-James-

Night had fallen by the time I left. The fifth floor cleared out hours ago.

The first day wasn't so bad if you exclude Cristin. Everyone did what they were supposed to do, no one gave me trouble, and overall it was a breeze. I put Cristin in a different room on the fifth floor, taking care of filing so I didn't have to see her as often. Was I being an asshole? Maybe. She thinks she'll get by with how she treated me today and I have news for her.

Now that the interns are situated, I only have to come here when they do. I guess that is a plus of getting the job of watching over them. I have school too and I'd rather be there then here, not going to lie.

Before I could get on the elevator, I turned out all the lights on the floor. I was beyond exhausted. Who knew sitting at a desk all day and telling people what to do could be so tiring. It sounds like sarcasm, but I'm being dead serious.

I gave Linda my badge on my way out and finally stepped into the cool fall air. Fall was probably the best season. It was a warm, yet cool season. I couldn't wait for the sidewalks to be glittered with different hues of oranges and yellows from falling leaves and every food you can think of to somehow be turned into pumpkin spice. Everyone overdid that every year, but you never see anyone complain about it. I'm definitely not complaining.

Thinking of pumpkin spice is the first thing I actually think of when I step outside. It's quite funny once you think about it. Not thinking about where my next drink is going to be, but what things are going to be transformed into pumpkin spice for the fall.

Yeah, really living the adult life right now.

As I was walking out of the building, a huddled form was leaning up against the wall closest to the door. There was a little light spilling out from the building, but the form was tiny. It wasn't a man, that much I do know. She was wearing a black hoodie and the hood was secured over her head.

I looked around and took a few steps closer. "Are you okay?" I asked slowly and softly, scared I'd startle the person.

They mumbled something and then lifted their head. Violet.

I crouched down beside her. "How long have you been out here?"

"Since four," She croaked. "I missed my bus. I'm just waiting for my brother."

"Is he on his way?"

She pushed the hood back from her head and shook her head. "He doesn't get off work for another hour. But he doesn't work far from here."

When I talked to her last week, she didn't want me to feel sorry for her. But I do and I couldn't help it. "Come inside. I'll wait with you."

"You don't have to do that."

"I insist." I stood up straight and offered Violet my hand.

She hesitated, but grasped it and pulled herself up. "Thank you." She smiled sheepishly and plucked her bag from the ground.

I opened the door and let her in first. Linda gave me a look and I pointed to the hallway to her left. "We'll only be here for an hour."

Linda nodded and went back to what she was doing. She probably won't go home for another two hours.

The room I went to was a small employee break-room, there's one on every floor. This one isn't used much unless it's for a quick cup of coffee. I opened the door and flipped on the light switch. Violet timidly stepped in first and I was close behind. There were two circular tables in the room and Violet chose one of them.

Before I sat down, I went to the vending machines. I don't know what I was going for exactly, but I just got a lot of it. The mini fridge was stocked full of drinks so I grabbed two of the waters and sat down across from Violet. I pushed a bottle of water towards her after dropped all the food in the middle of the table.

"That's a lot for two people," She murmured and lifted her eyes from the pile to catch my gaze.

I laughed and leaned back in my chair. "I don't know about you, but I could eat this whole pile by myself."

"For some reason I actually believe you." She gestured towards the pile with the wave of her hand. "My brothers would have all of it gone in twenty minutes."

I snorted and grabbed a bag of chips. "I believe that too."

With nimble fingers, she pulled something from the pile. "Thank you for this. You didn't have to stay."

"It's no problem, really. This room is always open if this happens again. Or if you ever need a ride home, I have no problem giving you a ride."

She smiled a little. "That's not appropriate, but thank you for the offer. Let's just hope this doesn't happen again. I've never missed the bus before. My luck hasn't been the greatest these past few years."

"Things are starting to go your way."

"In some ways they are. But for every good thing that happens to me-" She stopped abruptly and her face scrunched up. "I'm thankful for what I have." She forced a smile that hid so much. I wanted to set fire to the walls she's built, but it's definitely not appropriate. I just wanted to be her friend, there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone could use a friend. Especially Violet.

I started to reach to touch her hand for comfort, but stopped quickly before she even noticed. At least I hope she didn't notice. "It's okay to want more than you have. That doesn't mean you don't appreciate what you already have."

"Things are different for me," Her voice wavered and the last thing I wanted to do was upset her.

After a few minutes of silence, I just changed the subject. I kept the conversation light and attempted to get her to laugh again. She did once on accident after I told her a story about Meredith cutting my hair when we were eight.

The door opened and Linda popped her head in. "Her brother's here."

"Okay, thank you, Linda."

Violet collected her things and walked out. I followed until we emerged back into the first floor lobby. A guy, tall and broad, stood close to the desk. His hair was dirty blonde and he even looked intimidating. I'm not even sure which brother it is. "Gray," Violet said as we approached.

He's the one I talked to on the phone.

Gray turned and looked at her, immediately bringing her in his arms. "You scared the shit out of me. Mom was freaking out."

She shrugged out of his arms and stepped back. "I'm fine. I told you I just missed the bus."

"Still, you should've called mom and let her know."

"You were closer. Seriously, Gray, it's not a big deal." Violet turned to me. "This is James, my boss. He was kind enough to let me sit in here while I waited."

I wanted to recoil when he looked at me. "It's nice to meet you." I thrust my hand in his direction.

Gray gripped my hand and shook it. "I thought you were old."

"Gray," Violet hissed.

I dropped his hand, but kept a smile. Why the hell would he think I was old?

"Your name's on the building," Gray cleared. "Thought you'd be an older guy is what I meant. You don't look any older than me."

"You're confusing me with my dad. He owns the company."

"Sorry about that." He looked at Violet. "Ready?"

She nodded. "I'll meet you outside. I just have to ask James something really quick."

Gray gave me a look, but complied. Violet's eyes followed him until he walked outside and completely out of view. "I'm so sorry. I told you he was embarrassing."

"It's okay. Brother's will be brother's." I lifted a shoulder and dropped it in a light shrug. "I've done the same thing to my sister."

Violet rubbed the space between her brows and sighed. "Still, he's such a pain in the-" Her bottom lip became enclosed by her teeth. She relaxed her lips and spoke again, "Thank you for what you did for me tonight, I really do appreciate it. It was really nice of you. I'll see you Thursday morning." Her voice was so low and soft; I barely heard the last part.

I bobbed my head once, too scared to speak again.

She turned and left in the direction her brother did.

I loosed a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

* * *

My dad called me after class on Wednesday, asking me to meet him for dinner with his fiance that night. Did I want to go? Absolutely not. But I had to play nice for the sake of my mother.

When I got home, the first thing I did was call Meredith. To my surprise, she actually answered. "Thank god." I breathed and dropped down on the edge of my bed. "Please tell me he got to you too."

Meredith scoffed, but laughed. "Yes, he got to me too. And he told me to bring my boyfriend because he wants to meet him. Why exactly?"

Fantastic. "I couldn't tell you, Mere." I ran a hand roughly through my hair, resisting the urge to tug it out completely. "I'm not bringing anyone."

"You don't have anyone, doofus."

"Hey!" I said defensively. "That's not the point."

She just laughed again. "Well I'll see you tonight then."

"You will."

The call ended and I knew there was one person I could call for anything. Lindy's number was still in my favorites so it wasn't hard to find it. My dad never liked Lindy...well, he never liked any of the girls I've dated. Lindy is on the top of the list and I have no idea why. She was like my first, real girlfriend for well over two years. Finally we parted on a mutual agreement. It wasn't healthy anymore. We may have loved each other, but it wasn't a passionate love. It was more friendly than anything.

We still remain friends to this day. If she needs something, she calls me and the same goes for me too. Sometimes I do miss her, but then I remember I missed the company and not the relationship. She's told me the same thing before, one thing leads to another, and we regret it in the morning.

Eh, sometimes.

Most of the times we've hooked up in the past months, she's gone before I even wake up in the morning. Not even a note or a phone call. It was almost like an unspoken agreement.

I finally tapped on her name and let it ring. It didn't take long for her to answer. "Who is this?" Her tone was teasing.

"Hilarious." I laid back on my bed and breathed. "Are you doing anything tonight?"

"Depends on what you have in mind, James."

"Dinner with my dad."

"And what do I get if I go to dinner with you?"

"Free food?" I drummed my fingers against my chest.

"You always knew the way to my heart." Her laugh was light. "Do you want me to meet you there?"

A sigh of relief fell from my lips. "If that's not a problem. We're having dinner at Bone's, the usual. Just be there by seven. You're the absolute best."

"I know," She cheered. "I'll be there, Loverboy."

At least it'll be bearable with Lindy there.

* * *

Lindy was waiting in a short black dress and four-inch heels in front of the restaurant when I arrived. She lifted herself off the wall and met me halfway. "I think you're more into pissing my dad off than I am."

"If I'm going to be a total bitch, I might as well look hot while doing it." She stepped closer and smoothed a hand down my chest. "Speaking of daddy, he's right behind you."

"James."

I smirked at Lindy and turned around to face my dad. "Hey, Dad. I hope you don't mind I invited Lindy."

His smile was taut and you could tell he was annoyed by what I've done. Sara, his fiance, stood close to him with an arm looped through his. She's a twenty-three year old who's never had a job a day in her life. She's lived off her parents and now she's living off my dad. Yeah, that's what love has come down to. While my dad has arm candy, she gets money.

Tall, auburn hair down her back, and not enough make-up on to hide the ugliness in her heart. Sara was the epitome of what you'd think all porn stars look like.

Right behind her was her sister, Cristin. She popped from behind them with a smile on her face. How did I not realize who she was? She looks just like Sara, only younger.

Lindy clung to my side and I draped an arm over her shoulders.

"It's no problem," He answered. "This is Cristin, Sara's younger sister. I'm sure you've already met her though now that she works for you." His grin was smug and I didn't like it one bit.

"Where's Meredith?"

"She's already inside."

I steered Lindy away from my dad and inside. The hostess directed us to the table further in the back. Meredith sat with a guy next to her. I haven't even met her new boyfriend yet, but Mom has. Ever since that incident with Jack's friend Paxton three years ago, she's been very distant when it came to meet anyone she's dating. It's dumb because I was just trying to protect her. That backfired.

Meredith rose from the table with the guy standing next to her. I hugged her quick and then she introduced me to him. "This is Damon. Damon, this is my brother, James." He was really tall, lanky, and boyish with light brown hair and hazel infused eyes.

I shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you." He was different than what Meredith usually goes for. Maybe he's a keeper.

We sat around the table and introductions were tossed around. Lindy sat between Meredith and I and Cristin was on my other side. Her shoulder brushed mine as she sat down. What the hell was she trying to do? Knowing my dad, he probably put her up to it just to annoy me.

My dad was just as childish as I was.

The only thing I could focus on was getting through his dinner and Lindy's hand high on my thigh. She tightened her grip and I swallowed a groan.

"So, James," Cristin started and leaned over the table on her elbows. "Who's the mousy intern you were sitting with at lunch on Monday?" She spoke loud enough for the whole table to hear.

"Why are you worried about that?" I asked.

A waitress came to our table and took our drink orders before disappearing.

She turned her head towards me and dropped her voice down to a whisper, "Because I want attention too." She stuck out her bottom lip.

"I don't even know you," I said harshly. "And I don't know what the hell you're trying to pull, but it's not going to work."

Cristin didn't seem fazed one bit. She doesn't want to go to a reform school, but she's acting like a complete idiot. I should just tell my dad and get her out of here. Not sure what she's planning on doing exactly. "When I see something I want, I go after it."

"He's taken, so back the hell off," Lindy said through gritted teeth and wrapped a hand around my bicep.

Cristin grinned at Lindy. Messing with Lindy is stupid on her part, but it didn't stop her.

"Is she talking about the girl with the weird name? Purple or something?"

I tore my glare from Cristin to glare at my dad. "Her name is Violet and she's working harder than any of them," I replied with defense dripping in my tone.

"She definitely wouldn't have been my first choice." He snorted. "But whatever. As long as the jobs get done."

I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they were going to fall out of my head.

Meredith noticed a strain and changed the subject. She said something about her boyfriend majoring in Computer Science and that caught my dad's attention.

My cheeks were burning and the water the waitress brought back wasn't going to be enough to get me through this dinner. While they were all drawn into conversation, I leaned close to Lindy so I could whisper in her ear, "Ten minutes and we're out of here."

She put a hand over her mouth and laughed. "Not a problem."

Once the ten minutes were up, I excused Lindy and myself from the table. I lied and said she had to get home because she has an early class. It was a load of bullshit I knew my dad saw through, but he just smiled because he didn't want to make a scene in front of precious ol' Sara.

Outside, Lindy slipped her fingers through mine and pulled me to a stop. "I'm not tired yet."

My lips twitched, trying to fight a grin. "Did you drive?"

"Cab." She stepped closer until our chests were pressed together. "I can tell you're stressed and I can help relieve some of it."

"I like where your mind's at." I steered her towards my car.

* * *

Lindy got out of my bed and started collecting her clothes that had been tossed to the floor just an hour before. She slipped on her undergarments and turned around to face me. She ran a hand through her wild hair and exhaled. "I like it when you're angry."

I sat up against the headboard, laughed, and rubbed a hand down my face. "You're leaving already?"

She plucked her dress from the floor and started walking to my bathroom. "I really do have an early class in the morning." She called out. A minute later, she walked out of the bathroom fully dressed. "But it was fun." She dropped down beside me to put her shoes back on, "So, I've been meaning to ask," She started. "Well, I would've asked if I wasn't busy tearing your clothes off-"

"What is it, Lindy?"

She strapped on her last heel and looked at me. "You got really defensive over that girl Cristin was talking about. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but if she works for you..."

"I know," I said softly. "But Violet didn't deserve to be talked about that way, that's why I defended her. And I wasn't lying when I said she works harder than all the interns. Especially Cristin."

Lindy's smile was small. "You're a good person, I know that. I probably know that better than anyone. But just be careful. I don't want you to get in anymore trouble with your dad." She reached out and touched the faint scar on my cheek.

"Thank you."

She stood up and leaned over me to kiss my forehead. "I'll see you around, James."

She was right. I did need to be careful. The last thing I was to do is get Violet or myself in trouble.

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People have been asking about Lindy, so there ya go, haha. She will be in it again definitely. The next chapter will be in Violet's point of view and I'm super excited because you get a little view of her family and a bit more about her.

Please vote and comment, let me know what you think! :)