She still hadn't seen much of Sunni since the kiss, besides an awkward hello before Sunni darted out the door to her rehearsal. Lyla had to admit that she didn't look too good, she had dark rings around her eyes and her usual jet black hair looked limp and greasy.
"We need to sit down and move on from this once and for all." Lyla thought as she poured herself some cereal and checked her phone. She had one voicemail, she hadn't even heard her phone ring. She cradled her phone between her shoulder and ear as she grabbed some milk from the refrigerator.
"Lyla," Holt's voice growled in her ear. "I don't know what you and your boss are doing but fucking with family is a step too far. I am no saint but if you start using Halle, I swear to god I will fucking destroy you worse than you can imagine. YOU FUCKING DUMB BITCH!"
Lyla stared into space for a moment listening to the automated message asking if she wanted to return the call. Anger quickly engulfed her.
"How fucking dare he," She seethed. "He has no fucking clue what I am capable off."
She threw the milk back in the fridge, her appetite gone. She quickly scanned her contacts and pressed the call button.
"Hi Halle, hope I didn't wake you, I am free now if you want to go over to inspect the apartment for the investors. Perfect I will be there in thirty minutes. "
She hung up and jumped into the shower, determination coursing through her veins.
*****
"Hey Lyla, come in, I was just getting ready." Halle said with her usual youthful vigor. She was wearing purple short shorts, a green tank top and her hair in pig tails.
"What the fuck is she wearing?" Lyla thought as she stepped past her into the small apartment. It had clothes strewn all over the small lounge, every free surface was either covered in magazines or dirty dishes.
"Sorry the place is a bit of a mess, I am just finding my feet."
"I have seen worse. You know what Clarke wants us to do in the apartment?"
"Yes I have it all written down, I was looking for it when you knocked. Make you self at home and I will keep looking."
Lyla looked around in disdain. There was a stale smell in the air.
"I will help, we can get to it quicker then."
"Sure thing."Halle said, a giant grin across her face. "Lyla I know you said never to mention it again but I can't get our time at the spa out of my head, it was the best night of my life. I never thought I would get the courage to do anything with a woman, how lucky was I that my first time was with someone as beautiful and cool as you."
Lyla couldn't help herself, she blushed.
"I am glad you had fun."
"I even bought a toy," She said bashfully. "Just like the one you've got. I use it almost every night. Oops I probably shouldn't have mentioned that." She whispered, going scarlet.
"It's fine Halle really, we are just two girls talking. You found that sheet yet?"
Holt's voicemail was still ringing in her ears. She couldn't believe his cheek, if he hadn't of stolen the plans from her phone none of this would be happening. She was going to make him pay, she didn't care if she had to fuck every member of the board, the focus groups and all the investors. The only way she could truly see him suffer was to make sure Clarke had every advantage at his disposal.
"Found it... oh."
"What does 'oh' mean?" Lyla looked at her quizzically.
"We have to pick up some champagne and caviar. Do you still have the company credit card?" She said as she stuffed the sheet into a tie dye drawstring rucksack.
****
An hour later they both struggled to open the doors into the multi-million dollar apartment complex. Both of their hands were laden with expensive, food, alcohol, towels and chocolates.
Halle continued to be excitable, jumping around all the stores, pointing out all the things she hadn't tried but wanted too. Lyla was exhausted.
She placed the groceries at her feet as she fished out the key card.
"Get the elevator Halle. Fourth floor."
"Sure thing." She bounded off, her flip flops flapping on the tile floor.
Lyla picked up her bags, key card in mouth and followed her to the closed elevator.
"I cannot wait to see it, looks amazing on the website."
"Yes we just put the stuff in and then we leave."
The elevator doors pinged. A man emerged.
"Lyla Samson, is that you?"
"Seth, what the hell, how are you?"
Halle looked between them wide eyed. She looked the giant guy standing in front of her up and down. His short brown curly hair was almost blonde at the tips, sun bleached. His skin was golden brown. He had on wine green shorts and a salmon t-shirt, on his feet were grey plimsolls.
"I am good, wow how long has it been?"
"Four years I think, this is my co-worker Halle, Halle this is Seth, an old friend."
They exchanged handshakes and hellos. Lyla wanted her gone so she could catch up with him.
"Halle, take the key card and I will follow you up, just put stuff away before it gets warm. Apartment 301. Thanks"
Halle grabbed the bags and key card from Lyla. Seth had his attention back on her so he couldn't see Halle's approving nod.