Chapter 6: Friendly Terms (1)

Valerie got ready for work, being in a rather good mood this morning. She felt refreshed after she took a moment to herself last night. She got dressed in a white pencil skirt with a cherry blossom pattern on it, which was subtle yet still noticeable. On top she wore a light pink shirt and a white blazer. She looked professional but still expressed the kind of person she was. Her make-up was subtle as well, simply because she had no interest in doing something fancy this morning. Just a bold eyeliner, some mascara and a coral matt lipstick. Her hair she pulled up in a messy bun on top of her head.

Filling up her travel mug she went through her messages on her phone. The encouraging text from Andrew made her smile even brighter. She was glad their friendship was only getting better with each day that passed. She had friends, but keeping up with a demanding job made those other relationships seem shallow. She knew she could put more effort into it on her part, but whenever she was done at the office she didn't have much energy left to do anything else or to force herself to be cheerful.

Closing the lid of her travel mug, she reached for her bag ready to toss her phone and keys in when her phone started ringing. Thinking it was Andrew who wanted to talk about their plans for lunch she answered it excitedly.

"Good morning!"

A deep chuckle caused her to halt her movements entirely, "That's a rather cheerful greeting this morning, it sure made me smile." She held her breath as she listened to Starr's compliment, "Good morning, Valerie."

"G-Good morning." She greeted once more.

"I'm guessing you didn't expect a call from me hearing how confused you sound right now."

She tossed her keys in the bag and walked to her living room decorated in white with light pink and gray accents. She sat down on the comfy one-seat and glanced at her watch. She'd be late if she didn't leave the house now, but she didn't want to talk to Starr while she was moving around, stopping a cab to head to the office. So she focused on their conversation instead. It wasn't like there was someone who paid attention who strolled into the office a few minutes later or who left earlier than usual. Hunter and Starr still needed to select a new manager who'd lead their team. To put it frank their team could do whatever the hell they wanted the next couple of days without anyone noticing. They didn't though, because people who worked on her floor were all ambitious people, striving to be the best.

"I'd lie if I said your call didn't surprise me at all."

"I prefer your honesty, it's refreshing." It sounded like Starr was on the move though, she heard soft music playing in the background along with the sounds of morning traffic, "Ethan told me the pitch went great." Her cheeks heated hearing him mention Hunter, "Say, how about we discuss Boston in person right now?"

"Right now?" She questioned, not following what he was trying to suggest.

He sounded rather amused as he responded to her question, "I'm outside your building right now, let me give you a ride to the office."

She jumped up at that, the surprise causing her heart to beat out of her chest, "You're outside my apartment building right now." She repeated.

"That's what I said." He confirmed.

"How?"

"Got your address from HR."

She reached for her bag and started moving, locking the door and heading to the elevator bank to head downstairs.

"I'm sure you misused your power, Mr. Starr. I could sue." She jokingly told him, "I'm taking the elevator right now, see you in a moment."

Ending the call Valerie tossed her phone in her bag and let out a relieved sigh. It was exciting yet confusing at the same time to talk to Starr like that. He seemed friendly with her, treating her like he'd treat someone who he felt close to. It was odd for him to do that considering they only shared a few drinks twice. They didn't know each other personally, or rather she didn't know anything about him. She knew Hunter on a more personal level. Her relationship with Starr was definitely odd, but she needed a second opinion on that before she made up her mind about him. She was sure Andrew could give her some insight. Unlike her he did keep up with gossip and he received some valuable info most of the time, considering how friendly he was with their co-workers.

She turned to look at the mirror behind her and straightened her clothes. She brushed her fingers over the lines of her lips to make sure there were no smudges. When the doors opened she stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the big, heavy door which lead outside, greeting the guard at the front desk before she closed the door behind her. She inhaled deeply once when she noticed the luxurious car awaiting her. It was so much different than taking a cab to head to the office. It almost felt a bit too intimidating. She didn't have time to think about that though, the driver got out, walked around the car and held the door open for her so she could climb into the backseat. Thanking him she climbed into the backseat and met Starr's rather cheerful gaze.

"Morning."

She hesitantly smiled back, "Morning."

She felt embarrassed when she noticed that Starr was taking her in. A look of approval flashing through his eyes.

"You look lovely."

Getting yet another compliment from him caused her to stutter like a fool. She didn't understand why she got so embarrassed around him. Being around Hunter had been a lot easier yet that man was quite intimidating looking. Starr was the kind one, the one who looked like he'd be fun to hang around with. Yet she couldn't control her emotions when she was around him. She definitely needed to meet up with Andrew soon.

"Thank you."

Starr leaned back in his seat and pocketed his phone, slipping it into his inner jacket pocket. He glanced aside, taking in the city they passed by. It was always so lively no matter what time of day. She loved it, but as a city girl she also knew the importance of sometimes needing a break. It would charge the mind and body again.

"So Boston." Starr casually started, his gaze still fixated on the scenery, "Ethan was praising you a lot."

She sneaked a glance at him, hoping to see how he felt about that. All she saw was a kind smile spread across his face though. He looked peaceful like that, looking over the city with a smile spread across his handsome face. She couldn't look away even though she forced herself to. Last thing she wanted was Starr catching her staring at him and making assumptions about her.

"I didn't do much, I just assisted him."

"No need to be that modest. You were one of the people who put that report together for Daniel, right? That's why it was easy for you to get up to speed. You were knowledgeable and guided Ethan through that pitch. The client was really impressed by it all."

"Hunter nailed that pitch." She didn't like it to get that much praise over just being beside Hunter when he needed someone there, "He is gifted."

Starr laughed at that, "Ethan does have a gift when it comes to public speaking. He is quite charming, isn't he?"

"I agree." She turned to meet Starr's curious gaze, "Is that how he won over his girlfriend?"

It felt like Starr was testing her and she wouldn't fall for it. Instead she decided to answer his question with a question. He'd never see that coming.

"A worthy opponent." Starr muttered, she knew what he meant by that but she pretended not to have noticed him speaking up at all, "I'm not sure it's my place to tell you how he wooed Tiffany."

"I suppose it isn't." She agreed, "Hunter mentioned having drinks at the lounge the other day. If he has the time I'll ask him about it personally."

"Please do, though it's not a very interesting story." Starr's tone suddenly changed, causing her to straighten up and actually pay attention to him, "We've made up our mind about Daniel's position. I see great things in your future, Miss King."

"It hasn't been two weeks yet." She whispered.

"No, it hasn't." Starr smirked, "So I'd prefer it if you didn't discuss what I've told you just now with anyone. Including your co-worker friend."

"I understand."