She waved it off, picking up her broom. "Only to make up for the one that I ruined.." *** He checked his watch casually. "We should be alright." *** She held his hand in surprise, following him closely.
"If you throw out clothes after you spill things on them, you must be terribly in debt," he said with a small sigh. "There are things called washing machines, Ms. Sova." * * * She raised an eyebrow, something maybe like a smile on her lips. "If I'm late, my boss will kill me." * * * They went down an alternative exit, winding stairs leading up to the surface. He dropped her hand and turned to her. "You're coming with me, right?"
She gave him a playful look. "Ruined was your words as well. Besides, coffee stains are especially tricky. You can call me Veronica, if you want." *** He laughed slightly. "Right. And I wouldn't want to keep my receptionist waiting." *** She nodded warmly. "Yeah. Is that okay?"
He raised an eyebrow at her. "I can be... dramatic when I am irritated. Don't think too much about it." * * * She sighed melodramatically, pulling out a pair of black gloves and slipping them over her hands as they walked. "Ah, yes. Your receptionist. I've heard that if you don't stick to your schedule, she can become quite... irritable." * * * "You're welcome to. I would enjoy the company. Although..." He frowned, scratching his head. "It won't be very fun for you."
"That's too bad," she said playfully, starting to sweep one side of the room. "I'm an overthinker." *** He looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. "Is that so?" *** "I'm pretty inventive," she teased. "I'll be fine."
"Well, it's unfortunate, then, that you chose to come to my company," he said flatly. * * * "Yes. It's a sign of disrespect," she said smoothly. "To everyone involved." * * * He squinted as they headed down the street. "If you say so."
She nodded. "I know." *** He hummed for a moment, looking at ease. "Fair enough." *** "Besides, downtown is an eventful place. Even if I get bored I can just stop somewhere else for a bit."
He looked around for a moment before reaching a hand out for the broom. "So. Why'd you move? You wanted to be closer to the bookstore?" * * * They got into the coffeeshop and the employees looked up. A few of them saw Beck and their faces lit up. They waved at the two of them and she returned the gesture, moving to get in line. * * * "Nope," he said flatly. "You either stay forever or you don't come with me at all."
She gave it to him, getting her duster for the furniture and shelves. A small frown crossed her face as she continued cleaning. "That's a good way to put it." *** "You're quite popular," he teased. *** She smiled at him. "Try and stop me."
He frowned, noticing her expression. He didn't comment on it, but started sweeping. "Well, I like the place. You didn't ask. But I like it." * * * She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I buy an amount of coffee that both my doctor and my financial analyst deem 'unhealthy and reckless'," she replied. "I would be hurt if they didn't at least recognize me by now." * * * "Well, once I'm on the clock, I can't stop you."
She glanced over at him momentarily. "I appreciate it." *** He laughed aloud, the sound bright and surprising. "I see." *** "Precisely."
"And," he began, looking over at her, "I have excellent taste." * * * She seemed surprised by this, looking over at him as they got to the front of the line. The cashier seemed delighted to see her. "Hey, Beck," she said warmly. "The usual?" "Yes, please," she said, watching as the cashier punched in a large black coffee. "How is Mayhew?" "Much better! The doctor got him some antibiotics for that croup, so I'm finally getting some sleep." The cashier turned to Levanin, one brow raised. "And for you?" * * * He squinted at her before pushing open the door of the coffee shop. There were two people at the front, a tall, severe-looking man, wearing dark businesslike clothing, and a woman next to him with white hair and clear grey eyes. Ben's face lit up. "Oh, hey! Beck's here!"
She looked up at him and smiled. "That is reassuring." *** His demeanor seemed to change whenever he met anyone new, silencing himself and answering in a serious tone of voice. "Just a medium dark mocha, please. Thank you." He pulled out his wallet and put the money down quietly. *** Mari looked up curiously. "Are you two close?"
"It should be," he said smoothly, leaning down to place down a dustpan. * * * Beck squinted at him before producing her debit card, inserting it into the reader. "Don't be silly," she said, sliding his money back to him. "That's not how this works." * * * "Beck and I? Yeah, we go way back," he said, looking down at her. "She actually got me the job here. Come meet her!"
She chuckled lowly, her back turned to him. *** He frowned at her, taking it. "Well, why not?" *** She nodded slowly, following him.
He went over to the window, squinting at the glass before speaking. "Can I open this?" * * * "Because I am your assistant," she said primly. "I am paid to take care of your needs." "Beck!" She turned in surprise and a boy with warm brown eyes and dark brown hair was there with another young woman. Beck's whole face lit up and she tilted her head warmly. "Ben, hi," she said quietly. He gave her a hug and to everyone in the entire universe's surprise, she returned the gesture, laughing slightly. "How are you?" "I'm alright," he said, stepping back. "I'm just about to start work, actually, but I ran into Mari on the subway. Mari, this is Beck. Beck, this is Mari." Beck looked curious, but offered a hand to Mari. "Hello, Ms. Mari," she said. "It's very good to meet you."
She looked back at him before nodding. "Yeah, go ahead. It's dusty in here." *** Both Levy and Mari watched them, one in surprise and the other looking a bit nervous. Mari shook her hand, her head tilted. "Nice to meet you too." Levy's gaze shifted to Mari and he squinted in recognition, his arms crossing. Mari paused, looking up to Levy and going silent, immediately looking at the ground.
He slid it open, sticking his head outside and looking around. "You have a good view," he told her. "Most people just have views of a brick wall." * * * Ben noticed with a small frown, but tried to make things better. "Who's your friend, Becks?" he asked, not unkindly. Beck looked over at Levanin, a slight smile on her face. "This is Mr. Audra," she said smoothly. "He's my boss." Ben gasped and looked back to Beck excitedly. "You got the job?!" She laughed again, nodding. "I got the job." He turned to Levanin, extending a hand warmly. "Good to meet you, sir! You made a really good choice with this hire, I promise you." Beck noticed Mari's expression too, tilting her head curiously.
She nodded, coming over to the window with him. "I'm glad for it. I guess it comes with the perk of living over your job." *** Levy shook his hand firmly, giving a nod. "I can tell. She's been great so far."
"Will you find it difficult to separate your work life from your home life?" * * * "A little strict, probably," Ben said, teasing Beck. "She's a bit... intense whenever she's new. She'll loosen up, I promise." She squinted at him as their order was called over the counter. Reaching out, she took the two coffees, offering Levy's to him. "We should probably be heading back," she said quietly. "I'll see you later, Ben. It was nice to meet you, Ms. Mari."
