Chapter 37: Neighbours and concerns.

KIKI.

I laughed settling down beside her. She was glowing, smiling ever so brightly. I hadn't seen her in a few days but here we were.

“I couldn't believe it when my name was called. The excitement just came from nowhere.” Gace, my petite elderly neighbor told me. She wasn't old, maybe in her early forties but we were good friends. Very close one.

“So, I started to work for them. It's been nice so far.” She smiled.

“I can see that. You have been on about this for some time now.” I smiled and she nodded.

She picked a cookie from the cookie box on her lap and handed it to me. “So, what about you? What have you been up to? And how's Claire?” She asked me.

The name mentioned made a wave of sadness wash over me like the sea. It felt like yesterday when I had caught them together. The hurt was fresher and more painful.

“She should be fine, I guess.” I shrugged, not wanting to talk about her. Grace sensed the hesitation in my voice so she put down the cookie box to stare me fully in the eye.

She understood me. Always sensing easily whenever something was wrong. Nature made it easier for her, she was my neighbor.

“What happened? Did something happen? Is she fine?” She queried, concern laced in her tone. I smiled.

“Grace, don't worry about her. I'm sure she is fine.”I told her. When I saw the questioning look on her face, I decided to tell her. “I was suspended at work cos I came late.” I let out.

Grace gasped, her eyes widening.

“Are you serious?”

“ Yeah. Sam suspended me because I refused to sleep with him. I didn't give two flying fucks. That was his problem.” I mumbled chewing on my cookie. She sighed still alarmed.

“So, on the day I was to resume, some people of authority came in. Actually, on the day I was suspended, the big boss, Calisto's second son arrived to refurbish that branch. He spoke to us, asking about our complaints and all_.”

“I hope you told him all that Sam was putting you through?” Grace interrupted me, eyes wide with concentration.

“Of course, I did. So, when I came back from my suspension, he was gone.” I snapped my fingers for more effect. “The big boss fired him for misappropriation. I was kinda guilty but I'm past that now. He got what was coming for him.”

“Apparently.” She butted in again.

“Then, I got called up to the big boss's office and got offered this ridiculous promotion to work as an EA. I was wary that he wanted to have me, so, I rejected it and walked out of the damn office.” I stopped talking to chuckle at her widened eyes. “So, I decided to pay Julian a surprise visit. When I stepped in, I caught him tangled up in sheets with Claire, my supposedly best friend. So, she's fine.” I told her.

Grace gasped, shocked.

I was shocked by Grace. I never expected such from her.

“Did you beat her up?” She inquired. I laughed, shaking my head. “Of course not. I was even too broken. And well, Julian called the security on me before I could do much anyway.” I informed her.

“So, this broken girl went to the club, got flirted with, danced and got drunk, and was almost raped on her way home but was saved by the big boss,” I concluded in a rush.

“Awww, my baby.” Her eyes went misty and she pulled me into a comforting hug.

“I'm fine now, Grace. I wasn't but I'm good now.” I informed her.

“I'm so sorry I wasn't here.” She pursed.

“It's fine. I took up the job and now, the miscreants of a boss keep frustrating me. It's difficult keeping up with him.” I groaned. She let me go.

“How?”

“Tons of work to do. He calls me before I even get a chance to get any work done. He picks on me every single time and complains about everything I do. Even when I try my best to help out.”

“Like, today. He was in a meeting, I was there too. It was obvious that he couldn't persuade his investor so, I butted in and won the old man over to his side. Instead of him appreciating my efforts, he yelled at me, dampening my spirit.” I told her, hissing loudly.

“That ingrate!” I added.

“He is making me feel dumb.”

“You are not dumb, Kiki.” She took my hand. “You are one of the smartest people I know. He is your boss. He just needs a little getting used to me. Although, he sounds grumpy to me.” She told me.

“He is grumpy.” I deadpanned and she smiled.

“No matter how grumpy he is, I know you can handle him Kiki.” She smiled.

“Maybe I can. I'm so tired even though I still have to pack up my suitcase. He has a business meeting in Miami and I have to come with him.” I informed her.

“Oh, Miami.” She smiled. “Make sure to visit the beach.” I chuckled.

“If time permits me. Is it okay if you watch over Jojo for those few days? I know it's your off days and I shouldn't be bothering you...” She didn't let me finish before she hit me across my thighs.

“You are not bothering me Kiki. I always love having Jojo around. He is a good boy and you know how much I love him. That shouldn't bother you at all. I've got it all covered.” She smiled. I cooed.

"Thanks, Grace," I mumbled before pulling her in for a hug. When I let her go, she picked up the cookie box and handed it to me.

“Let's call it a night. You have some packing to do.” She told me and I nodded.

“Yes, ma'am.” I nodded. She got up from the space she's been sitting on, flashed me a smile, and crossed over to her apartment. As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel grateful that she was in my life. She was one of the most important people in my life.

And I would always cherish the bond we share.