Secret Doors

Portia’s P. O. V:

It’s been three days since Levi leave and I miss him. I am actually used to not having him for almost an entire month but lately, we are spending more time as much as possible and now it’s hard not to see him for the whole week. I look at the photo that he sent last night. I smiled as I remember how I begged him to take a photo of him. Levi loves taking photos but he doesn’t like being photographed.

He’s still worried about me like something bad will happen to me. I don’t know why but he said he’s feeling strange so I always make sure to take extra care, especially when driving. He ask me about my day and I told him that everything is doing good. Yes, it’s true turns out I can work comfortably with Sherlock now since the last time we talk. Erin is right I should keep things lightly.

The mood in the office feels light now as the tension between Sherlock and I are gone. We work as a team without any hate and keep a healthy environment. Maybe I am finally forgetting the past and starting to go on with my own life. Levi is my reason for all of this. Speaking of Sherlock he knocks on my office. “Hey Portia, Seiza said if we could all have lunch together.” He said as soon as he gets in.

“Oh, sure just wait for me. I just have to send this proposal. Just five minutes.” I told him. “Okay, we will wait for you outside.” He said and gave me a warm smile before leaving. He become more respectful of my space lately and I feel thankful for that. He also becomes close to my other teammates who don’t know him. Airi and Seiza become civil to him and that’s a peaceful sign.

I finished sending emails to our other clients and  I also read my tools for my other meetings. My secretary is on half-day and she will arrive later after lunch so I took care of everything for a while. I got out of my office and go straight to the pantry where I found them. “Let’s go?” Airi said and clings to me. “Yes, where are we going to eat?” I asked her as we walk to the elevator.

“Sherlock saw a newly opened fast food at the back of our company so all decided to come and check out.” She said while rolling her eyes. “Come on I know you always want to try new restaurants and fast-food chain.” I calmed her as she feels irritated again. Maybe she saw something about Sherlock again that pissed her off.

We arrived at the fast-food chain in five minutes as it was just literally at the back of our office. Many people are coming in excited about the new brand that we almost can’t find a seat. Aleksei immediately find one and reserved it for all of us. “Girls sit already I’m just gonna take your orders,” Sherlock suggested and handed as a flyer. “Okay.” Airi accepts the flyer instead of me.

Sherlock just smiled at her attitude and it made me laugh. “How can you be that overprotective?” I whispered to her. “Well, I’m always protective when a predator is around.” She said and it made me smile. Airi gave her order to Sherlock the others gave it to Celso. “How about you Tia?” Sherlock called me by my nickname and it feels nostalgic. I suddenly miss mom. “Just order me the best seller, please. And don’t forget the-” Sherlock cuts me off.

“The fries and soft serve ice cream?” He asked. “Yes please.” I smiled as he knew exactly what I wanted to eat right now.  And with my answer, he falls in line to get our order with Celso. They sure have a lot of fun talking together. “He suddenly is very patient right now,” Airi commented on Sherlock’s behavior. “Airi people grow and it’s fine. At least he’s changing for good.” I answered her and she just eyed me.

The team has so much time spending lunch with our clients and it made me happy. They must have good communication with them as we all together work as one. “So how about you Portia? Are you seeing someone right now?” A sudden question from Aleksei rang in my ear. I smiled as I blush at the thought of Levi but Levi and I agrees that we will keep this private only between us.

“Let’s just say I’m seeing someone special now,” I told them and they all cheer like kids. “Really? You are just that quiet but you are already eyeing someone?” Seiza was shocked at my statement. I only smiled at her and change the topic. “Well, it’s just that. By the way, it’s fun to have times like this when we eat at one table. Let’s do this again sometimes.” I told them. I know they get the queue that I don’t want to talk about it so we do change the topic.

We decided to leave the fast-food as we realized the time now.  The others decided to buy snacks at the near convenience store as it’s on sale today while Sherlock and I are the only ones left to go straight back to the office. “How was your food? Did you like it?” Sherlock asked me while we both walk our way to the building. “Yes I love the food it’s very delicious and the price is good too. How about you?” We started a conversation.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“I love the food especially now that it’s very rare for me to go on a fast-food chain.” He said he was really excited about the food he ate earlier. “Oh, yeah. She doesn’t like fast-food restaurants.” I told him as I remember how Irene despise eating instant food. He just smiled and nodded then change the topic. “Do you have meetings after lunch?” He asked me.

“Yes, I have at 2 pm why?” I answered him and we enter the building. “I see. Good luck with your meeting.” He said cheerfully and our conversation was cut off when Irene barged in to slap either me or Sherlock. “So this is why you are not getting my calls?” She hysterically said luckily no one is around. Sherlock tries to cut her off by covering her mouth with his hand but she scratches Sherlock and Sherlock bites his lips at the feeling.

“Stop making a scene here Irene.” Sherlock stops her but she still wants to latch on to me so Sherlock carries her and motions me to go so I did. But before I can even leave Irene manages to get down and I feel her coming for my hair so I turn around to face her. “What Irene?” I stopped her hand because she was going to throw a slap at me.

I dig my nails into her cheek to make her look me in the eye. “Don’t forget that you are on my territory and I can call the police to get you or might as well kill you here. So if I were you get out now.” I said with gritted teeth. This is the first time I can finally be above her.

I pushed her out of my way and Sherlock was about to help her but she was still pursuing to hurt me so Sherlock tried to stop him. My team and my secretary arrives running towards me. “What’s happenings here ma’am?” My secretary quickly assists me. “Not a big deal just call the guards and throw that lady out of my sight and don’t forget to ban her at my premises. Get a doctor for Mr. Sherlock she threw tantrums and hurt him.” I ordered her and take my leave.

That mess embarrassed me so I go straight to my office once I got to my floor. I fixed myself in the bathroom and calm down so I can focus on the meeting later. I should be focusing more on the client than Irene. I fix my lipstick after brushing my teeth and sit on my chair fresh again. Aleksei comes to my office.

“You alright Portia?” He asked worriedly. “I’m doing fine. How about Sherlock?” I asked. “He’s doing fine. He wants me to check on you, I’m sorry about what happened earlier. His girlfriend is being a little odd later since they got back here in the country.” Aleksei apologizes for the mess. “Don’t worry. I’m doing all great.” I assured him. “You sure? Don’t worry I will make sure that Sherlock will deal with this later. I already talked about it with him.” Aleksei looks so embarrassed and shy.

“Thank you for your concern. I am sorry too for banning her here.” I politely apologize but I meant what I did earlier to shame her and I’m not sorry for her. “It’s alright you own this building and you have the right to do so. So? I’ll take my leave and deal with her.” Aleksei excused himself. “Alright take care,” I told him. Now Irene how was it to be thrown out? I smiled at the thought of her being kicked out but I know for sure she won’t let this slip.