Page 32 of Frayed Bonds

Her eyes shift between her laptop and me. “I haven't finished what you asked me to do.”

“Take the laptop home and finish it up.” I shrug, itching to leave.

“It’s okay, I think I’ll stay. I have to wait for the next bus anyway.” She smiles, and for the first time today, it seems genuine.

“Bus?” I ask, and she nods.

Instantly, my mind is flooded with everything that could go wrong with her taking a bus to work every morning and, more importantly, going home in the evening. Especially, dressed the way she is right now.

“Pack up, I’ll drop you off,” I blurt out without a second thought.

I have no idea why I offer. Usually, I wouldn't care. This is a bad idea. I’m going home to get away from her, but instead, I’m inviting her into a close confined space with me.

“Ambrose,” she says and I snap out of my thoughts. “I asked if you're sure. I don't mind taking the bus.”

“I do mind. Let’s go, Valerie,” I say and head for the elevator.

The sound of her heels against the flooring is rapid; as she struggles to keep up with my steps.

As the doors of the elevator shut, enclosing us inside its four walls, the temperature skyrockets, and I realise how bad of an idea this is. Her presence is everywhere as her scent invades my senses.

“Thank you,” she says in a tiny voice, and I look over to her.

“Do you only act like a smartass when my brothers are around?”

“I’m only giving you a break since you decided to be less of an asshole, and give me a ride. I’ll be back to my smartass self, bright and early tomorrow morning.”

“I look forward to it, sweetheart.”

I hold the elevator doors open as she steps out and stops once she realises that we’re in the car park in the basement of Vitale Holdings. There’s a mixture of cars, ranging from employees to executives. My brothers and I also store a few cars here instead of at our house for security purposes.

“It’s this one,” I say and walk towards my sleek black Audi RS3. I unlock it and walk over to the passenger side to open the door.

“Wow, Ambrose is acting like a gentleman,” she raises her hand to touch my forehead, and I jump at the sudden contact. She retracts her hand quickly. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Get in the car, Valerie,” I say, and she does as she’s told.

I scan my card to exit and nod towards the security guard who stands nearby. We drive in silence for a while before she reaches up and fiddles with the radio, the indie music I was listening to this morning on the way to the office starts to play.

I grimace, but her face lights up. “You listen to Solex?”

My head spins to her, surprised to hear that she knows the artist I assumed to be quite underground, especially in Tevici. I heard them perform when I was in New York and have been hooked ever since.

“I do, surprised to hear you do too,” I say as we stop at a red light, and I can turn and face her properly.

“Natalia’s older brother is their lead singer,” she beams, and for the first time, I almost feel starstruck. Not from the fact that one of my favourite artists happens to be related to who I assume is Valerie's friend, but from the way she’s smiling at me right now. It’s bright, full of hope and passion, as she continues to talk about her friend.

“Adriano will be happy to know, he loves them as well,” I say. “Do you still live in the same place?” I ask changing the subject.

“Yes I do, uhm,” she swallows, and I look at her out of the corner of my eye to check on her sudden change in mood. “Could you drop me off at Waverly General?”

It takes everything in me to not hit the brakes in the middle of the highway. “Why? Is everything okay?” I know I sound concerned, and as much as I hate it, I am.

“Yes. Everything’s fine, I'm going to visit someone,” she says plainly.

I take it for what it is, a hint to not ask any further questions. I do as she asks. Dropping her off at the front entrance of the hospital.

She attempts to unlock the door but fails. As I step out and round the car, I unlock it and open the door for her.

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