Prodigal Son

Chapter 8

Felicity headed to the executive floor while Oliver went with Lynn from Human Resources. She'd fill out her own paperwork later. As she exited the elevator, her beloved espresso machine called to her, but out of habit, she glanced toward the clear walled offices to see if Moira was in or not. It was at least an hour early for Mrs. Queen but someone was already in. At first Felicity assumed it was Priya, getting in early on her first day back, but Thea's petite stature gave her away.

That was another disadvantage of glass walls. While you could see who was lying in wait, they could see you at the same time. Felicity braced herself as Thea came at her like a guided missile.

"Felicity!"

At least no one else was around to witness what was likely to be a scene. Felicity crossed her arms in front of her chest and waited. She'd taken Moira's advice and hadn't tried to contact Thea since Saturday night. Not texting or leaving a message to explain hadn't been easy at first, but as Sunday wore on, she grew more convinced it was the right thing to do. She hadn't done anything wrong—even including Saturday's kiss.

And besides, if Thea avoided her because she was mad, then maybe Thea wouldn't realize how much Oliver was avoiding her.

Thea strode down the hallway like she owned it. Which, yeah, she kind of did.

"There you are! About time you got here," she grumbled.

"Thea, I'm an hour early. If you are going to come to where I work...where I used to work, just to yell at me then I'm...umpf."

Thea propelled herself forward into a hug.

"I was such a bitch. I'm so, so sorry."

Surprised, but relieved, Felicity hugged her back.

"Can you forgive me? All the stuff with Ollie caught me off guard and I took everything way too personal and no matter how it sounded or looked I never should have jumped to conclusions. Can we talk?"

"Apology accepted. Yes, we should talk, but first, come on. I need my caffeine fix. You can tell me more about how sorry you are while I get what might be the last good coffee I don't have to pay for."

Thea halted and looked horrified. "Oh God, the Breville Barista BES870XL! You talked about it for a month after it arrived. But that's not right. You love that machine! How are you holding up?"

"It's minute by minute."

"God, I really wasn't thinking at all. I know you'd never stab me in the back, but if you had, you would have at least made sure the espresso machine left with you."

"Damn right."

They caught up a little more over coffee with Thea insisting on taking her to lunch later in the day to cap off the apology tour. Felicity worried it would go back to being awkward when she told Thea she didn't have her car since she'd ridden in with Oliver. It did get a bit awkward but not in the way she'd expected.

"Bitch or not for saying it how I did, you really do have my blessing if you want to use Oliver to end your dry spell. In fact, he might be the perfect choice. God, he was a man whore, but apart from Laurel when he ran off with Sara, none of the women he juggled ever seemed to mind.

"Your brother and I..."

"Let me stop you right there. None of it is actually my business. From here out, you have my blessing but God, spare me the details? Ok? So I'll pick you up for lunch at 12:30. Tell Oliver he's welcome to come along."

"I think he may already have plans," she hastily mumbled.

"If so, I'll pump you for information about what's going on in his broken brain."