near her shoulder so I don't lose my balance, in order to see her more clearly, and that's when I notice it.
"Roza, what happened?" I ask in alarm, seeing the bruise on the underside of her eye. She just shrugs her shoulders dejectedly.
The commuter sitting beside Rose stands to get off at the next stop and I take the empty seat and turn to face her.
"You can trust me." I plead, placing my hand on hers. She moves her arm and for a moment I think she's trying to shrug me off but instead she holds my hand between hers.
"Friday night, after I got home, Jesse showed up at my door." She confesses sadly, running her fingers over the palm of my hand. "The guy I broke things off with." She explains.
"He did this to you?" I ask. The outrage is clear on my face as I squeeze her hand gently in comfort.
~VA TC VA~
Rose…Friday Night
Jesse was standing there and for some reason, fear spread throughout my body.
"I asked you what you're doing here!" I demanded, more forcefully.
"Roses…" He slurs. I realize he's completely smashed.
"Go home Jesse, you're drunk."
"Jus givme nother shot, babe." He stumbles over the words.
"I don't want to, babe!" I retort sarcastically as I attempt to slam the door on him, but he forces his foot in the way.
He reaches for me and grabs the collar of my shirt with his left hand before reaching back and punching me with his right. After he releases me, I stumble slightly before kicking him in the balls, slamming the door and locking it.
Once I've gotten myself together, I call down to the building security to have Jesse escorted out. After a shower, I go to bed early trying to forget the events of the night, with the exception of Dimitri and our time on the train.
Saturday and Sunday, I keep to myself. Doing the rather mundane tasks of cleaning, grocery shopping and a little laundry. Putting Jesse out of mind completely, while kicking myself for not thinking of asking for Dimitri's number.
It's now Monday morning, 6:30AM, and I've been trying for twenty minutes now to use the little bit of make-up I have to cover the bruise that is a half-moon shape under my left eye. Nothing seems to be working so I give up and head to the kitchen for a quick breakfast.
As I wait on the platform for the train, I worry about what Dimitri will think when he sees the bruise. Will he think I'm weak? I bite my lip in apprehension as the train pulls in. I keep my head down, not wanting him to see it just yet. That's if he is in fact watching for me.
I stumble through the doors as people push their way on, and take the first seat I see. Not even trying to look for him. As the train lurches on I feel a presence approach and I inhale deeply. I know it's him. His scent is undeniable.
"Hey," he calls quietly.
"Hi," I reply, looking up, trying to keep my hair over my face. My efforts are useless as he kneels in front of me, getting a closer look.
"Roza, what happened?" He asks. I just shrug my shoulders gloomily. But I liked his little nickname for me.
The commuter sitting beside me stands to get off at the next stop and he takes the seat before turning to face me.
"You can trust me." He pleads, placing his hand on mine. I move to hold his hand between mine, as a sign to show that I do trust him.
"Friday night, after I got home, Jesse showed up at my door." I confess sadly while explaining that he was the one I'd broken up with earlier.
I could tell he was angry and he asked for confirmation that Jesse had hurt me. I simply nodded mutely before meeting his eyes. Concern written all over his face.
"Are you okay?" He whispers, squeezing my hand again.
"Yeah, I called security and they escorted him out, but not before I gave his future children their first ass kicking." I laugh lightly.
"Fuck, Roza." He laughs, moving his hand from mine to wrap his arm around my shoulders. I know he's just comforting me but I can't help relishing in his embrace.
I sigh quietly to myself in happiness. "He was drunk, like completely plastered." I paused. "I don't even know if he remembers it."
"Well, he might feel it even if he doesn't remember. You need to know how to protect yourself." He adds, squeezing me against his side.
"What am I supposed to do, carry mace?" I jest.
"Have you ever learned any self-defence?"
"No."
"I could teach you." He offers. My head snaps up to his in surprise.
"Really?" I ask hopefully. Although I'm grateful for the offer, I'm more interested in seeing him a little sweaty, and in a lot less clothing.
"Yes, really." He confirms with a smile.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
If I'm being honest, I have to admit my motives for offering her a few lessons in self-defence are a little selfish. Not only to just get a little closer to her, but to get to know her too. Of course, I'm concerned and want her to be able to protect herself as well.
"What about after work tomorrow? We can meet at the train or at the gym, up to you, what time do you get off work?" I add, a hint of excitement in my voice. Although, I'm trying hard to appear calm.
"I work until 5:00PM, what time are you off?" She replied.
"I'm not off until 6:00PM." I shared. "That must be why I haven't seen you on my ride home from work." I surmise.
"Well, I could go home, get my work out clothes and meet you at the gym?" She offers, a flirtatious smile on her face.
"That sounds great, why don't you give me your number, and we can confirm the details later? Our stop is next." I offer.
We exchange numbers and I save her info before we walk off the train together. Once off of the platform, we bid each other our farewells.
"Thank you, Dimitri." She smiles, squeezing my arm.
"You're welcome, Roza." I return. Without a second thought I reach out and hug her. She brings her arms up around my mid-section and squeezes lightly before we let go. I wave as she crosses the street and goes into a Starbucks before I head up the block to work.
I'm not looking forward to finding out which assistant will be assigned to me today though. I hope they're competent enough. It's not that I'm difficult, but I like routine. On my first week, Tasha was more concerned about catching up on gossip around the office, rather than doing the tasks assigned to her. As well as flirting with me non-stop. She was under the impression that she would be my PA until a permanent one was assigned.
I'm early for work, and always am, I like to get ahead on what the day will bring by checking my calendar for meetings, getting a coffee the way, I like it. Tasha had a propensity for bringing me lattes and cappuccinos when all I wanted was a plain black, strong coffee.
Heading into my office, I turn on the lights and walk over to my desk to log in and transfer the work I did on the weekend onto the main servers. Sipping my coffee in the process, I pull my phone from my pocket and decide to send Rose a quick message.
Dimitri: Hope you have a good day. ;)
I lean back in my chair and stretch a little as the login screen appears on my computer.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
'Mmmmm…' I think to myself as I take the first sip of my Americano. I like my coffee strong and black, and Starbucks knows how to do that. I used to live on hot chocolate and I still love it. But I really enjoy a strong coffee at the beginning of the day.
Walking up the block, I head into the office building and wait with a small crowd for the elevator and then step on. When it finally arrives on the 10th floor, the PA department. I see Alberta at front reception when I walk in.
"Hi Alberta!" I greet happily.
"Rose, hi! My goodness what happened to your face dear?" She questioned worriedly.
"Drunken asshole hit me Friday night, but I'm okay, I kicked him in the balls!" I reply honestly and that gets a loud guffaw from Alberta.
"I'm glad you're okay and got a hit in on him." She winks in support.
"Have you got the new assignments yet?" I question, sipping from my coffee again.
"Yes, I was just getting Molly here to send out the emails." She replies signalling to her personal assistant.
"Okay, thanks, I'll go put my stuff away and check in, in a few."
When assigned to work for one of the executives, they always have their own offices and a desk situated outside their office door for their assistant in a small 'lobby' like area. So really, I have two workstations. The one I use in the PA department and the assigned one.
But I wouldn't have a PA workstation if I were to get a permanent placement. Taking a seat at my desk, I turn on my computer. As it loads, I notice the rest of the PA's entering the work area and making their way to their desks. After entering my login information, I check my email for this week's assignment, when my iPhone beeps. I pull it out to find a message from Dimitri.
Dimitri: Hope you have a good day. ;)
I smile to myself at the sweet gesture.
Rose: You too handsome. ;)
The smile on my face is wider than ever and I'm making no attempts to hide it.
Dimitri: So, you think I'm handsome?
Rose: Absolutely.
Dimitri: I think you're beautiful, black eye and all.
The laugh that erupts from me in giddiness at this is a little loud and I clamp my hand over my mouth to stifle it.
Rose: Thank you, Comrade.
Dimitri: Comrade?
Rose: It suits your accent. Russian, yes?
Dimitri: Yes, Roza.
Rose: I like that you call me that. ;)
Dimitri: I could say something dirty here, but I won't. :D
Rose: Time to start work. :P
Dimitri: I think it's going to be a long day. Talk to you soon, though not soon enough.
The smile is still firmly planted on my face and I swear my cheeks are starting to hurt. I turn my attention back to my computer and my new email message, courtesy of Alberta's assistant.
TO: Rose Hathaway
FROM: Molly Woods
SUBJECT: Executive Assignments
Please find your name in the list attached below and report to that executive for this week of March 4th – March 8th.
Attachment
Regards,
Molly Woods
Personal Assistant to Alberta Petrov
Royale Enterprises Incorporated
I click the attached PDF file and scroll through the list of PA's until I find my name.
Seems I'll be assisting a Mr. Belikov this week. His office is on the 20th floor, according to the attached information. The clock reads 8:45AM and as I toss my empty coffee cup, I take the elevator up to the 20th floor.
Heading to the break room, I fix a new cup of coffee for myself, and one for Mr. Belikov. I notice the stares I'm getting from people. I had completely forgotten about the fact that I have a black eye. Shaking it off I realize I don't know how he takes his coffee, so I decide to get one of the small serving trays and put a few creamers on it, some sugar packets and a spoon before heading down to office 224.
Grabbing a notebook and pen from my newly assigned desk outside his office, I tuck them under my arm before turning to the door. I knock tentatively and wait until I hear the approval to enter.
"Come in," I hear muffled through the door. I open it cautiously and almost drop the coffee when I see who's sitting behind the desk.
"Dimitri!", "Rose!", we both call at the same time before laughing at our surprise.
"Hi, what…what are you doing here?" He questions in a confused tone as he comes out from behind the desk.
"Ummm…I brought coffee and I'm your assigned assistant for the week." I explain as I put the tray down on the corner of his desk.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, seriously." I laugh, pointing to the coffee. "I didn't know how you take it, so I brought the essentials." I add, removing one of the cups for myself, and sitting in one of the two proffered chairs in front of his desk.
"This is fantastic, and I like my coffee black, so thank you." He praises.
"You're welcome, Comrade." I flirt, but I realize we're at work and shouldn't talk to him like that. "Sorry, we're at work, I should be more professional." I admit.
He moves to close the door before turning back to me.
"We're behind a closed door, you can call me whatever you want, Roza." He flirts in reply. "How's the eye doing?" he adds, sitting in the seat beside me rather than behind his desk. The blush in my cheeks is fierce at his teasing but I love every minute of it.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
When I saw Rose enter my office, to say I was surprised was an understatement. I was ecstatic. She even had coffee, just the way I like it. It was nice to see her flirty attitude but, she reprimanded herself for it.
"So, how do you like to start your day?" She questioned as she pulled out a notebook and flipped it open, a pen at the ready.
"You're prepared, I like that."
"It's my job." She replied flirtatiously.
"Good, so, usually I like to start things off with a morning meeting, just like this, getting coffee was a smart move, then I like to go over my schedule for the day, if I have meetings, when…" I pause as I see her scribbling furiously in her note pad. I give her a moment to catch up before continuing.
"Then…" I continue, "Sometimes I need to bounce ideas off of someone or get opinions on slogans, images I've created so, we might be huddled around my desk at times."
"That could be fun." I hear her mumble and I smile to myself.
"It will definitely be fun with you." I reply with a smirk, a blush floods her cheeks, adorably.
"What about lunch? What do you like?" She asked. "Part of an assistant's job is to get those things for you." She adds.
"What if I want to have lunch with you?" I encourage, leaning closer to her.
"I'd like that. But I'm only your assistant for this week."
I question her about her goals within the company and am pleased to learn she's still waiting to be assigned to an executive as a permanent assistant. Smiling at this I think of the form I need to fill out for Arthur to make Rose mine, in more ways than just within this company.
We finish our morning meeting and she heads back out to her desk to start monitoring the calls and emails that are likely to come in. It's mere minutes when I hear raised voices outside the door.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
The morning meeting with Dimitri was short but he definitely made his intentions known. I really hope he requests me as his permanent assistant. I bite my lip in nervousness as I start replying to the emails in regards to his accounts and notice he only has one meeting this afternoon with Arthur. The nervous feeling is more about me wondering if I should just ask him if I can be his permanent assistant.
While in my own world, I'm interrupted by a snotty voice. "What are you doing at my desk?" I look up to see Tasha Ozera standing in front of me. She has a reputation around the office.
"Excuse me?" I reply, confused, noting it's now 9:15AM and she's late.
"I think you're in the wrong place, honey, I'm Mr. Belikov's assistant, and will likely be his permanent PA soon!" She states assuredly while placing two lattes on the desk.
"I think you're the one confused, 'honey'." I reply back with extreme sarcasm and an eyebrow raised. She stands there with her hands on her hips.
"What did you just say to me?" She shouts in annoyance.
"Check the new assignments email. You're not his assistant this week, I am." I add a little louder than necessary. Feeling like I'm staking a claim on more than just his desk.
We're interrupted when Dimitri's office door flings open and he stands there in confusion looking between myself and Tasha. I realize we were being louder than we thought.
"Ms. Ozera? What are you doing here?"
"I'm your assistant silly!" She flirts as she rubs his forearm suggestively. He pulls away quickly and looks at her in annoyance.
"Not anymore, I requested a new assistant the minute you left on Friday." He clarifies turning to me. "Rose, grab your notebook and join me in my office." He adds.
I follow him into his office, his hand at my lower back. I chance a glance back at Tasha. She looks like she's about ready to spit fire.
"That was your assistant last week?" I ask weakly. I never take note of who's assigned to who when I read the email, just who I'm assigned to.
"Unfortunately for me, yes." He admits, smiling at me sweetly.
"I feel sorry for you." I whisper.
"Thank you, it was not something I thought I would survive," He jokes.
"What did you need?" I ask flipping open my notepad.
"Nothing actually, just wanted to get you away from her."
"Oh-,"
"Don't look so surprised, that girl is trouble." He states, flipping through some papers on his desk.
"I think the coast is clear now." I state as I go to leave.
"Wait, Roza, there is one thing…"
"Of course, anything."
Dimitri wanted to clarify plans for the gym tomorrow evening. He mentioned going to a gym that seemed to be between both of our apartments and between the train platforms we took in the morning. Meeting in the middle so to speak.
"That sounds doable, what's the gym?" I stand there in front of him, my notebook clutched to my chest.
Being this close to him was maddening because he smelled so good, like woods, pine and cloves. I wanted to get just a little closer. 'You're at work, be professional' my thoughts admonish. I smile politely when I notice him staring at me a huge smile on his face.
"What?"
"I think your inner thoughts just became your outer thoughts." He teased.
"No, shit, what did I say?"
"Something about smelling me and being professional." He chortled.
"Fuck my life, shit I'm sorry I swore, crap!" I fumble over my words. He's all out laughing now and to be honest I can't hide my smile either.
"Roza, you're adorable!" He adds hugging me to him. I felt so embarrassed and just stood there, arms still clasped to my chest.
"Right, so what gym?" I ask trying to get us back on equal footing.
"Right, um, the 'Academy' gym, you heard of it?"
The look on my face must give it away and he has a look of concern on his face now.
"I can't go there." I confirm for him.
"We don't have to go there, but can you tell me why?" He comforts, his hands on my shoulders.
"Jesse goes there." He nods at my answer. "It's how we met." I add.
"Okay we're definitely not going there, the other option is for you to come to my place, there is a gym in my building."
"That I can do." I smile in return.
The rest of the morning flies by and before I know it, it's lunch time. I knock on Dimitri's office door before I hear him grant me entry. He's hunched over his desk, writing notes and then clicking at something on the computer. He informs me that because of his meeting with Arthur this afternoon, he's going to have to work through lunch. Arthur wants to see the progress on a particular account. I go grab us both some sandwiches from the deli across the street and fresh coffee. I don't bother knocking this time and when I enter, Inotice he's rubbing his face in irritation.
"What's wrong?" I query as I pull out his lunch and hand it to him.
"Nothing, just need more coffee." He admits as I set one down in front of him.
Taking a huge bite from his sandwich, he smiles. "Thank you." He says before sipping the new, hot cup of coffee.
"You're welcome."
"Fuck this is good. None of the cafeteria food was this good last week!"
"I don't eat that cafeteria shit. I went to the deli across the street." I clarify, sipping from my coffee.
"I knew putting in that transfer this morning was a great idea."
"What do you mean?"
"I filled out the paper work for you to be transferred to me as my permanent personal assistant."
"Thank you." I add grinning happily.
He takes another bite from his sandwich. I can't help the laugh that escapes when I see the dollop of mayonnaise on the corner of his mouth.
"What?" He mumbles over his stuffed mouth.
"You have a little…" I point to my lip indicating food on his face. He smiles as I hand him a napkin.
"Thank you."
We laugh a little more over lunch and he thanks me again for the fresh coffee, again.
The afternoon seems to go by rather quickly when I notice it's 2:45PM. Dimitri is supposed to meet Arthur in his office at 3:00PM. I head to his door and knock gently before opening the door.
"Hey!" He smiles as he tidies up his desk.
"Hi, just wanted to give you the fifteen-minute warning." I state pointing to my wrist, where there is actually no watch to be found.
"Thanks, yeah finished what I needed so I'm heading there now."
"Do you need me to take notes for you in the meeting?"
"No, it's more about me showing what I have so far." He confirms leading me from his office, his hand at my lower back. I can't help but lean into him a little more.
We leave the office and notice Alberta headed our way.
"Alberta, is there something wrong?" I question when she approaches. She typically doesn't meet with us in person unless there is an issue or question about something.
"Not really no, but I do need to steal you for a few minutes if you don't mind Mr. Belikov."
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The fact that I like Rose, a lot, was making it difficult to not just crush my body to hers and kiss her senseless. Working close with her in the office now made those urges more prominent. I noticed small quirks about her that I'm starting to really love. Like when she chews a little on her bottom lip when on a call and the person is being rude to her. She's professional through and through regardless of who is speaking to her and how.
I want to kiss that swollen lip where her teeth almost draw blood. The way she locks her gaze with mine while we sip our coffee, both smiling like idiots over the rim of our cups. It's a wonder we haven't both dripped coffee on ourselves while doing that too.
Avery's still been sending me text messages. She obviously noticed her drunken messages from Friday and wanted to apologize. But for her, this apology included me meeting with her. I didn't even reply.
My mind was rushing with thoughts about what Arthur told me in my meeting with him. I was walking back to my office and Rose wasn't at her desk. It was 4:15PM and I really needed to talk to her. I walked into my office to see a fresh steaming cup of coffee on my desk and a scone. I couldn't help the silly grin that crossed my face. I could so fall in love with this girl.
As I sit down at my desk I leave my office door open so I notice when Rose returns and sits at her desk, her own cup of coffee in hand.
"Hey." I call from behind my desk. She looks up and I nod for her to join me. "You don't need your notepad." I confirm as she walks in with her coffee. That's when I notice the dark stain on her shirt.
"What happened?" I wonder, standing to come around the desk to her.
"Accidentally got my first cup of coffee all over me." She states looking down, purposefully avoiding my gaze. I realize her dismissal means that it wasn't an accident and someone was behind it.
"Roza…Look at me please." She slowly raises her eyes at me.
"What really happened?" I close the door for privacy.
"I met with Alberta down in the PA department. Seems I have a choice to make."
"What do you mean?"
"You're not the only one to put in the transfer request for my PA services." She states. I feel my chest tighten at this.
"Don't frown." She adds teasingly.
"I don't want to lose you to someone else." I admit sadly.
"You're not. It's my choice in who I want to work for." She clarifies.
"Oh. So?"
"I'm yours Dimitri." She smiles.
"Does that include outside the office too, Roza?" I flirt, brushing my thumb along her cheek affectionately.
"We're working on that, aren't we?" She grins back.
"So, who was the other request from?" I question, sipping from my coffee. When I see her smiling at me over her coffee cup, I return her gaze and smirk.
"Adrian Ivashkov. I worked for him the week before last."
"Okay, but that still doesn't explain the stain on your shirt."
"I was collecting my things from my desk in the PA department and Tasha saw me. Alberta confirmed for her that I was now your permanent assistant and when I returned to this floor, I swear she followed me. Tasha 'accidentally', bumped into me." She states, annoyed.
"You didn't get burned, did you?" I worry.
She nods mutely before lifting the edge of her shirt to show a small reddish blemish on her abdomen.
"Does it hurt?"
"No, just a little itchy. It will be fine." I feel like she's the one comforting me. After hearing about Jesse hitting her, I hate that she seems to be a target for jealous and petty people.
"How did your meeting go?" She inquired. Her coffee cup now empty, she places it on the corner of my desk while we sit in the two chairs in front of it.
"Really well, and Arthur had some news for me, looks like you and I will be heading out of town on Thursday." I state excitedly.
"Okay explain?" She teases, sitting back and crossing her legs.
"Arthur explained to me in our meeting that a Mikhail Tanner has asked for me. He was under Victor Dashkov's company, which is where I worked before here," I explained. "He was unhappy with how his campaign was being handled since I left. After finding out where I went, he contacted Arthur to ask about me taking on his account."
"That's great news, Comrade!" She states gleefully.
"The issue is…Mikhail is sort of old school when it comes to business and worries because he's in another city and we're here, that I won't be able to devote the time necessary to him."
"Oh-,"
"So, the point of this trip is to meet with him and show him that through conference calls, Skype and Facetime, that we can manage his account as if I was in the room next to him."
"And you need your assistant with you?"
"Yes. In order to show him that you can be in the other room and Facetime me or Skype me from your iPhone or iPad so he can see how it works." I state assuredly. "I also thought that this would be a great way for us to get to know each other more too. We've got Thursday and Friday to meet with Mikhail and can come home on Sunday. Maybe do some sight-seeing?" I add hopefully.
"I would love that." She smiles in reply.
"Also, Mikhail would feel more comfortable meeting you because he's likely going to be fielding calls through his assistant to you and might even talk to you himself."
"I can understand that, it's more personable if you know who you're talking to."
We've finished our coffees and as the clock strikes 5:00PM I realize that it's time for Roza to leave and I won't see her again until tomorrow morning on our commute.
"Thank you so much for today Roza and for agreeing to be my PA." I state hugging her to me.
"You're welcome. I really like you…I mean working with you." She fumbles and I laugh at her cuteness.
"I like you too." I whisper back conspiratorially.
"Hmmm…" She hums. I feel her snuggle against my chest and I hold on a little longer than necessary.
"Please text me or call if you have any trouble with Jesse or anyone else tonight?" I plead with her.
"What about texting just because?" She flirts back, her hands resting on my hips.
"Well of course, that's a given."
She smiles shyly and as I watch her leave; I take the time to really check out her ass in the jeans she's wearing. "Fantastic," I mumble to myself biting my lip.
~VA TC VA~