I've Changed

11. a plant died

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"AHHH," the distinctive sound of Malcom's scream echoes down the hall.

My head lifts up from my computer.

3...2...1...

Malcom skids to a stop at my door. I fold my hands, resting my chin on top of them, as I wait for the grand news he's about to spill.

"YOU DID WHAT?!" He pants, closing the door behind him before strutting towards me.

I lean back in my chair, and shrug. "Sofie told you?" His neck veins protrude. "Of course she did."

He rushes around my desk and embraces me. My face contorts into disturbed. In addition, the extra squeals and shaking side-to-side doesn't make me feel any better either.

"Omg! It was the hottest thing I've heard. It was like listening to a romance audiobook."

"Not surprised about this reaction," I roll my eyes the same time he pulls away.

Last night was purely for everyone's entertainment, mine included. I didn't want to get involved, but it was honestly satisfying messing with Cassidy. As much as Jae thinks it was a simple favor, I intentionally humiliated the girl. For once, I had the opportunity to prove to her that she couldn't get everything she wanted.

"Did you get a reaction from him?" I don't have time to respond because he squeals again. "I knew it!" It doesn't surprise me that he does. I don't need to explain further since he probably knows every detail already.

He bothers me with more questions. I give him clipped answers in return, however, they don't appease him enough.

"Don't you have a party to plan?" I attempt to distract him.

"Yes!" That does the trick. "Thanks for reminding me. That's why I'm here actually," for a second I believe he's responsible in his job. Instead, all hopes die down as soon as he closes my laptop. "What are you wearing to the ball?"

"I don't know. It's in a few weeks—"

"Exactly," he says. "It's too soon for you to have a response like 'I don't know'. I need color palettes, fabric, lengths, anything of the sort."

"I don't care what I wear." I sigh, opening my laptop back up. "Even though it's a party, we're still working."

"So," He scoffs. "As you exploit the men there, you need to look good while doing it."

"Malcom."

He rolls his eyes, and rotates his finger beside his head, "One of my many fantasies. Don't mind me."

I take a folder from the corner of my desk, and hand it to him. "Do me a favor and give this to Russo." When he doesn't budge, I stand and usher him out of my office myself.

"Make sure to send a picture of your dress—" I close the door at the end of his sentence.

Some days, I'm lucky. I can go the whole shift without Malcom pestering me about gossip. Don't get me wrong, I like to indulge in shit-talk from time to time, but I have a job to do as well.

I glance at the clock, noticing I'm minutes before the end of the day. I take Malcom's unexpected visit as a sign to go home. I don't want to handle anymore nonsense that this day will bring.

I organize my desk, and pack all my stuff. I'm all prepared and desperate to leave until my phone rings. When I take it out, my heart fails me.

I haven't seen the name in years. Although I'm part to blame, the fact I should've deleted it a long time ago. I've accumulated a lot of numbers to a point where I got no time to go through them. Hence, seeing the contact 'Jae<3' once again, recalls the memories I've thrown to the back of my mind.