This time it’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Okay. Good. Thanks.”
The sound of his ravenous voice sends me over the edge, and I want to get out of here and jump into his arms. “I have to go now. I’m probably late for work by now.”
Fun fact, I actually I have no clue what time it is. If I’m genuinely late will Mr. Williams fire me? He dotes on me like a son. I doubt he’ll get mad over me being late for once.
Jason flicks his tongue and purrs, “Come by tonight.”
I hesitate before answering. Though I want to see him, I’d rather spend the little time I have left with Visha. I can’t deny that my feelings are still hurt after what he said last night but he didn’t know better. Amira is right. He didn’t mean it.
“I can’t,” I mumble. “There’s some things I have to do.”
“Fine.”
At that, he ends the call.
***
I stare at my computer screen, unblinkingly, wondering whether I should just quit my job. I can always marry a rich old man and swim in lavish pools of money. I don’t want to depend on someone though.
A gentle and bright voice pulls me out of my reverie. “You seem tired Aoi. Is everything okay with you?” she asks, concern palpable in her gaze.
“I have some issues regarding my kid,” I admit, chortling awkwardly.
Lina smiles at me and props herself against my desk. “I have two children of my own, I understand the troubles that come with them.” She lowers her voice. “They make me want to gouge my eyes out sometimes.”
I can’t help but laugh at the grimace she makes. “He’s not really a kid anymore.”
“Oh? How old is he if I may ask.”
I scratch an invisible itch at the back of my nape. “Fifteen.”
She stares at me, bewildered. Then for an instant she looks away as though she’s doing the math. “Oh my…you were quite young then when you-” She gasps and slaps her palm over her lips.
I shake my hands and flush at the insinuation. “God, no. He’s not mine. I mean we’re not related. I just took him in three years ago and he’s been like my kid ever since.”
“Oh, that makes more sense,” she says, giggling. “Not that I’m judging in any way!”
I get what she must be thinking. Based on my age and Visha’s I would have been eleven when I conceived him, which is insane.
“The hell are you two talking about instead of working?” Alex’s gravy voice interrupts, startling Lina. “Why’re you even talking tohim, Lina?”
Her brows furrow. “Excuse me? Are we bothering you? By conversing quietly? Out of your reach? In the office opposite yours?”
I purse my lips, holding back my laugh so as not to worsen Alex’s shitty attitude. Lina gets off my desk and offers me an apologetic smile.
“If you ever need advice with your teen, I’m here.” She winks.
“Thanks Lina.”
She squeezes my arm and goes back to her desk, grabbing Alex by the arm and dragging him out with her.
“What on Earth are you doing?” he argues, flushing with anger and embarrassment at being dragged by a woman. “Stop that! I’m not a kid. Ouch.”
Alex is what I call an Incel, which stands for involuntary celibate, and he just has to make it everyone’s problem. I’m glad Lina doesn’t let that idiot walk all over her.
Uncountable hours pass until it’s finally time for me to clock out. I bid everyone a good night and make my way out.
“Aoi! Wait a minute!” Dixon calls after me. “Mr. Williams wants to see you in his office.”
