To Color Your Life

Barkens finished the song and handed over the guitar. The men patted him on the shoulder approvingly. He nodded and walked towards Emily with an impartial expression.

"Ready to go?"

The girl was looking at him, not taking her eyes off.

"Miss Hayes?"

"Are you the lead singer of the Colors of Life band?" Emily whispered and covered her mouth with her hands as the man nodded.

"Yes, that was the name of the band I was in. It's surprising that you know of it. We weren't promoted anywhere, really. So, a few tracks went online and that's it."

"And that's it?! You know what? Kelly has been falling asleep to these tracks for seven years!" Emily blurted out. "Oh, I wanted to say that we were fans of your work. Especially Kelly."

The man blinked. It was hard for Emily to tell whether he was surprised or confused, but a mischievous light flickered in Barkens' calm eyes. "It's quite unexpected."

"Kelly will be shocked," Emily whispered.

"No!" The editor-in-chief cut her off abruptly. In unusually harsh manner for his usual restraint. "Please don't tell Miss Ohara about this."

"But why?" the girl was perplexed.

"I don't want to change her mind about me," the man handed Emily her helmet, hinting that it was time to go.

"Why?" she sat down behind the editor-in-chief, feeling already accustomed to his motorcycle.

"For the same reason that you decided that I perform shamanistic rites in my office. I prefer when a person is liked for who he is, and not for the mask that they see on him." Gregor started the engine, straightened his helmet. The motorcycle sank under the man's weight.

Emily watched him silently, analyzing what she heard. "W-wait," she tapped him on the shoulder as the man was about to hit the pedals.

"Do you want Kelly to like you?! In a romantic sense?"

Emily bit her lip to suppress a smile. Who would have thought that a cold-blooded snake blushes so cute!

"Miss Hayes!" Barkens barked at her, "Sit still if you don't want to fall! And keep in mind, I'm your boss! Be so kind as to respect the chain of command!"

"I got it, I'm shutting up." Emily buried her helmet on the man's back. Her shoulders twitched nervously with suppressed laughter.

Gee...

You say you're in a cold war, Kelly Ohara? Ha, in my opinion, there is a hot battle coming up, which her friend is not even aware of.

Kelly will be surprised when she finds out that her adored idol and hated competitor for the main position in the company are one and the same person!

Emily was already imagining the shocked face of the red-haired she-devil.

What other secrets does Pharaoh keep? The publishing house more and more resembled an ancient tomb, the studying of which she had just begun.

It's a pity that it's all going to be over soon.

It took about an hour to get back. Emily hadn't imagined that she'd wandered out of town on her walks. If she was wearing a bracelet that counts steps, then she would definitely set a record.

Well, such a great reason to boast was wasted.

Barkens drove her home and dropped her off at the entrance. The clock was almost midnight.

"Thank you so much. You really helped me out," Emily thanked him from the bottom of her heart. If it were not for the editor-in-chief, it is generally not known how she would have gotten home and how would she look like when she'd gotten to her very home.

Gregor took the girl's shoes from the trunk and handed them to her. "But if you decide to go for a walk, wear more suitable shoes next time. And take at least your phone with you."

"Yes, sorry for the inconvenience," she took her shoes and shifted from foot to foot, "Now I owe you a new pair of socks."

The man chuckled. "You'd better turn in your article on time, Miss Hayes. I can buy socks myself."

"Mr. Barkens!" Emily called out to him as Gregor was about to leave. "Kelly... You know, Kelly is a very impulsive and bright girl. She's smart, but when it comes to guys, she sometimes tends to turn to not the best ones."

Damn it Hayes, could you just have kept your mouth shut? You're the one to talk! A perfect example of an ideal relationship!

"Are you saying that I'm not her type?" the man asked directly.

Emily hesitated, "Well... you are definitely an interesting man..." Barkens raised an eyebrow. "I meant," Damn it, Hayes, why did you even start this conversation! "I wanted to say that Kelly can do and say one thing and think quite the opposite. Therefore…"

"Ahaha, I understand you, Miss Hayes," Gregor laughed, and Emily wondered what a pleasant laugh he had. It made her feel good inside as if she had just drunk delicious warm cocoa.

"Good night Miss Emily Hayes," the man chuckled and rolled down the glass on his helmet. "Don't be late for work tomorrow. There seems to be something interesting going on in the office." He started the motorcycle and was out of sight a few seconds later.

Emily stood by the side of the road. The cool night asphalt began to pinch through the warm socks. She turned and ran inside. Enough adventure for today.

Refusing the elevator, the girl ran up the steps of the emergency staircase. By the fifth floor, she realized that it was a crazy idea, but decided to see it through to the end.

With a winner's smile, she went up to her floor, entered the foyer, and froze in place.

A man was sitting on the floor near the door of her apartment; he was leaning back against the wall and looking at the ceiling. Hearing the noise, the man turned his head and looked at Emily.

He got up, brushed off his trousers, and smiled apologetically.

"Hi, Em. Sorry, it's so late. But I really need to talk to you. Will you give me half an hour?"

One of the shoes slipped out of her hand and fell to the floor with a crash. The sharp sound brought the girl out of shock. She lifted her shoe and then gave the man a scornful look.

How could he even have the guts to come to her? Without an invitation, and even at the time like this?!

"Don't you think the time for the visits is not the right time, Peter? Or should I only address to you as Professor Miller?"

That's right! Meeting her ex was the last thing left to make her completely 'happy'!