Emancipation

fourteen

He's taking over the CEO position. Last night at dinner he told me that the paperwork was done and on Friday, he'll officially be joining as Chief Executive Officer. I think for the first time around him I smiled genuinely. Because he's so deserving of it and I am so happy that he's getting something he's been looking forward to since years, according to what my mother told me.

"I'm thinking a party would be nice, Friday night?" He asked me last night and I immediately agreed.

Because it definitely called for celebration. Mrs. George was just as excited at the mention of party. She told me they already had a caterer that they usually hired for parties, so I just had to approve of the menu. The catering company did all the work of arranging things from the scratch so I just told Mrs. George to overlook everything.

"Have you picked out a dress for tomorrow?" My mother asks me on the call as I'm pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

I went for a run today in the evening because I really needed some physical activity to keep me going. I used to go for evening walks but I think I should step it up a little. There's a bead of sweat on my eyebrow while my hair are up in a high ponytail.

"No, but I can FaceTime you tonight and you can help?" I offer.

"I already knew the answer. What about the black long dress you have? You haven't worn that once since you got it." She scolds and I roll my eyes.

"Yes, Mum. But it's back at home, remember? I still haven't got a lot of my stuff."

"Jeremy can drop it tomorrow morning, it's not an issue. I'll ask him to carry the rest of the boxes too." She says and I sip on the juice.

"Yes, sounds good. Hair up or down?" I ask as I make my way to the stairs to head up to my room to take a shower so that I can have dinner in comfort.

"Down, always down."

We talk for another five minutes as I reach my room and finish the orange juice. I really want to wear sweatpants to dinner but I know that won't go well at the dining table with Chloe making one remark or the other. So I pull out a pair of white leggings and black tunic.

I pull over my sweaty t-shirt and throw it in the laundry basket before collecting a towel and opening the door to the bathroom to start the shower. Just a second later the other door shoots open and I freeze in my track.

His emerald eyes meet mine in surprise and I open my mouth to speak but just stare at him. He's wearing a blue shirt, the few top buttons unbuttoned enough to give a peek of his chest and he's wearing gray slack pants. He must've just come back from the office. When our eyes meet again I notice that his eyes are raking over my body, making me realise that I'm standing in tights and sports bra, topless!

"I-um, was just going to take a shower." I speak up, my fingers fumbling with the towel as I try so hard to not stare at his chest.

"Yeah, so was I." He breathes, his eyes finally coming up to my face.

"You can go first." I say, turning around to leave the bathroom because I'm way too embarrassed and I'm sure my cheeks are heated enough to turn into a tomato.

"It's okay. You were here first. I'll leave you to it." He mumbles, making me face him and his eyes seem to be caught upon my torso. "Just don't use all the hot water."

I nod, my fingers shaking a little as he moves out and I lock the door behind him before keeping my forehead against it, breathing out a relieved breath.

That was... awkward.

I quickly take a shower, making sure to not use the hot water before drying myself. I want to tell him it's vacant for him to use so I just knock on the door that connects to his bedroom, holding onto the towel around my body like my life depends upon it.