#Chapter 5-My Neighbor

I can’t hide the shock as Anderson stares at me, my body threatening to break out into an all-out tremble. Of all the people in the city, how is my boss also my neighbor? I try to find words to say, but everything comes out a stammered mess. “I-I…wh-what? Wh-when did you? I mean, how long have you? I mean—you live here?” Anderson raises an eyebrow at my stuttering. I guess he didn’t think I’d be living next to him, either. I’m really making a goddamn fool of myself, aren’t I? “Well, I’m an employee of the company. And I’m a single dad. So, naturally, I thought you’d know I’m living in Center City Apartments as well.” Of course, I didn’t know that. Since when would I have asked my boss where he lived, what he did during his off time, or what’s been happening since he and his wife divorced? “Oh,” is all I can find myself saying. The gears in my head are turning very slowly right now. Maybe if Anderson was wearing a real shirt, I’d have an easier time focusing. Suddenly, I remember that there’s some work I need to hand over to him. I was supposed to give it to him before I left the building, but after getting called into his office, I’d forgotten! Oh, God. Having my boss as my neighbor is going to mean working on days off and being on call at home, isn’t it? I feel heat rush to my cheeks as I imagine that becoming my new life. So much for the independent woman that I encouraged myself to imagine. “So about the reports on the projection of the Donaldson Corporation—” I start, but Anderson interrupts me. “Esme,” he says, frowning. “You do realize that just because we’re neighbors now, it doesn’t mean we have to work. After all, we’re not superior and subordinate here.” Anderson looks around us, nodding his head in the direction of the other apartments up and down the way. “This is a great community in Center City. Everyone here is an equal, and we don’t feel the need to discuss anything work-related if we do not feel so inclined. Does that make sense?” I nod, but I’m still nervous as all hell. “Work shouldn’t interfere with off-duty hours when you’re at home.” My mouth opens, and I look for the words that I need. “I understand, Mr. Anderson—” “Just call me by my first name, Esme. Derek. That’s all you have to do.” Now this just feels weird. But I know there’s no argument with the taller man. Even if he wasn’t my boss, he’s still someone I respect and don’t wish to aggravate. “Okay, Mr. Anderson…” I see his expression change with his bushy eyebrows lifting up as if to ask me if I’d like to fix what I’ve said. Quickly, I shake my head and correct myself. “Derek. Okay, Derek.” Derek lets his smile finally shine through, and the nerves begin to melt away. It’s an interesting dynamic that we now share, but I also feel as though one of the kindest people is now on my side. He went into the room, while I continued organizing my new home. Soon, I found some new gifts that I planned to give to Derek and his two daughters as a token of introduction. Then, I watch as a beautiful woman emerges from what I assume to be Derek’s bedroom. She’s absolutely stunning with one of the best figures I’ve ever seen. I watch as her tall, tanned self walks forward toward us. Her features feel familiar to me for some reason. But I don’t know this hazel-eyed woman. Whoever she is, I suddenly feel very average while standing next to her. Giving me a sharp once-over from head to toe, I watch her eyes snap to attention as she glares at my figure. “And who the hell are you supposed to be? The new nanny for the two girls?” She asks, a haughty tone ringing in my ear after her insulting questions. It takes me a moment before I realize I know who this woman is. I remember her; she’s Natalie, a model who was recently listed in the Top 50 of young women in the workplace! She’s the spokesperson for one of our company's most recent product drops. She walks with perfect posture and strut, and it makes me self-conscious without my realizing it. Seeing Natalie up close like this, I realize just how striking she is. Stunning and flawless, her sharp beauty is a stark contrast to how I must look right now. “Oh, no!” I finally find myself saying, stumbling over my words at her judgmental stare. A woman like this, appearing in Derek’s home with no nerves or embarrassment? “No,” I finally speak, clearing my throat. “I’m their new neighbor, Esme.” Natalie’s chin remains pointed in the air, holding her head high. “Oh, then you’re in luck—” she stops, her eyes quickly scanning me before smiling with a plastic, fake look. “But, just a reminder, the man in this house is very much taken.”