New Year's Kiss - 1. New Year's Kiss

I never really disliked anyone until I met Lauren Newberger. That’s not true. I liked Lauren maybe too much. When she was hired at our firm, I was immediately struck by beauty. She was the catalyst for my my sexual awakening, sadly. At 24, I never thought about men or women. I figured I was asexual and focused on getting through my undergrad then my masters and then my internship at the prestigious Waterson and Silverthorne architecture firm. My life was going to plan and all without a single kiss from an individual not in my immediate family. I was happy, well maybe a little lonely. I was at the very least content.

Everything changed on a Tuesday morning in September when Mr. Waterson Jr. sent me into the copy room to look for the new intern who had seemed to have gotten lost. I was annoyed that I was the one being sent to fetch the new intern when there was an intern standing right beside me. I was a junior associate now for goodness sakes. I plastered on a smile and turned on my heel as I tried to keep my ego in check. Mr Waterson Jr. had a habit of asking me to fetch things. Even when interns and his admin assistant was present. It irritated me.

I worked in a sprawling office and the copy room was a good five minutes from Mr. Waterson Sr’s office. I peaked my head in when I got to the door and I gasped. I honestly gasped. Her profile was in view and she was half bent over picking up a slew of papers that were all over the floor. She quickly pivoted and smoothed her skirt. She was the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen. What drew me in were her eyes, deep chocolate brown eyes. An eternity later, she smiled. Time slowed as she moved towards me.

“Hi I’m Lauren.” She held out her hand. My chest tightened as I shook. What was happening to me? I was mesmerized by her glossy blonde hair. She cleared her throat. Blushing I released her hand and remembered my manners.

“Hi Lauren, I’m Sienna…” I looked behind her at the scattered papers on the floor. Her smile faltered.

“Mark gave me a stack of papers to photocopy. I guess I lost the battle. I’m not usually this clumsy.” Her expression sheepish. I took in the scene. The rest of my coworkers was in the boss’s office, Mr. Waterson Sr. He had an announcement to make.

“Go to Mr Waterson Sr’s office I’ll tidy this up.” A look of alarm befell her pretty features.

“Are you sure?” I shrugged.

“Do you know the order they go in? Mark is very particular.” She sighed and her shoulders fell.

“It’s okay go.”

“Okay.” She nodded “she paused as she passed by me. She was very much in my personal space.

“You’re the first person to be nice to me today, let me buy you a beer after work.”

“Okay.” I didn’t drink ever but I guess I could always order a soda.

***

I waited for her at a bar two blocks away from the office. Today was an exciting day. Just as I walked into Mr. Waterson Sr’s office, I was lucky enough to catch the beginning of his long winded speech. Lauren was at the front of the crowd standing beside him. After his standard joke about his apologies about interrupting our very busy work day. He introduced Lauren. And that’s when the room went silent. Lauren is Mr Silverthorne’s daughter. The odd thing was I got the sense that she did not want the office to know this news as her face was bright pink during the introductions. After Mr. Waterson Sr. dismissed us. I couldn’t get close to her if I tried. Everyone in the office was crowded around offering her welcomes, no doubt in an attempt to make up for who they thought was just the lowly new intern.

No one noticed me as I made my way to my desk. I had a backlog of emails to open. I tried not to think about how my stomach flipped when Our eyes met from across the office. It was impossible not to.

“Hey you.” She sat across from me in the booth.

“Sienna.” I offered smiling of course I didn’t expect her to remember my name. Especially with all the new faces. She shrugged off her coat.

“I remember.” She chuckled a low and husky sound. “How could I forget the only genuine person I met all day.” I blushed, and she chuckled once more, softly. “You’re cute.” I averted my gazes as the heat intensified. “Sorry I’m a bit of a trouble maker but I’ll be good. Scouts Honour.” Her smile was so friendly I couldn’t help but return it.

“Hi Ladies.” Our waiter arrived at our table. He was handsome and only looking at her. She smiled a megawatt smile at him and placed her drink order. My heart thudded in my chest, they would probably be flirting if I wasn’t here.

“Are you okay?” She asked after he left. I nodded. “So how long have you been working for my dad?“ I took a sip of my rum and coke. I figured a little alcohol wouldn’t hurt.

“I joined the firm as an intern two years ago and I just recently became a junior associate.” She whistled.

“From intern to Junior in under three years that’s fast.” I Blushed then took a sip of my drink. Our waiter chose that moment to bring her drink.

“Let me know if you need anything else ladies.” He briefly acknowledged me. I nodded.

“By the way close your tab, I’m buying for the night. “I opened my mouth to protest but she shushed me. “Let me do this. It’s not often I come across someone who treats me like a real person especially in this industry.” Her features temporarily darkened before she smiled. “Now what are you drinking?” I told her and That’s how I ended up getting drunk after work on a Tuesday.

***

I called in sick the next day due to my splitting hangover. It would be my undoing. There was a big announcement at work that I had missed. It seemed pretty juicy based on the whispering around me when I got in the next day.

“Hey Stacy. What’s going on?” Stacy was the only person in the office I could stand. Stacy grimaced Lauren NewBerger is marrying Steven Waterson Jr. and to keep it all in the family they’re promoting her to senior associate and they’re giving her some of our clients.” Stacy lowered her voice. “Bill mentioned lay offs, so everyone is trying to land the next big project.” My blood ran cold why didn’t Lauren mention that? We discussed private information about some of my bigger projects and where I wanted to take them. Stacy winced as if reading my mind. “She took three of your clients, I’m sorry Sienna.” I swallowed slowly.

“Where is her office?”

“By Asad’s.”

“I don’t like that look in your eye.”

“I’m just going to talk to her.” I left her cubicle before she could persuade me otherwise.

***

I was so angry I didn’t bother knocking, big mistake. I pushed open the door and she was in the arms of Steven Waterson Jr. blow hard. She noticed me instantly and she pushed him off her. When he did turn around to face me a look of annoyance was etched into his features.

“May I Help you…?” He paused as if mentally reaching, after 2 and a half years he still couldn’t be bothered to remember my name. Even thought we were in the same master’s program and we technically started at the same time.

“Sienna.” I said coolly.

“Honey give us a minute.” He shrugged, Not caring. He pulled out his phone and slammed the door on his way out. She leaned against her desk that was already littered with files.

“Are you a spy?”

‘What?’ she looked amused. That was not the reaction I was going for. I crossed the floor and gestured wildly as I spoke.

“You poached my clients.” She grabbed my finger that was inches away from her face, I ignored the slight buzzing I felt go through me.

“Calm down.” Her eyes roamed my face. I couldn’t, my blood boiled.

“Who do you think you are? I have worked so hard; it took me ages to gain Mr. Donaldson’s trust. And now you just stroll in with your tight skirt and your pretty face.”

“You think I’m pretty?” I shook her hand away.

“You stole my clients, all three big ones.” I was exasperated. She said nothing for a few seconds and when she spoke, I had to strain to hear.

“I didn’t steal your clients. Mr Waterson Sr. liked the way they had been groomed and he thought they would be impossible to lose so he gave them to me. You should be proud. “I frowned. “If I had known about all of this, I never would’ve gone out with you. I never meant to lead you on.” I ignored the stinging in my chest.

“That’s why you didn’t tell me you were engaged to that asshole.” She froze and I knew I had revealed too much, gone too far.

“Why does that matter so much?” Her voice reminiscent of that husky laugh at the bar. My anger thawed and slithered out of me. In its place rose an appetite so pure. It filled me it took everything in me not to reach out and touch her. I wanted to kiss her. That was my problem. I spun on my heel and left.

***

For the next three months I kept my head down and focused on attracting new clients. At the end of the quarter in January the associate (Excluding Lauren) with the least amount of clients would be let go. The associate, this excluded the Watersons and again Lauren, with the most clients would be given a big fat bonus and a week at the big boss’s ski cabin. I desperately wanted that bonus. To my chagrin, Lauren was a good associate she kept my former clients happy not that I kept tabs on that or anything. It would’ve been easier to be mad if she was bad at her job.

“You going to the new years shin dig?” Stacy stood by my cubicle. I didn’t look up from my computer. I was working on a daft for a new client and the software was giving me trouble. Every year the office held a big New Year’s party. Mr. Waterson Sr. rented out a nice venue and there was always an open bar and each employee got a taxi chip. I’d never been in the past and this year was no exception.

“Nope.” And before she could ask why I spoke. “I don’t have a date, that means I’ll have no one to talk to all night. And before you say I’ll have you we both know you mean well but you’ll get distracted half way through the night.”

“What if I promised I’ll stick by you.”

“Stacy, you do this every year and I always so no. Why the persistence.”

“Because it’s fun and everyone deserves some fun.” I sighed. Stacy was a good person, that’s why I liked her. “You’ve been pretty down these last few months.” I nodded but said nothing. She sighed. Stacy was a pretty woman in the traditional sense. She had long auburn hair and bright green eyes. “What?” I felt like I was just noticing her for the first time and I was. She looked concerned.

“I’ll go.” Her eyes danced with excitement. “But you don’t have to stick with me all night.” She frowned.

“Unless I want to. Which I do.” I shrugged.

“I better get back to this.” She grinned. I turned back to my computer.

“The prize money is so yours. Just remember you promised to take me skiing.” I Shook my head. She jiggled her car keys as she left the building. I was already regretting my decision because I knew deep down the only reason why I wanted to go was to see Lauren Newberger before she became Mrs. Waterson. My heart sank the way it did every time I thought of that reality.

***

I owned one formal dress and it was black and short and more of a cocktail dress. I spent all of my hours leading up to the office New Year’s party working so I didn’t have time to shop for something else. When Stacy came to pick me up at 9pm I couldn’t help but notice the way she was looking at me. I decided to ignore it.

“Sienna, you look amazing.”

“Thanks, it’s mostly the dress.” I spent an extra long time fumbling with my seatbelt. She looked great herself. While I wore minimal make up and I had my dark hair down, it was usually up. Stacy had her hair pinned up in an elaborate style and her smoky eye made her eyes pop. She looked great and I told her so. The conversation quickly turned to work.

“Bill’s pretty sure he’s won the prize but I have my money on you.” I laughed.

“Bill’s a good Junior associate.”

“You’re better.” Her eyes lingered before she turned back to the road. I flushed. The attention felt nice but it wasn’t who I wanted it from.

I disappeared into the washroom as soon as we got to the venue. I was overwhelmed by her attention. I just needed a minute. There were about twenty architects on staff at Waterson and Silverthorne. Assuming everyone who was invited came including the interns and HR and finance staff and everyone’s plus one, there was probably 80 people in this room. I felt better when I spotted the emergency exits. I made a mental note and went to find Stacy. Stacy wasn’t hard to find but she was in the middle of a group soaking up the attention like a sponge. I decided I didn’t really want to be a part of that scene. I got myself some non-alcoholic punch and stood in the corner watching the festivities. I had been there for an hour and I had yet to see her and her fiancé. What am I doing? She no longer acknowledges my existence. Since the day I embarrassed myself in her office we’ve been avoiding each other steadfastly. It was easy since she mostly had nothing to do with me anyway just the occasional email about my former clients. Sadly, I looked forward to those. She always updated me on how they were doing. I didn’t understand her.

I put my paper cup up to my lips just as she entered the room. With Jr. of course. She looked stunning in a floor length black dress that twinkled like the night sky. Immediately her eyes met mine. I flushed, as moved from my spot and headed to the washroom. I was washing my hands and cursing myself for coming here when I heard the door open. I barely hid my surprise when she entered the washroom.

‘’Meet me by the valet in five minutes.” She whispered and then she was gone.

***

I felt stupid. I had already been waiting 20 minutes and I was starting to get frustrated. Just when I was ready to pull out my taxi chip and call it a night a very swanky limousine pulled up beside me even before she rolled down the window, I knew it was her. She motioned for me to get in after a few moments. I looked around. It was 11pm and the party was in full swing, the coast was clear. The seats were amazing, soft like butter. I almost forgot my purpose.

“I’m sorry. I Shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.” The driver rolled up the patrician and Lauren turned on the overhead light. She pushed a button on the armrest then spoke.

“John, please drive around the block.” She spoke once the limo started moving.

“I deserved it.” She turned to look at me and I felt transparent. “No one’s ever spoken to me like that before other than my father. I should be the one apologizing to you.” I blushed looking away. This isn’t exactly how I thought this conversation would go. “I didn’t mention my fiancé because we have an arrangement.”

“Arrangement?”

“An open relationship that up until this point it only benefited him.”

“Why are you marrying him?” The question slipped out before I could pull it back in.

“I promised my father.” I rolled my eyes.

“Seriously?”

“It’s complicated but yes.” I sighed. We were both quiet. She looked at her watch 11:10. “I have to be back soon.” I nodded. There was so much I wanted to say. Lauren I can’t stop thinking about you. Lauren your beautiful. Lauren dump that asshole and be with me. Instead I turned to her and said.

“You look really nice Lauren, and thanks for taking care of my clients.” She smiled sheepishly.

“You are so cute.” My heart fluttered. “You should go.” She took another look at her watch.

“I’ve never done this before and I know it’s not midnight but I figure since I waited so long I might as well…” I was babbling and she was looking at me quizzically. I stopped talking and I leaned forward and brought my lips to hers. Her lips were deliciously soft. A sound I didn’t recognized escaped me as her hands played my sides. This was dangerous. She tasted like champagne and sweetness and I wanted more. The rational side of my brain was dead. I wanted to stay in this limo all night and see where this takes us. She pulled away. We were panting.

“You Should go.” My heart stuttered. I wanted to protest. I Looked at her molten eyes and her swollen lips.

“Okay.” I exited the limo and called a cab as the limo sped away.

***

I didn’t know what to do. I liked her and I was pretty sure she liked me but she was engaged. I sat on my bed still in my party dress, in the dark. I sighed I was being dramatic. I just needed to put this behind me and move on. I perked up at the sound of the door bell, turning on the light in the hallway as I got to the door. I looked through the peephole. My heart stopped it was her. A quick glance at the clock read 11:58. Fuck. I opened the door.

“I wanted to deliver your prize in person.” Stacy was probably texting me, I had turned off my phone when I got home.

“Oh.” My voice was flat she held an envelope in her hand with a check no doubt.

“You’re not happy?” I shrugged

“Of course I am.” She took a step further towards me. She was very close. “How did you find out where I live?”

“I looked you up, after our fight. To apologize.” I noted that she remembered. She blushed. “It’s almost midnight.” I looked at the clock 30 seconds. It took me a nano second to realize her body was pressed against mine another to feel her lips. I was dumbfounded but my body wasn’t. I was kissing her back at first on autopilot and then with everything and it felt damn good. A bunch of loud pops and sizzles exploded above us. We ignored it. The frat boys that rented the house beside me were letting off some fireworks and at that moment everything was right in the world.

I took her skiing. Well actually she took me skiing since it was her father’s cabin. It was a bliss filled week and we indulged in things I never knew I wanted to indulge in. The week ended far too soon and without her mentioning it I knew it would be our little secret. I was crushed. She married him a month later and their honeymoon lasted six weeks. Looking at her golden tanned skin, was unbearable. I thought about quitting my job. Anything to end this misery. Of course I didn’t quit. A promotion came with that prize money and ski holiday. Plus where would I go? Technically I had a lot of prospects since I was the youngest senior associate at the firm.

“You okay?” Stacy sat on the edge of my desk. I told her I was taking my mom on the ski vacation to get out of taking her.

“Yep.” I sending an email to a client.

“You seem…”she trailed off. I pressed send.

“I seem…?”

“Sad.” So it was noticeable. I’d never felt heavier in my life. I shrugged and smiled. The love of my life married a jerk and I see them every day. If I stay here they’re slated to be my bosses. I decided then that I would quit. I was smart and capable and I deserved better.

“Thanks Stacy.”

“Huh, for what?”

“For helping me realize how great I am.”

“I’m not sure how that happened, but you are great.”

***

It was late but I wanted to tie up as many loose ends as possible before I gave my two weeks notice. I dropped off a report on Asad’s desk. Her light was still on. I took a breath and squared my shoulders before knocking lightly.

“Come in.” Her voice seemed soft and far away in the empty office. I locked the door behind me. “Hey I had a feeling I’d be seeing you.” I tried not to think about her body wrapped around mine and the taste of her lips. I needed to do this for my health, I needed to quit. “What’s Wong?” My mother always said my face said more than my mouth ever did. She got up from behind the desk. I blinked and she was holding my waist.

“Do you love him?” She blinked. Her face froze.

“That’s not important Sienna. I promised my father,” she looked away “he’s sick.” She choked out. My heart bled for her. Mr. Silverthorne hired me three years ago and I always admired his work ethic. No one dared gossip about his absence. The assumption was he was gearing up to retire and Steven Waterson Jr. was being groomed to take his place.

“I'm sorry. But how long will you live an unhappy life for him?” She took a step back and her features hardened. “Lauren,” I stepped toward her. “I can’t watch this anymore. It hurts too much.”

“What are you going to do?” She exhaled. I took a step forward. We were inches apart.

“I’m quitting come with me.”

She looked away. When she faced me again a tear had stained her cheek. I wiped it away.

“I can’t.” I nodded. I felt numb.

“I’m giving my notice on Monday.” It was her turn to nod. She understood the open invitation. I didn’t cry when I left her office or when I got back to my desk and packed up my stuff. I saved all my tears for the shower that night. Ugly sobs wracked my body as I thought about how she’d rather be unhappy than be with me.

***

On Monday I gave my two weeks notice. Mr. Waterson Sr expressed his regret. Jr didn’t care and Lauren, I tried not to look at her. My last two weeks at the firm were the lightest they had ever been in terms of work load. As the days grew closer to my end date, I felt lighter as well. On my last day my coworkers threw a surprise party for me. Mr. Waterson Sr. told me in a speech in front of the whole office that I was always welcome here. I tried not to look at her. When Stacy found out about my resignation, she tried to talk me out of it but at the party she told me I looked happier than I had in months.

My life sucked. I’d been rejected in a major way but I went from someone who had never been kissed to someone who was willing to put themselves out there. I wasn’t happy not really. I was miserable but at the end of the day I had loved. Despite it being short lived and filled with pain I would do it again and again because maybe in another life she would have me.

The End?