Song(s) for chapter:
What You Need by BAYNK

The sound of hasty knocking woke me up from my slumber. I tried to get up but something was keeping me from doing so: Orion's arms.

"Mr. Gold! Breakfast is ready!" The perky voice of Ms. Well's announced through the closed door.

I hastily got up, noticing the time was close to seven-thirty in the morning, and I had to be at work by eight.

"Calm down, darling. I'll have Red drive you to work." Orion's voice spoke up. It was hoarse and incredibly low; it was hot to say the least.

As I rushed out of his room to mine so I could get ready, I nearly collided with Clyde. A very small and knowing smirk rose briefly on his features before giving me a delighted smile and quick apology for getting in the way.

I quickly said "sorry," ignoring his smirk filled with mysterious glee, before dashing into my room, closing the door and letting myself briefly catch my breath. I began to scramble through my closet for some nice slacks and a blouse. After finding a pair of dark charcoal pants and a lighter blue blouse which exaggerated my lighter blue eyes, I used dry shampoo to give volume and life to my hair before applying some light coverage.

After putting my lower heels on since today I would be walking around the retirement facility more, I made my way out of my room and down the stairs. As I neared the top of the stairwell, out walked Orion from his bedroom.

He was wearing some darker grey joggers along with a thin white-tshirt. He had on some tennis shoes and wore some headphones around his neck. It appeared he was going to go for a jog.

"Darling, why stare when you are allowed to explore for yourself?" He gave me his usual golden smirk as he approached me. He knew he was good-looking which reminded me why I actually can't stand him. But then I thought about last night and remembered that there is still much more about him I don't know.

Maybe I'd grow to like him as I learn more about him?

"I'd rather not." My response was short as we both made our way down the stairwell.

Ms. Wells came from the kitchen, holding an apple and a muffin for each of us.

"Since you both are in a rush! Also, Red is waiting!" She handed us the muffins and apples before ushering us to the front door. I walked up to the limo, sliding in once Red opened the door for me.

Orion came in a few seconds after me, and we were off.

"I'm guessing you're heading to the gym?"

Orion took a bite of his apple, ignoring my question, so I asked again.

"Going to the gym?"

He swallowed and gave me a side glance with a shrug.

"I may or may not be going to the gym. Usually I just run around the city," he finally stated. He took another bite of his apple, turning his gaze back to the window.

We remained in a surprisingly comfortable silence until Orion made Red stop at the park. He placed his headphones on his head and stuffed the muffin in his pocket before jogging away without a goodbye.

After a few more minutes, I made it to the retirement facility; my place of work. I thanked Red to which he grunted in response before driving away.

He still was opening up to me.

As I walked in, I hurriedly rushed to my office, where I'd be typing up next week's list of activities for the residents in the facility. I would also have to make sure all the activities go as planned for this week.

As I shuffled through the facility, my boss, Ms. Kiyoko, stops me with a younger girl standing next to her. The girl looked as though she just turned 18.

"Miss Goulding, I'd like you to meet Tally Helm. She will be assisting you," Ms Kiyoko proclaimed as she slightly pushed Tally towards me. "Now I must go. The nurses keep ringing me about Mr. Jenkins!"

We both watched as she briskly walked away. After she turned down a hallway, I looked back at the young girl who resembled Toby Helm. This couldn't be his younger sister. Could it?

"So, um it's nice to meet you, Tally. Ready to get to work? I planned quite a few events for this week since it's Mother's Day on Sunday." I began walking into my office, thinking that she would've known to follow me, but she only stood there, giving me a peculiar look. "What is it?"

She slowly walked up to me, looking around before closing the door.

"You were supposed to be with my brother, Toby... right?" Tally finally asked, confirming that it was, in fact, his sister I'd be working with.

I knew why she was cautious about speaking. It's technically against the law to talk about the partner for life banquet results afterwards. You simply go and accept your fate and that's the end of it. No talk or gossip is supposed to occur, although it happens a lot. You just have to be careful not to spill in front of Officiants. They legally have to arrest and fine you.

"Yes." My reply was short as it was still a sensitive subject for me. It reminded me that I couldn't just live a normal life. It reminded me that I had no choice.

"Boy, Toby was so upset! He was looking forward to being your partner until someone else stole you. He wouldn't tell me who though..." she trailed off, looking at me through her large-framed glasses in hopes I would key her in on who I was partnered to.

"Orion Gold is my partner for life." My voice was shaky as I spoke, and to hide it, I sat down at my desk, pulling up my desktop and began to print the activity fliers that I made the week prior.

Tally sat down in the seat across mine, bewildered at my last statement.

"No way! You're lucky! No wonder Toby wouldn't tell me who... that's a major upgrade!" She saw my distasteful expression and immediately covered her mouth before apologizing. "I'm so sorry! Sometimes my mouth keeps going! That was so unprofessional of me, and it's none of my business."

I sighed before responding. "It's alright. Curiosity gets the best of us. But, let's get right to work as there is a lot to do." I made sure my tone was gentle as I didn't want her to assume I was angry or upset about her nosiness. She was curious, and I guess I was now more curious as to what Toby was feeling and who he got paired with.

"Yes of course! What would you like me to do, Miss Goulding?" She perkily clasped her hands together, her thumbs fidgeting together.

"Call me Nettie."

She nodded, "Nettie. Got it!"

"Could you go paste these fliers up on all the residents doors and bulletin boards. It's the activities and events for the week."

She gave me a thumbs up before grabbing all the printed fliers, rushing out of my office. I finally let out a sigh in relief.

It was going to be both a blessing and a curse having her as my assistant.
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**unedited**