22 Jonnys Secre (1/2)

”Good morning Ann!” I forced my voice to mold to a sweet and calm tone when talking to her. My insides felt ready to spill out any second but I tried my best to keep a cheery attitude and hold my real opinion to myself.

”Morning Kat!” she replied and her lips turned into a small pout. ”Why didn't you pick up my calls over the weekend?” Her pretense to be upset sickened me to the core. I knew she was a good actress but I'm surprised at how nice and innocent she still seemed to me although I already knew the truth. I was surprised at my own naivety, as my heart still felt close to her every time she smiled at me. Then, the memory of her and Rob hidden behind the trees, laughing and kissing, with hands moving all over grasped my heart and squeezed it dry of any dreams that it was all a misunderstanding.

”I was a bit busy.” I simply wanted to get this conversation over before the disgust would show on my face. Not being a good liar has never been a trait I was proud of, but now it was time to start working on polishing my acting skills myself.

”So what are you doing tonight?” Ann asked while gently moving her eyelashes and raising her eyes at me with a pleading look. ”Want to grab dinner together?”

”Ah tonight, sorry I can't, Rob asked me over to meet with one of his future clients.” I was waiting for her to invite me out since I knew Rob would be busy schmoozing over the client he stole from the company. ”He said he wants to introduce me to Mr. Roman and his wife. We're all going out to dinner for a double date.” I continued pretending not to notice the paleness of her face underneath the light layer of makeup.

”Oh... That sounds like fun...” She responded with a low voice. I could almost hear her thoughts, and now I wondered just why was I so blind to her real character.

”Yeah, it should be, he even bought me a dress for the occasion. I'll send you a picture tonight, it looks really good but it was so expensive...” This little detail should put a stop to her high and mighty ideas, I could already see how she wanted to slap me and then run over to his side but she kept control of her own body, only her eyes shined with malice.

”You're not going out with Adrian today?” I innocently asked while looking over the young man standing at his desk, concentrating on the task at hand.

”Umm, yes, I just might do that...” She added and holding her coffee mug tightly returned to her desk. I saw Vivian entering Gray's office and giving me a sly smile after her eyes went over to Ann. Soon enough she was out the door and I knew she was on her way to arrange everything for tonight.

While going over the assigned tasks I looked over at Jonny and noticed he was looking intensely at Ann with an expression that seemed really similar to mine when I first learned about her and Rob. Gray was out of the office for the next few days so my heartfelt more at ease in the office, this left me to quietly mull over how to handle the rest of Vivian's plan. I knew I was doing this not only for me and to heal a bit my broken pride, but also because of Gray and Adrian, they were both good guys who didn't deserve to be played by such ruthless people. My stare was noticed rather quick and Jonny turned his gaze towards me, with a softened look that seemed shockingly similar to that of pity.

”Hey Jonny, can you help me carry these documents over to the recycling bin? We're done with these projects.” I pointed towards the pile of documents on my desk and rose up starting to split it into two piles.

”Sure...” Jonny said and with a quick move, he was at my side grabbing his own stack and moving towards the door.

We both took charge of our own heap of papers from the desk and made our way outside. Once we emptied everything at the recycle bin, I stood for a bit looking over at the entrance of the office.

”So, what did you want to talk about?” Jonny asked while pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up.

”I think you want to say something.” I returned to face him and noticed a small smile gracing his lips before a frown turned his expression darker than I ever saw it.