“Then, go and work. And leave me alone.” Scott said sternly.
“Alright.” Jacob pouted his lips and left Scott’s office reluctantly. Jacob was bright and clever. He did his work well and efficiently, and usually with fun. He was rarely a serious person.
It might seem to people that he never cared about his work but spent too much time having fun. The fact was that the departments that he was in charge of were all running well, and there had never been any problems since Jacob took over. That was the reason why he was assigned such an important position at an early age, and no one would ever judge or complain.
Whatever he wanted to do, he did it well and fast.
After leaving Scott’s office and feeling bored, Jacob wandered about and got to the floor where Jodie’s office was.
He happened to spot Jodie going into the lift carrying some documents. Jacob hurried and followed her in. He stood next to her and looked her up and down before he commented, “Hey, Jodie, aren’t you a bit too boyish? Your style isn’t Scott’s cup of tea at all, I have to say.”
Jodie simply saw Scott as her boss, and when Sean, Scott, and Jacob hung out after work, she would sometimes join them. But Jodie didn’t really know Scott very well personally, and neither was she interested.
“It’s none of your business what my style is! And why would I care how Scott thinks?!” Jodie retorted.
“Huh.” Jacob sneered. “But seriously, you should go and work for your uncle instead.”
“Seriously, you are really annoying!” Jodie rolled her eyes at him.
“Just in case you don’t know, those that wanted to get close to Scott have all got fired. If I were you, I wouldn’t even think about it.”
“Think about what?! You are ridiculous!” Jodie stared at him with her eyes wide open. “Scott is a great guy, but it doesn’t mean that he is every woman's cup of tea.!” Jodie emphasized the last three words intentionally and mockingly.
“Aha! Who’s your cup of tea then?” Jacob teased.
Jodie suddenly grew alert. That she loved Sean was a secret. She couldn’t even tell Sean’s parents, let alone anyone else. “It’s none of your business. Actually, I’m thinking you care a lot about Scott, don’t you? Do you fancy him yourself? Ha-ha.” Jodie teased back.
Jacob almost gasped. “Don’t be ridiculous! Scott is my best friend!” He retorted instantly.
“I mean, look at you. You are quite a pretty boy. You and Scott can actually be a good couple. Ha-ha. Well, only if he fancies you as well.”
Jacob gnashed his teeth in anger and frustration. For a few seconds, he couldn’t find a word to retort. The lift stopped; the door opened, and Jodie walked out without taking another look at Jacob.
Left alone in the lift, Jacob heaved a sigh and closed his eyes. Jodie didn’t really mean what she said, but she had spoken the truth accidentally. Since he was a teenage boy, Jacob had realized that he fancied Scott. He had even dreamed of kissing him. For all these years, he had been trying so hard to keep it a secret. Even when he was drunk, he would still restrain the thought of telling Scott and the desire to kiss him.
He had also assisted in firing the girls that tried to get close to Scott. Scott is mine and mine only. He thought.
However, when Sol came into Scott’s life, Jacob was heart-broken. It took him a long time to accept, and when Sol disappeared, he saw hope again till Brianna showed up, who looked just like Sol. By now, he had accepted that Brianna and Sophia could be close to Scott, but not anyone else.
***
Scott called for Levi, and Levi came in. “Yes, Mr. Scott Anderson?”
“Ask her to come here,” Scott said plainly.
Brianna arrived quickly, knocked at the door, and went in. “What can I do for you, Mr. Scott Anderson?”
“You are late today.”
“Yes. I have a cold.”
“Does that mean you are allowed to be late for work?”
Brianna apologized quickly, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I won’t displease you again. I was stupid...”
Scott seemed to feel better hearing Brianna’s apology. He finally took a look at her.
“Will you, err, will you find me?” Brianna asked tentatively.
“What do you think?”
“How about I make it up? I can do something for you.”
“Like what?”
Brianna looked around and said, “I can clean and tidy the office, make tea or coffee...”
“Think of something that you can do, not something that everyone can do.” Scott cut her short.
Brianna blushed and said, “Sleep with you?”
Scott almost spilled his tea on hearing so. He stared at her, then looked her up and down and said, “I didn’t know you can be funny. Ha-ha. Do you think you are extraordinarily good in bed?”
Brianna pouted her lips and pondered. “Aha, how about a dessert? I can make you a dessert.”
Scott knitted his brows and had a look at his watch. “It’s almost lunchtime, and you are making my dessert?”
“Ah. Then, I can cook lunch for you!” Brianna exclaimed, then she hesitated, “But, but will you go back to Home for Sol for lunch?”
“Here is fine.”
“Huh?”
“There’s a small kitchen next to the massage room now. You will take care of my lunch from now on, by the way. I expect lunch to be ready within forty minutes.” Scott said plainly.
“Yes, Mr. Scott Anderson.” Brianna hurried into the kitchen. Though it was nothing like the kitchen at Home for Sol in terms of space and equipment, it had everything needed, and it was spotless.
With limited time, Brianna thought sandwiches and juice would be a good idea. Within half an hour, she had prepared the classic club sandwiches, and avocado juice nicely presented. To make it more interesting and pleasing to the eye, she had carved a few delicate roses out of an apple and placed them around the plate.