Pasta/Game Night

Chapter 4

I burst through the doors of my office and roll my eyes at the scene. I hate this time of the year. The company decided it would be a great idea to send inexperienced college students this way for unpaid internships.

I don't mind internships but they should get paid to work. Because, when you work for me you work. I glance to my left to see my assistant Ginny speak rapidly to the four students standing near her desk. "....and lastly. Please, answer each call."

One of the girls raise her hand. She had a blonde pixie cut and she was wearing round glasses with a stylish blouse and blue trousers. I duly note her attempt to blend in. The others however were typical. I pull off my shades. Disappointment. I also note that Austin is missing.

"Yes." Ginny signals the blonde pixie cut to speak.

"What is Miranda coffee and breakfast order?" She questions. "I'll like to have that prepared for her tomorrow morning."

I round the furniture and head toward the double clear doors that display my personal office. I pull the doors open and take a seat. Ginny and the others parade behind me in the office. I grab the binder full of notes and my personal tasks of the day. I huff annoyed. My plans did not go as plan yesterday. I was hoping by now Sam and I would be back together. Yes. I admit. Poor choices put me in this situation. But, dammit. I'm reckless and selfish and stubborn. She knows that.

But. I was a Grayson and I get what I want.

I want Sam back.

I grab my phone and unlock the phone. I could hear faint voices but I wasn't paying attention. I haven't had my coffee yet and my thoughts were spiraling towards Sam. I pull up her contact and chew on my lip debating if I wanted to call her. She should be switching class in a few minutes.

I asked Nathalie for her school schedule and she refused. I roll my eyes. She told me it was wrong and that I need to respect Sam boundaries. I wonder how I birthed such an honest daughter. So, I called Rose. She hastily handed over her information.

A boiling cup of coffee is placed in front of me. The smell hits my nose intensively and I lock my phone looking up. Then, there is a plate of a steaming omelet. I look up and there is Austin standing. He's wearing a dark burgundy blazer, and fitted dark black jeans, with a pair of black shoes. I arch my eyebrow and his hair is cut shorter and that ridiculous bang is gone.

I carefully pick up the steaming mug and wrap my red painted lips on the rem and take a sip. He gives the pixie cut girl a wicked smirk and she gasp angrily his way. I lean back in interest. I then begin to bark orders at everyone. The entire staff and interns begin to move quickly doing as their told.

By mid-day, I'm leaving the office. I have to go and speak personally to a client about the latest scoop. Ginny is seating in her chair and waving her hand in happiness. I put on my shades and step into the elevator. Ginny was a cheery assistant but Sam liked her. She claimed she was the most normal of all of my assistants and she was nice to talk to.

So, I didn't fire her.

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After the meeting I'm annoyed and furious. I hate when my time is wasted. I pull out my phone and send a quick text, "Meet me at my place. Half an hour." I press send and tap my feet impatiently while staring at the screen. The bubbles, notify she's texting back. I smirk. They then stop. I get a call instead.

"Is this a booty call?" Sam whispers into the phone.

"Yes." I reply into the phone. I pull out my mirror and look at myself. "Whatever you wish to call it, darling." I place the phone on my lap while putting her on speaker.

There is a pause. "Miranda. We're taking it slow remember."

"I don't understand what that has to do with you coming over." I instantly reply.

"It means no sex, Miranda." Sam respond.

"No sex." I raise my voice. The driver eyes glances in the rearview mirror in confusion. I pick up my phone and take it speaker before putting it to my ear. "Sam. You're confusing me." I frown.

"Taking it slow usually means no sex." She explains.

I chuckle in amusement. "Sweetie. You and I barely last days without jumping the other. I'm almost home." I tell her. "Why are you so hell bent in doing this the right way? I promise we'll take it slow. No family dinners or staying together over night. Just strictly friends... who have sex occasionally. Doesn't that sound nice?"

Sam sighs into the phone. "I want to do it right this time, Miranda."

"Why?" I pout.

"Because the first time around we were having an affair." Sam whispers. "I don't want that for you or me, Mira..." Sam pause. "Miranda, sweetheart. I don't want this to be a fling."

I roll my eyes, "Fine." I huff and cross my arms across my chest. "I'm hanging up." I say before pressing the end button. My phone begin to buzz.

Thank-you for being understanding.

Sam

I roll my eyes again and toss my phone into my designer purse. The car comes to a halt and I get out of the car and storm back into the building. I walk onto the elevator and tap my foot impatiently. I finally make it to my floor and storm into my office. I by pass everyone not making eye contact and walk into my personal office before taking a seat.

I push the button on my desk and it shields me from everyone eyes. It's now only a reflection of themselves on the outer glass. I cross my legs and lean back in my chair. I run my fingers through my hair in frustration and chew on my lips. If Sam wanted to be a nun. Then fine. I'm pretty sure I can hold out longer than her. I inhale deeply before getting back into my work.

It's late when I'm wrapping up. I leave my office and Austin is the only one left. "Sam told you those things." I tell him.

Austin look surprised. "I did some research."

I roll my eyes, "Don't lie. Only Sam knows I like small bites of bacon in my omelet. I never eat it that way in the office. Only at home."

Austin turns red. He swallows. "Dammit. She wouldn't tell me much. I got lucky when she told me what you liked for breakfast. I soon stopped though because talking about you while you were gone was killing her."

I swallow.

"Sorry." Austin hastily stand. "That came out wrong. I shouldn't mix your personal life and work life..."

"It's fine." I admit. "I deserved that."

"Not from me." Austin replies. "How about in this building we don't bring her up." He throw his hand out and I take it with a shake before leaving.

I head home alone. Nathalie was busy with Rose and I didn't want to intrude. I just head to bed early. I toss and turn and debate texting Sam. When we spend nights apart. We always text until one of us fall asleep. But, I don't think that was allowed in this taking it slow business.

I roll over and pull one of the larger pillows close. I then bury my face into it and shut my eyes. Soon, I'm asleep with Sam on my mind.

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Austin walk into my office a week later and I say, "What are all of Sam restrictions to this taking it slow nonsense?"

Austin pause in shock and surprise and answers, "Um. I'm not sure." He rub his neck awkwardly. "I thought we agreed to not discuss her during work hours."

I roll my eyes, "That was last week or whenever you felt like insulting me." I pause and look at him with deadly eyes. "That will be your last time insulting me in my company and within these walls. I'm your boss." Austin nod his head quickly.

I stand and walk around the table with elegance and power. "Now. I've given this whole nonsense a chance and it's not working. So, I'm going to have to play a little dirty. Play Sam at her own game." I hold my chin in deep thought.

"It's Friday. I know you all have dinner once a month. Hang around and play games. Catch up after a long week." Miranda frown. "Nathalie makes pasta."

"Yeah. Pasta slash game night. It's still in debate." Austin explain.

I roll my eyes annoyed. I ignore his extra commentary and say, "Well, tell everyone it's on tonight."

"You want to have Pasta/Game night?" Austin questions confused.

"No." I shake my head. "You want to have dinner. I'll just pop up randomly."

Austin look at me in confusion and then his eyes widen and he say, "Oh. Ohhhhhhhhh." I'm guessing it clicks. "You're going to pretend like you didn't know we all we're there and Nathalie is going to ask you to stay..." He laughs. "And you're going to be all Grayson like and give an insult before staying anyway."

"Sure. You're dismiss." I reply.

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I ruffle my fingers through my hair a few more times. I glance at the clock. It was past eight. Nathalie should be done cooking by now. She likes to be prompt. I grab my purse and look in the mirror one last time. I was wearing a sheer Chanel blouse and the neckline dropped low showing off a little cleavage, black trousers that fitted at the ankle, and a smooth leather Gucci silhouette with a buckled featuring the House Web stripe in green and red.

It doesn't take me to long to arrive. I knock on the door and I stand there giving myself a mental pep-talk. The door is open and it's Viv. "Hello." I walk through the door. I look around, "Nathalie around?"

"Mom." Nathalie comes down the hall. She pulls me in a hug. "It's a surprise to see you here. We're having dinner. Are you hungry?"

"I didn't mean to interrupt." I tell her. "I was coming over to see you. I'll leave you to it."

"Are you sure?' Nathalie gives me a worried glance. "Have you eaten at all today? You should stay. It's only the usual people."

"I guess I can stick around and watch you all play those silly and barbaric games." I reply.

Nathalie roll her eyes, "Mom. Call of Duty is not barbaric."

I follow Nathalie down the hall and into the dining room. "Well, Sam seems to love it." We walk in and fully present ourselves. Austin chokes on his glass water. I roll my eyes. I swear this young man. Rose gives me knowing smirk like she's not even a little bit surprised.

My eyes shoot to the other side of the table. I instantly smirk in victory.

Sam was staring and her eyes was running up and down my body boldly. It was like she was marking out each spot she wanted to kiss. The clothes was only a tease of what she knew was underneath. I walk around the table to the other side where Austin is sitting. Everyone looks surprised. They are all so use to me sitting directly beside her.

My eyes finally take in the unwanted guest who seem to always be around. Tessa. She's sitting on the right of Sam and she's close. I clench my jaw and grab the wine glass before sipping slowly. "Hello everyone."

Sam clears her throat and speak first, "Miranda. Hey. I didn't know you would be here tonight."

"I can see you didn't." I reply smoothly. My eyes are directed only on her but I know everyone at the table know I'm referring to the unwanted guest at the table. Austin swallow most of his wine in fear and nerves. "I was just leaving work and thought it would be nice to stop by and see Nathalie."

Rose snorts and my eye catch hers instantly. She looks away with a cough and begin to stuff the bread in her mouth. Nathalie give Rose a concern look. I roll my eyes and begin to eat as if nothing is different and I'm unbothered.

Dinner is interesting in the least. I will have to admit that Nathalie has some very interesting friends. It would have been a pleasant evening if Tessa would have taped her mouth shut. I help Nathalie in the kitchen with dishes and make it my main mission to avoid Sam.

She had that we need to talk look on her face. "Wanna stay for game night."

"No, thank-you. I think dinner is enough." I reply. "How is school?"

"It's fine." Nathalie reply.

"And Rose?" I crinkle my nose. "How are you two?"

"Great." Nathalie eyes sparkle in this way that makes me smile. I loved seeing her happy even if her choice could be better. "We're going to her lake house next week."

"Send me the address."

"Mom." Nathalie laughs with a whine. "We will be fine. There is nothing to worry."

"Crazy people live in the trees." I instantly explain.

Nathalie only laughs at my explanation. The two of us finish the dishes and Nathalie soon disappears into the main room to play Just Dance. I grab my purse and head for the door but Sam stops me in the hallway.

"Hey." She smiles.

"Hello, Sam." I say.

Sam takes me in again and I can tell my perfume is hitting her nose. Her eyes linger on my chest and she looks up quickly and ask, "Are you leaving?"

"Yes. I don't have time for kiddy games." I crinkle my nose in disgust. I touch her collar and she leans into my touch as I fix her collar on her short sleeve shirt. "You should be studying." I tell her.

She pouts and it's like before I left with her so close to me. It's always so easy for us to be like this. "I'm tired of studying. My brain need to rest." She mutters leaning her forehead against mine but she stop herself and I look at her. We're close and breathing the same air. I could easily kiss her.

She pulls back to my displeasure. "Sorry." She run her fingers through her hair in frustration. "I'm not making this easy am I?'

"You're not, Sam." I wasn't either. I say to myself. I'm the one who planned this. I take her hand and give it a squeeze. "But, we don't have to change so much. We can do this without it being awkward all the time."

"Yeah?" Sam ask and her eyes are wide in excitement. "Cause' I want us all to hang out. I want you to be around."

"Like before?" I question with an arch of my eyebrow. I pull at the band of her blue jeans. She hold my hips and give me a grin. She pull my sneaky fingers away and I pout in protest.

"I'm not talking about movie nights." Sam chuckles. "We're doing well."

I shrug and lean against the door. "If you want couch adventures. I'm all yours."

Sam swallow and I see the struggle in her eyes. I chuckle and turn to walk out the door. She'll definitely break.

I head down to my car and someone catches my attention in the parking lot. It's Tessa. She's carrying a few books in her hand. "Sam wants to borrow these." She explains. "Leaving so soon?" She questions.

"Yes." I reply in a bored tone. "I have adult things to do."

She laughs, "Are you calling me a child."

I shrug my shoulders and walk around her. I had to be nice but that didn't mean I had to acknowledge her. The Mercedes beep as the doors unlock. As I grab the handle Tessa say, "Well then." She laughs. "How did it feel dating a child?"

"What?" I turn around and my entire body goes rigid.

"Sam." She chuckles. "We're around the same age." She wave her hands. "So, if I'm a child....Sam is too right." She finishes with a laugh.

I was not in a joking mood.

"What's your point, dear?" I hiss.

"Look. I'm not stupid. I can see ex-competition a mile away." Tessa speaks. "I know you're Sam ex who broke her into pieces. Rose gave enough hints to the unexplainable pop ups you like to do and Sam has millions of pictures of you two in a hidden folder on her laptop. Well." She pause. "It's not hidden well enough."

I chuckle. "Competition?" I open my door. "There is no competition. I can guarantee you Sam will be back in my bed sooner rather than later."

Tessa smirks enchantingly. "We will see Miranda Grayson." She then walk away with confidence. I roll my eyes and laugh to myself again. I dial a number on the phone and someone picks up, "Get me everything on Tessa Collins."

I get ready for bed that night and roll over pulling my favorite pillow towards my body. "Competition." I snorts to myself.