Chapter 74 - I ? U I Do 7:BINGO (1/2)

”Big Sis, can you get a grip of yourself?” Jay stated as he eyed his senior disapprovingly though he was actually worried.

He was holding an improvised ice pack against Marian's forehead since she just ran against the glass partition of their respective working areas.

”I know you're a little broken-hearted but I think that's not an excuse to ram yourself against walls. That's your third time today.”

”Who the heck's broken-hearted?” Marian retorted grumpily as she reached out and punched Jay's gut, making him grunt but the latter continued to hold the icepack.

”See? You're in the denial stage,” he interjected and this time, she raised a foot and aimed a kick at her colleague's leg, making the latter step back. ”Well, violence is a form of emotional release too though I'm not happy it's aimed at me.”

”Jay Co, I'm not violent!” she hissed as she grabbed the icepack and held it against her forehead herself. ”Go back to your table. The boss might come out at any time and see us together. I don't want to get punished again because of his jealousy,” she said with a scowl marring her beautiful face, and Jay sighed.

”You know what Big Sis, until now I don't see the basis for your 'conclusion',” the young man said wearily.

Jay had long since given up trying to reason to his senior but he couldn't help but do that now since it was really idiotic. Where Marian got the impression that their boss was gay and in love with him, the secretary had no idea.

The first time he heard about it, he'd been so shocked that the food he was holding fell on the floor. He felt bad about that the whole day. It was such a waste. Of course, he didn't believe what his big sister said. In fact, the secretary had a hunch that if the president had someone he liked among the two of them romantically, it would be her, the idiotic Marian.

Upon hearing her supposition, Jay started to think about it too. Remembering events; the president always breaking up their conversation, suddenly giving them errands to run when they get too close, the president's impromptu trip to France with Marian in tow, and the lavish shopping for clothes, the secretary had to agree that the president must indeed like one of them.

It wasn't Jay though and only a stupid person wouldn't realize it after considering all the facts he had enumerated.

Too bad his big sister was one big idiot and he'd been forever trying to tell her that, but the latter was adamant that Jay was the one Liam liked. Marian got it into her head too that she'd be somehow punished if she was chummy with the secretary in front of the president. To keep world peace, he agreed not to talk to her much when their boss was around.

”Just quit it junior. I don't want to talk about it okay?” Marian said as she pouted.

She was trying hard to autopilot since she'd never been heartbroken before, she had no idea how to cope with her feelings. She was able to do all her errands and other things, but it seemed sidestepping walls wasn't part of the Autobot program.

”I don't want to talk about it,” she repeated, this time softer as her eyes saddened. She didn't know why but she felt like wanting to cry.

”Hey, are you okay?” Jay asked apprehensively. He really thought his big sis was out of it. ”I think you should go home and rest,” he commented as he took in Marian's tried and defeated expression. ”I'm sure boss wouldn't mind letting you go for the day,” he added just as the door to the inner office opened.

”Oh, I wouldn't mind it at all just as long as somebody would tell me what's going on,” the familiar baritone spoke and the two of them turned to see their boss standing just a few feet away with the executive director standing behind him.

”Nothing serious sir. Ms. Jame's just not feeling well,” Jay said and his eyes narrowed on the president as Liam's face filled with alarm as he walked towards his PA. ”Hmmmmnnnn…” the secretary thought as he observed how the earlier stern president became fussy over his employee. The bump on Marian's head was nowhere serious but the way the young boss acted one would think his PA was gravely injured.

Interesting…

”What happened?” Liam asked in concern as reached for the ice pack on Marian's head.

Marian, on the other hand, removed the thing and her eyes widened when Liam suddenly held her chin to tilt her face so he could examine her bump closer. Their eyes locking, the two of them suddenly became aware of their proximity and the secretary had a great time watching the president and his big sis turned beet red.

”I-I…” Marian stammered as she turned away while the president slowly removed his hands on his PA and stepped back with an embarrassed smile.

”It doesn't seem too bad,” the boss commented after clearing his throat.

”Yes sir, but that's his third time hitting his head today,” the secretary interjected making the PA glare at his direction.

”I'm okay,” she announced but Liam shook his head. ”I don't think so,” he answered, and when she looked like she was about to protest, Ken decided to join the little comedy. He'd had enough silently laughing at a distance that he'd do his flustered friend a favor.

”Liam, why don't I take Marian home since I'll be going to the other branch anyway? I can drop her off near her apartment,” he offered. He knew where the PA lived since he'd been with Liam when the president took her home after a long meeting some time ago.

”But I'm really okay,” Marian protested but her remonstrations were cut off when Liam ordered her to go home. In a few minutes, her bag was ready and Ken ushered her out of the office.