CHAPTER : 2

TYLER'S P. O. V

"Are you seriously still hung up on her, even without knowing her name?" Sebastian queried for what felt like the tenth time today.

"No, bro, I don't know her name," I replied, stepping out of the elevator.

"It was just a typical hookup, Ty. Let it go," he advised, sounding almost concerned.

Am I obsessing over this girl a little too much?

"I don't know, man," I began while opening my file. "I mean, I'd love to meet her again."

He looked at me as if I had said something overly sentimental.

"Just to find out how she knows me and why she acted like she hates me," I continued, attempting to divert his gaze. "Like I don't even care, man... Stop looking at me like that."

He raised his hands. "Okay."

"Where's Damian?" I asked, trying to change the conversation. "He was supposed to be here like thirty minutes ago."

"Says the guy who got here five minutes ago," Sebastian retorted, walking away.

It's been two weeks—two weeks since that night, and I keep discussing this girl with every guy I know. I don't know if it's because I just want to see her again or if I'm hoping for more. I'm starting to believe my own lies about wanting to know how she knows me.

"He's here," Sebastian announced, walking into the room. I assume he's referring to Damian.

"Let's get this over with," I replied.

I glanced back at the door; Damian was engrossed in conversation with a girl whose back was turned to me. He seemed unusually happy—almost too happy for Damian. Is he getting laid or something?

He said something to her, and she left.

"Hey, Ty," he said in his lazy voice, pulling a seat next to me. "You good? Or are you still talking about your mystery lady?" he teased.

"Man, shut up," I replied, now somewhat tired of the attention I've brought upon myself.. "Can we just get this meeting over with?" I continued. "I have places to be."

"Sure," Damian replied, resuming his usual calm and mature posture.

After the meeting was done, Sebastian left saying his baby sister needed something.

"Holly called me last night, wondering why you hadn't informed her about your return." Damian began.

"Do I have to keep her in the loop?" I inquired, eyes fixed on my phone.

"Well, she's still sort of your girlfriend-" Damian said.

"Ex-girlfriend," I interjected with a raised eyebrow.

"You used to like her... What happened between you two?"

I sighed, "Sometimes it's better not to know someone too well. I liked her when I didn't know her. Now, I wish I hadn't tried to commit again after April."

"Seems like you haven't changed much, even after a year away."

I felt irritation as footsteps approached.

"Jace... Wasn't expecting you today," Damian greeted.

"Yeah, I heard Ty was here, so I came to say hi since he's not into visiting," Jace replied.

I sighed, looking at him. "And you thought it was smart to follow me here, knowing I'm avoiding you?" I chuckled. "Smart."

"Call Holly or, better yet, go see her," Jace suggested.

"No," I replied, focusing on my game.

"Holly loves you; that's all she's done. I don't see why you don't want to see her," he continued.

Why is he still talking? I wondered.

"Holly's plastic, pretends to be kind and sweet when either of us from the penthouse are around. When we're not, she's the evil stepmom of mistreated children. A total suck-up."

"You expected her to be perfect?" Jace asked.

"No, just not fake." I reply irritated.

"Look, if you have a problem with her, change her. My wife..."

"Great, you had to bring her up. We get it; you're happily married, so?"

"I'm just saying, stop trying to get with every girl. Settle down; you're not a kid anymore. No one's perfect; you, of all people, should know that."

"Don't drag my name into this. If I want to get with every girl, that's my business, not yours. My life, my choices." I cut in, grabbed my coat, slammed the door behind me, and left.

I don't understand why he always tries to irritate me.

***

"So... I guess he still hates me," Jace said, breaking the silence.

"Well, you kind of married his girlfriend. I'd hate you too," Damian replied.

Jace paused and looked at Damian. "Do you hate me?"

Damian chuckled. "It's not my girlfriend you married; it's your young brother's girl. My girl is dead and I have to go visit her."

"Aren't you there like almost everyday... It's not healthy, you're not moving on..."

"Don't start with me Jace." Damian replied.

"Right. Do you need company?" Jace asked, his voice soft.

"I'm good. You can come to the memorial next month; we'll catch up later," Damian replied, getting his jacket.

"Is Illeana picking you up, or does she still not know about your graveyard visits?" Jace asked.

"I don't need a chauffeur for everything, Jace. Illeana doesn't know anything she doesn't need to."

"Okay," Jace replied, raising his hands. "But you know, she'd understand why you rejected her if you just told her about your girlfriend."

Damian sighed. "Just stay out of my business. Say hi to April."

***
"Is that really my brother?" I wondered aloud as a lady passing by the elevator greeted, "Good evening, sir."

My irritation peaked – not only did he marry the girl I loved, but he also constantly shadows me, playing the role of the dutiful son and wise Solomon. Pure nonsense, if you ask me.

The elevator doors opened, and I was taken aback by who was inside.

"You," I stuttered.

She paused, looking around. "Did I teleport to a bar, or am I in the wrong building?"

"So we fuck and you leave me with a thank you note?" I confronted her, drawing the attention of those in the elevator.

"Shhh," she hushed me.

"I will not 'shhh'," I retorted. "That night was one of my best works and all I got was a thank-you note? No name no number"

Someone in the elevator faked a cough.

"Well? If you're leaving, this is the last floor and I'm not running a reality show here. What are you waiting for?" I dismissed them.

"You chase them after embarrassing me?" she snapped.

"Embarrass you? You left an anonymous note... A note and accused me of having an STI at the bar. Remember that? " I countered.

"Why are you here, Ty?"

"I work here."

"No, you don't," she said with a chuckle.

"What are you doing here, stranger?"

"I'm a chauffeur for a board member," she explained. "And I know they haven't hired anyone recently."

"I'm on the board. Why would I need to be hired?"

"I know you're many things, but I didn't think you're a liar too," she said, walking away.

"Hey, I'm still talking to you," I protested.

"I'm done talking to you," she replied, taking a turn.

Damian and Jace approached. As I tried to pull her away, she waved to them with a smile.

"You know them?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, I'm a chauffeur for one of the board members. You'd know if you were truly on the board."

"Damian," I said with a wave. "Jace, " I muttered.

She stopped and looked at me. "Shit," she whispered.

"Hey, I see you've met Tyler, he's the guy I told you about " Damian said, wearing the same smile he had when he came for the meeting. Is she the girl he was talking to?

"We already met... "

"A pleasure to meet you,Tyler," she cut into my sentence, extending her hand.

Confused, I looked at her, and she kept her eyes fixed on mine.

"We already met, and she's..." I started.

"Owning him a cup of coffee. I spilled his on my way here," she interjected. "Excuse us for a while," she said, pulling me aside.

"What are you doing?"

"Please don't tell him about what happened. I'll explain later. I'll do anything you want, just don't say anything yet."

I chuckled. "Your name and number," I said.

"What?" she replied arrogantly. "No."

"Okay, then let me tell the guys how we know each other," I threatened, walking back.

She tugged my hand. "Illeana. Okay. And here," she said, slipping something into my back pocket. "That's my business card
with my personal number. Just shut up"

"For now," I replied, watching her walk away. Illeana. I wouldn't have guessed that.
I waved to the guys and turned to leave. Meeting her was intriguing, but Jace was another story.

© Ms stark700