Chapter Five - Struggling!

Avalyn

I was exhausted as I went to work because I didn’t get to sleep until three a.m. I was trying to write the article that Kate had given me. I had until Monday, but I wanted to try last night. I was struggling with it. Yes, I have had sex. That wasn’t the issue. The issue was the article was to be about sex positions and sex toys. I have not even used toys, and as for the sex positions? I have been with three guys in my life, and yes, the sex was fine, but it wasn’t anything out there. It wasn’t kinky and heated, and that is what Kate has asked me to write about. She told me to use my experience to write it, but I don’t have much. I didn’t want to tell her that.

I know she wants to push my limits and see what I can do, but I didn’t expect this. Maybe I should tell her I can’t do it, and she should give the article on Hudson to someone else who can.

Hudson! I can’t believe I text him last night about this article. What was I thinking? I swear there is something about that man that makes me lose some of my sense. It was a horrible idea to text him, especially after what happened yesterday. Between his flirting, giving me my number and calling e beautiful. That was enough to confuse me, and then I go and do something stupid like texting him.

I couldn’t think about him right now. I had work to concentrate on. I went to my desk and placed my things down. Abby had left before me this morning. I had grabbed my coffee to go because I don’t like sitting have coffee alone.

“Avalyn, can you come in here, please,” Kate calls out.

“Yes,” I reply and head through.

Kate says, good morning, and so do I before taking a seat.

“How are you getting on with the writing?” She asks.

“Honestly, not so good, but I will get there,” I smile.

“Are you uncomfortable writing it?” She asks.

If I want to be a writer for this magazine, I need to be willing to write about all different topics.

“No, I am not uncomfortable. I am just not the most experienced person when it comes to these things,” I whisper.

“You don’t use them?” She asked, and I shake my head.

Kate didn’t shy away from anything. She liked to remind us all that don’t ever be afraid to speak our minds, be open and be ourselves. She did all this without breaking boundaries, though.

“Maybe you should give them a try,” She smirks.

I giggle, feeling my cheeks heat.

“Maybe I should,” I laugh, nodding.

“Avalyn, don’t ever be afraid to experience new things, learn more about you,” She smiles.

Kate was always trying to find a way to make everyone feel better about themselves and find that confidence. She is probably the best boss that someone could ask for. She helps her employees out any way she can. I believe it was one of the many reasons this place works so well. There is mutual respect and encouragement.

I chatted with Kate for a little while. She gave me some ideas to try and help me write this article. I hope it works.

“What are your thoughts on Hudson? You two seem to have hit it off,” She smiles.

“Um, yes, he has been very nice,” I smile.

“And handsome too,” She smirks, “A little young for me though, not you, though,” She adds.

I feel my cheeks heat once again and turn away from Kate.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea. I know there are rules against these things,” I stammered out, “And even if we met in another way, a man like that would never go for someone like me,” I added, honestly.

Yes, I know he was flirting with me, and he called me beautiful, but I am sure that is just the way he talks to every female. A man as handsome, confident, successful and sweet as Hudson would not want to be involved with me.

“Hmm, are you sure about that, Avalyn? He seems pretty taken by you,” She smiles.

“It doesn’t matter. Either way, it is against company policies,” I shrug.

I don’t want to continue with this conversation. I think Kate picked up on that because she changed the subject and gave me my to-do list for today.

“Come by this afternoon, and we can discuss more about the charity event, something a little more fun to do,” She smiles, “Come by after lunch,” She adds.

“Sounds good,” I smile, “See you then,” I add, leaving her office.

I got straight to work because I had a lot that needed doing. I don’t mind. The busier my day, the quicker it passes. I got my laptop opened and started.

As I got Kate’s work calendar for work, a chat came up on the laptop. It was my work laptop, everyone in here as it, so it was easy for everyone to communicate. I was a little surprised when the name on it was Hudson Brady. I wonder what I can do for him. I open the chat to see.

Hudson Brady (CEO): Good morning, Avalyn. How are you?

Avalyn Holmes: Good morning, Sir. I am fine, thank you. How are you?

Hudson Brady (CEO): Sir? I told you, call me Hudson. I am fine too, Miss Holmes.

Avalyn Holmes: Good. Can I help you with something?

I waited for him to reply, and a few times, I saw that he was writing and then changed his mind. Whatever was needed, he can’t be too confident if he keeps changing his mind.

Hudson Brady (CEO): Nope! I am in a meeting, and I am bored out of my head.

Avalyn Holmes: Shouldn’t you be listening rather than talking to me? ?

Hudson Brady: Not when I have heard it all a hundred times, no ha-ha. Any further along with your article?

I was sort of hoping he wouldn’t bring that up, but here we are talking about it once again.

Avalyn Holmes: Not really, but I spoke to Kate about it, who advised me how to make it easier. I will try that and see if it helps.

Hudson Brady: That is good then! I am sure you can do it. My offer still stands. If you need any help or advice, let me know.

Avalyn Holmes: Thank you, but I think I will be OK.

Hudson Brady: You got this, Miss Holmes ?. I am going to stop by the office later, will you join me for a coffee?

Avalyn Holmes: I hope you are right. It depends on the time.

Hudson Brady: I will let you know when I get there, and you can let me if you are due a break.

Avalyn Holmes: OK. I better get back to work. Talk soon.

Hudson Brady: Yes, talk soon, Miss Holmes. Enjoy the rest of your morning. I will see you later.

I left it at that and got back to work. Why does he need to come by today? I don’t think I can handle seeing him again, not for the second day in a row.

I groan, resting my head on the table. I need to stop! I am a professional woman. I shouldn’t get this way over a man. No matter how delicious and charming he was. I hope his seemly piqued interest in me will fade.

I got this! Well, I will keep telling myself that, anyway. Maybe it would be best if I turned down his interview because by me doing that, I am going to be around him more, and I am not sure if that is such a good idea.

Then, on the other hand, I can’t let those doubts ruin this chance for me. I don’t think I can win this one.