Chapter 8 - Butterflies and Getaways

Over the next couple of weeks, Kiara kept her head down and focused on work. She found herself staying back late most nights to help Eric with whatever he needed. The two often had Indian or Chinese takeaway together on the floor of Eric's office. Tonight, they were having burgers.

"I'll go and grab the food," Kiara said as she started walking away. 

"Wait - take the company card!" Eric called out. Kiara turned back to get the card as Eric ran up to meet Kiara. They collided into each other and fell to the floor with a loud thud. 

"I'm so sorry, are you okay?" Eric asked as he helped Kiara get back up. 

Before Kiara could reply, Michael stormed over and shouted, "What the hell is going on here?"    

Both Kiara and Eric stood sheepishly looking like two teenagers caught in a compromising position. Eric spoke up. "Sorry for causing any disturbance, we just had an accident."

Michael narrowed his eyes and glared at Kiara. "I don't want to hear a peep out of you two again." Even though it was directed at the both of them, Kiara couldn't help but feel that Michael's warning was meant especially for her. Kiara hoped that she didn't just end up in  Michael's bad books. 

"Why don't we go out for dinner tonight, instead of just getting takeaway?" Eric suggested as Michael walked away. 

Kiara straightened up her blazer and nodded eagerly. 

--- a couple of hours later ---

Kiara left the restaurant later that night with a big smile plastered on her face and butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't help but replay Eric's laugh over and over in her mind on her journey home. 

As soon as she walked in the door to the apartment, Jackson called out to her. "Kiara! Come join us!"

Kiara went into the dining room to find Jackson, Jasmine, James, Laurie and Brianna having dinner. "So... another late night at work?" Jasmine questioned playfully. 

"Well, Eric and I just went out for dinner tonight actually, we didn't end up working late." 

Jasmine pulled a suggestive face at Kiara whilst a shadow passed over Jackson's face. Kiara ignored both of them and sat down at the table. 

"So what have you guys been up to?" Kiara tried to change the subject. 

"Well," Brianna started. "Laurie and I convinced the gang to come with us to Sulani for a little beach getaway."

"You should come too, Kiara. Tell Eric you need a day off next Monday," Laurie said. 

A day off? Kiara thought. I haven't even been at Kerr Industries for a month... I can't ask for time off. Plus, I'll never be able to afford the type of holiday they're planning to have anyway. 

As if Laurie had read her mind, he continued. "Eric won't mind, trust me. And all expenses are paid for except for your flights so it won't be that expensive anyway."

"Come on Kiara, don't be a party pooper," Jasmine pleaded.

Everyone turned to face Kiara, curious to see what she would say. "Um, I don't know... It sounds really fun and I would love to go but I need to think about it..." 

Brianna scowled and pulled out her phone. A couple of seconds later, she squealed, "Too late! I've just booked your flight - you're locked in!"

Everyone started to laugh and cheer. Kiara tried to force a smile but she couldn't help thinking: why are Brianna and Laurie forcing everyone to come on their holiday? 

Next →