This Means War

6| Godzilla The Feminist And A Misogynist

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Nathaniel had gone to receive Daniel and because I had been avoiding him like the plague I decided to prep for Daniel and Enrique at the construction site instead. Just walking back into the old museum significantly lifted my mood, I admired it for an appropriate amount of time before setting off to work. Setting up a portable table I laid out the necessary files and blueprints. It would be efficient to finalise each element of the designs while working through them during this meeting. This would allow us to limit confusion and to keep everyone on the same page regarding changes and concerns. We were ahead of schedule, which gave us some slack if any unforeseen problems were to arise.

My mind wondered through a series of topics, zoning out completely as I dove into work. The sound of echoing voices broke my laser focus. My eyes met Nathaniel's instantaneously, regardless of being behind the impressive builds of both Enrique and Daniel my gaze was instinctively drawn to him first.

I expected to see anger in those stormy grey eyes of his, but there wasn't any, well not for me at least. There was vague irritation knitting his brows, directed towards our enigmatic client. "Nancy." Daniel greeted, pulling me into a quick sideways hug he continued with the conversation he was having with Enrique. Both Nathaniel and I fell behind, neither of us making an attempt to walk any faster. I glanced at him once before eyeing the floor.

When the silence between us inevitably became unbearable I picked up the pace, opting for distance. Before I could fall into line with Daniel, he caught my wrist and pulled me back with a soft tug. When Enrique and Daniel had moved out of hearing range Nathaniel finally looked at me. Twisting my hand in his grip, I attempted to free my hand. "Let go..." I whispered, through gritted teeth. Releasing me, he pushed his fingers through his hair roughly before sliding the hand down his face. I turned to leave when he caught my wrist again.

"Yesterday...I." He stopped and I clenched my jaw, shaking out of his grip. "I was out of line...both times." He didn't elaborate, he simply moved around me and continued to the table I'd set up. I stood there blinking, stunned for several long moments. Had hell bloody frozen over? Did the devil's fucking paisan just attempt an apology? I fucking cured him! The snarky woman in my head fell into an arm chair, crossing a leg over the other. Slumping back into the seat, she dusted her shoulders.

Had my singular slap really reeducated the angriest young man, this side of the hemisphere? Although a decent start, I no where near counted that as an acceptable amount of groveling. You couldn't really class what he'd said as an apology at all, it was simply a statement. We both knew he was out of line, but apparently being so still hadn't been enough to warrant an actual 'sorry, I'm such a prick'. Regaining my equilibrium, I pushed the abnormal exchange to the back of my mind. Making my way to the table I proceeded to ignore Nathaniel's presence all together.

"Charlie has a way of reading people, basically she took everything that inspires you and embedded it in the design." I smiled at how fervently Daniel praised Charlie; without doubt she deserved it. With a nod Enrique agreed. "She thought it'd be classier to keep the gold veined marble floors. That'll be slightly problematic with the kitchen installation, but ultimately it'll be more beneficial." He explained.

Daniel held his hand out for the floor plans and I handed him the file. Despite my commendable efforts, it was hard to stay focused with Nathaniel's relentless stare setting my skin on fire. I didn't know how he'd expected me to react, not like he gave you longer than a millisecond to do so. My subconscious pointed out. "What do you think Nancy?"

"Huh?" Looking down at the opened file I took a gamble and nodded. "I think, it's...perfect?" I stated unsure, it seemed more like a question. Chucking nervously I cleared my throat, then decided to go with something noncommittal. Shrugging, I tossed my head like a near rabid animal. Daniel's jaw dropped. I was almost too afraid to look at Nathaniel's reaction. Alas I did anyway, I must truly be a gluten for punishment. Clenching his jaw he glared at me like I'd just blown the entire deal. Swallowing, I dropped my head.