I feel lonely.

I came here with a friend and ended up alone, everyone is dancing with a partner and I'm slumping with a glass of alcohol.

Even Mr. Reid is dancing for crying out loud!

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and saw a green-eyed single friend looking at me.

My brother.

"You alone too?"

"I have someone but I'd rather not be seen dancing with random women"

"Great, so I'm the only single Pringle in the group"

He patted my back.

"Cheer up sis, do you want me to hook you up with someone?"

"Wow, I wonder what kinda guy he'd be if my brother wants to hook me up with him"

"He doesn't have to be a good guy, he's a close friend, I'd like to introduce Isaac Miller"

Right on cue, a brown-haired hazel-eyed heartthrob came into view.

"Hello gorgeous, might I be privileged to know my dear friend Petey's sister? And who says I'm not a good guy?!"

It clicked.

"Hi, it's good to finally put a face to the name Mr. Miller"

"Spanish assistant girl! You sure are one smart hottie"

"You two know each other?" Leo asked confused.

"I hope you don't mind Petey but Derick wanted to know where were you at the moment, so I kinda had to track down your whereabouts"

"No big deal, but how did you meet my sister?"

"He met me when Mr. Reid gave him a call"

My brother nodded in understanding then politely excused himself.

"Would you like to dance Ms. Downs?"

"You can call me Julie you know?"

"Then you call me Issac, since you didn't say no I'll take your answer as a yes"

"I'd love to" I laughed.

We walked to the dance floor and I put my arms around his neck and he put his arm around my waist, swaying to the slow music.

"You're really attractive, you know that?" He whispered huskily.

"Am I?" I smirked.

"Definitely" he smirked back.

"You know, for someone who's gay, you really don't act like it" I giggled.

"Wait what?! Who the hell said that?!" He frowned, pushing away slightly.

"Mr. Reid," I said cautiously.

His frown turned into a mischievous grin.

"Ricky said that? Well, I'll deal with that later, for now, I'll enjoy my evening" He smirked, and pulled me back by my waist.

"I wonder what you are planing in that head of yours" I grinned, looking up.

"You don't want to know darling" he replied huskily.

I was suddenly pulled back by a strong arm, I'm being pushed and pulled a lot lately.

"Sir?" I turned to see Mr. Reid in one of his usual brooding faces.

"Ms. Downs, what in the world are you doing?! You were supposed to pay attention to the guests!"

"Wait, give me a sec-" I was cut off by Issac.

"Ricky! Don't be rude! I was dancing with her for just a few minutes, let her continue"

Mr. Reid gave Issac a nasty look.

"She's here to work Issac, not have fun"

Issac looked at him for a few seconds then took a closer step.

"But Ricky... baby I was having fun, let her have some fun too" he pouted tracing his finger up and down Mr. Reid's chest.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to not laugh at the look on Mr. Reid's face.

"Issac now is not the time for your idiocies, my mother is waiting for me"

"Fine, I get it, go, say hi to your mom for me mamma's boy!"

He said it!

He actually said it!

I had to take deep breathes to not explode into fits of laughter in front of all these people.

Mr. Reid, on the other hand, had a murderous look on his face, and from what I can tell he was trying to keep his self-control intact as well.

He grabbed my arm and started pulling me away from Issac.

"It was nice meeting you!" I yelled a bit.

"You too!" He waved with a grin.

I straightened myself and pulled my arm from Mr. Reid's iron grip and walked by his side.

I'm amazed how we haven't drawn any attention until now.

"I hope you behave yourself in front of my family"

he whispered as we got close to a group.

"You say it as though I act like a wild animal most of the time" I scoffed.

We walked to a group of people and they turned around when they felt someone behind them.

"Mother"

Mr. Reid addressed the woman who looked like the female version of Mr. Reid, only older and blonde hair.

The old woman smiled warmly at her son and engulfed him in a hug.

"Derick my son, how are you?"

"I'm good, mother I'd like you to meet my current assistant"

His mother looked surprised but turned her attention to me.

I smiled at her and raised my hand for a shake.

"Hello Mrs. Reid, I'm Juliana Downs, nice to meet you"

"It's good to meet you, Juliana" She smiled back while shaking my hand.

"Derick!" An overexcited woman with blonde hair and the same icy blue eyes as Mr. Reid came into view, holding a cute little girl.

Mr. Reid sighed and looked at the woman worriedly.

"Don't run while you're holding Cassie!"

He yelled at her then turned his head to me.

"Ms. Downs, this is my sister Sienna Corrigan"

"Hi!" She said, popping out of nowhere scaring me.

"Hi?"

"You're so pretty! I'd die for your skin tone! I wish I had a tan like that"

"Sienna!" I spiked black-haired guy came into view.

"Why do you run so fast all the damn time?"

"I guess some things never change honey" she laughed.

"Hi, I'm Zackary Corrigan, excuse my hyper wife" he raised his hand.

"No, it's fine, It's good to meet you, Mr. Corrigan," I said shaking his hand.

He nodded and looked at his daughter, smiling.

"She's going to be one beautiful woman"

I don't know if he was talking to me or himself but I agree.

"Mr. Reid I need to-"

"Hello, Julie" I don't like how I'm running into so many familiar people today.

"Mr. Wyatt, it's lovely to see you here," I say as I put on a fake smile and extend my hand.

"Of course I'd be here, Derick is a good friend of mine," He said, his eyes gazing from Mr. Reid to Sienna.

"Sorry to inform you Mr. Wyatt but I was responsible for sending out invitations and I don't recall seeing your name"

"I see you never change Julie, should've excepted my offer instead of rejecting me the way you did, it still stings if you know what I mean"

This jackass used a pun, how freaking funny!

"Richard, my assistant is right, I'd like you to get out before I call security" Mr. Reid boomed.

"Fine, fine, oh and your daughter looks as beautiful as you do Sia"

"Don't you dare talk to either of them!" Zack finally opened his mouth to say something.

"I didn't notice you over there Zack, I guess daddy still hasn't approved of you even after all these years" Richard fake gasped.

"Get the f*ck out!" Mr. Reid finally shouted, people started looking and I was fidgeting from the random and unwanted attention we were causing.

Richard smirked and walked away.

"How do you know Wyatt?!" Mr. Reid yelled at me, as though I was the reason he came.

"He was my former boss..." I said under my breath.

"Why did-"

"Okay! That's enough!" Sienna shouted.

She walked away and gently put Cassie in Zack's arms.

She made her way to the stage and took a seat at the piano.

"I'd like to thank my brother and his assistant for organizing such a wonderful event so I dedicate this piece to my beloved brother," She said grabbing the microphone and speaking softly.

Her fingers started gliding across the keys, mesmerizing everyone.

She started playing a soft piece that was perfect for an evening party.

I know this because I've always loved music but I never had time for anything other than the one thing that doesn't need a physical instrument.

Singing.

Everyone started piling up on the dance floor dancing and someone outstretched their hand to me.

"Ms. Downs, will you share this dance with me?"

"Don't you already have a date, Mr. Reid?"

"Let's just say I want to dance with the most beautiful woman here"

His words left me speechless, I mean bipolar much? But nonetheless, I smiled and took his hand.

He guided me to the middle of all the couples dancing, from the corner of my eye I saw Kate give me the thumbs up and that made me chuckle.

I put my left hand on his shoulder and he put his arm around my waist, he took my right hand in his and started moving his feet, me alongside him.

"Your sister is amazing at playing the piano"

"Music plays a big part in my family, my mother taught us to appreciate music from a young age"

"No wonder you're so hip with all the new songs, usually people who work a lot tend to forget about music"

"It's like an escape, what about you? I know you love music, do you play an instrument?"

"No, I never had the time to sadly"

We danced in a comfortable silence until he spoke up.

"Why did Wyatt call you by your first name if you worked for him?" He whispered softly.

I looked at him surprised by not only his gentleness but also the question.

I sighed.

"The reason I quit was because he tried to convince me into sleeping with him, which let's honest, will never happen, didn't you hear his hint for me 'stinging' him?"

"I should've guessed," he chuckled.

"Just pisses me off how he treated you"

"I lived through it" I shrugged.

"Did he show attraction towards you from the beginning?"

I looked at him questioningly.

"No, it started slowly, maybe after a month of working for him?"

"Hmm, I guess sometimes you give in to temptations unexpectedly"

"Temptations are like traps, once you step in, who knows what types of mistakes you'll make, okay my turn, why didn't your father show up?" I hurried to change the subject.

"My father is..." he looked down.

"Complicated?" I finished.

"Yeah"

"I know how that feels"

He smiled and twirled me around slowly as the song went a higher note.

"How about we ignore the complicated stuff for one evening, Juliana?"

My name sounded so smooth on his lips, I couldn't help getting in a daze and I didn't have control over what came out next.

"I actually agree with you Derick" I laughed.

He smiled and looked at me strangely but still, we continued to dance, we danced in comfortable silence or small talked until the song ended and we parted ways.

I looked at him for a bit and it's like the enchantment was lifted, I couldn't see the man I danced with a few seconds ago.

I only saw the boss who had nothing to do with me.

I wanted to run away, I was seen dancing with my boss...

In front of his family!

"I'll see you on Monday, Mr. Reid, excuse me for the rest of the evening," I said clearing my throat.

"Yes, have a good evening and weekend, Ms. Downs"

I was going to make my way up to Sienna but I saw that Zack had beaten me to it and was already kissing Sia on the lips.

When they were done with their little couple time, I waved my hand at her and went towards her.

"That was amazing! And thank you for the sweet speech"

"I'm pretty sure my brother never said anything about it right? I might as well thank you"

This girl has no hint of evilness in her body!

I smiled at her and Zack, thanked them for coming once more, then politely left.

I walked to the buffet table and grabbed a yellow macaroon, I know there's no difference between any of the colors, but I still prefer the yellow ones.

As I was going to take a bite, Miss Gorgeous decides to approach me.

"You're going to eat all that?" I looked at her incredulously.

"One single macaroon is what you call 'too much' but for someone who hasn't eaten anything since this afternoon this is 'barely enough' and for your information, this only has about 100 grams of calories, I should know, I googled them" I retorted

She scoffed and walked away, I smirked at her lack of wit and took a big bite of my yellow coconut macaroon.

And of course, someone had to come and talk to me while my mouth is full.

"I see you're enjoying the buffet table" Kate came by to say hello I see.

"Mmhmm"

"Just like the way you were enjoying the feeling of being in Derick Reid's arms"

I choked on the macaroon that God forbade me to enjoy apparently.

After Kate patted my back a little, I calmed down and gave her the stink eye, I knew she can't be this nice!

"Speak for yourself, you were practically flirting with almost every guy you saw until Vick showed up"

"Excuse me for being attractive"

"Okay, are you drunk?" I snorted.

"Are you stupid? But really what time is it? My phone's dead"

"9:48" I replied, knowing what she'll say next.

"So basically ten"

"I really hate it when you add up the time" I groaned.

Kate has this habit, the second the clock hits 31 minutes, it's technically the next hour in her world.

"Why do you even want to know the time? You were enjoying Vick's company weren't you?"

"I was..."

"Then stay, listen he's a great guy, by the way, what were you talking about?"

She started fidgeting and fumbling with her fingers.

"It first started with us talking about you, then I told him I'm your best friend, after that, cooking became our main topic and we just made our way up from there" she smiled.

"And? What's the problem? You should thank me for telling him you're an amazing cook"

She laughed and we talked for a few more minutes then she left to go scope out Vick.

About an hour later people started leaving, me and Mr. Reid stood at the doorway to bid everyone farewell.

Kate left with Vick to my amazement, it'd be great if things escalated quickly.

By around 11 PM everyone had left and it was just me, Mr. Reid, and the venue.

"Ms. Downs, I sent Francis home, so I'll be taking you back"

"Sir, again you have a date and I'll just grab a cab, not a big deal"

Actually, it's freezing and I'm wearing very little to no clothing, so yeah.

"Nope, not letting you go out wearing practically nothing, I'm not in the mood to have a sick assistant on Monday"

"Yes, sir" I sighed, while I was partying on the inside.

Of course, he's not doing it from the nonexistent kindness in his heart, he's doing it for the simple fact that he wants me to work, but who cares!

Once we were in the car and on our way back, I began dozing off and fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

"Ms. Downs wake up, we're here now, go inside and get some actual sleep"

I unconsciously nodded and started fumbling with my seat belt, for some reason I had a hard time getting out and I was too sleep-deprived to get my brain to work.

I felt warm hands push mine away and felt the seat belt loosen, I heard the car door open and close then felt a gush of wind come in from my side.

"Alright Ms. Downs, it seems your roommate is home so don't be alarmed I'm going to carry you inside"

That went and did it, my eyes flew open and I raced out of the car hearing a chuckle come from behind me.

I unlocked the door and closed it, me being the stupid person I am, forgot to thank Mr. Reid so I took my phone out and sent him a message.

Thanks for driving me back, drive safely, and goodnight Mr. Reid.

That should do it.

I went into my bathroom and began work on undressing and removing my makeup.

When I got out in a large sweater I saw my phone vibrate on the nightstand.

One was from Mr. Reid and the other was from my mom.

I opened the one from Mr. Reid first, sorry mom.

You're welcome Ms. Downs and have a good night.

For once he didn't answer me in his usual blunt texts, I smiled at that and opened my mom's message.

Honey, I'd like you to come visit on Sunday for lunch, I miss you, so you better show up!

This my chance to introduce Leo...

Sh*t!

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