Page 56 of Capturing the Captain

“Okay.” She nods, urging me to continue.

“Well, I wanted to tell you-” At that moment the door swings open and Josh’s big frame fills the doorway.

“I am so sorry I’m late.” He says, shutting the door and coming to my side. Katherine looks confused and I’m inwardly cringing. “Coach wouldn't let us leave.” He plants a quick kiss against my head before sitting in the seat beside mine. “So, where were we?” We all sit in silence for a dragging moment, Josh’s gaze flitting between mine and Katherine’s. He finally takes in the tense atmosphere of the room. He looks between my reddened face and Katherine’s wide eyes before lowering his head. “Aw, shit.”

36

Josh

I’ve really stuck my foot in it here. I just assumed Olivia would have told her about us already but from the awkward silence and tension filling the room, I can safely say that she did not.

Olivia takes my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “This is what I wanted to talk about.”

Katherine’s eyes fly between me and Olivia and down to our joined hands. “So I think it's okay to assume that Josh is the baby’s father?” We both nod, and I look down at Olivia’s tummy. She has really popped the last couple of weeks and it’s a lot more evident that she’s pregnant. Well, I think so anyway. She still thinks she looks fat and that people won’t be able to tell if she’s carrying a real baby or a food baby.

Either way, she’s still beautiful.

“Okay. Well, congratulations to you both then!” Katherine exclaims, clapping her hands together. I’m caught off guard by her sudden change in reaction. I was expecting shouting or disappointment not… this. “First things first, I’ll need to contact HR about getting you two both a contract to sign.” She begins typing on her laptop.

“What contract?” Olivia asks in a curious voice.

“A relationship contract. Basically saying that although you are in a relationship, you will still act in a professional manner. It also states that you can’t sue us for any sexual harassment claims or anything like that.” She pauses, taking in the looks on both mine and Ollie’s faces. “Not that you would.” She quickly states in a panic. “We just need to protect our end of things, you know?”

A thought forms in my head and before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “So, you’re telling me that this whole time, we didn't have to sneak around?”

“Nope.” Katherine replies with what only could be described as an evil smirk.

“And why do you not seem more surprised about this?”

“Because I’ve always known you two were together.” She takes in my questioning gaze. “Well you weren't exactly subtle about it.”

What the fuck? So, everyone knew this whole time? I thought we were very subtle. I can feel Olivia watching me so I turn my gaze to her. Her expression matches mine. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

“Why would I? You were very clearly sneaking around for a reason. Why should I say anything to you when you didn't say anything to me?” It’s a fair point but it doesn't ease any of the anger that’s bubbling up to the surface.

My jaw clenches tight as I bite out, “So we went for months, miserable, because of all of this and you’re telling me all we had to do was sign a piece of paper?” Katherine does a slow nod of her head, seemingly a little guilty. “Do you know how awful that was? Seeing my girl depressed, not eating, eyes red and puffy every single day because we ‘weren’t allowed to be together’ and all you had to say was ‘here, sign this’? Fuck.” I’m shouting by the end, barely registering Olivia’s tight grip on my hand. She has tears streaming down her cheeks and my mood instantly softens. “Fuck, baby I’m so sorry.” I pull her to me, trying to comfort her with my embrace.

“I just didn’t realise how hard it was for you to see me like that. I didn't even think.” She hiccups through her words, inhaling deeply. “I’m so sorry, Josh.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Ollie.” I reassure her, running my fingers through her soft strands of hair.

Once Olivia’s cries have softened, Katherine clears her throat, reminding us that she is still in the room. “I’m sorry, Katherine. I didn’t mean to get so angry.”

She accepts my apology as a knock sounds on the door. A short guy with a pot belly and glasses that take up half of his face walks in, holding a stack of papers. HR must be the most boring job on this planet. Just sitting around and waiting until someone needs you to print out a few pages. Maybe that’s not all they do but fuck if I know. The only times you ever hear of HR is when something needs to be signed or someone’s in trouble.

Olivia and I skim the documents while Katherine talks to HR Harry. It feels like forever since I started reading these and I don't think I’ve actually taken anything in. As soon as Olivia sets her set of the contract back on the desk, I do the same and she gives me an accusatory look.

Once we have signed everything that needs to be signed, Harry leaves the room so it’s only me, my girl and Katherine. There’s a heavy silence in the air surrounding us and I’m not sure what to do next. Can we just leave?

“Can I ask,” Katherine starts, “what made you think you had to hide this from everyone?”

Olivia speaks first, “At the start, it was because of the story I heard about the last photographer. I didn’t want to get caught up in some sort of scandal and risk this job.” I take her hand again, giving it a gentle squeeze and she visibly relaxes. “And then, that first day I was here after getting the job, you had told all the guys to stay away from me. But by that point, Josh and I had spent time together and I couldn't give that up. It was the most real thing that had ever happened to me.” Her cheeks are a gorgeous shade of pink and she bites her bottom lip to try and stop the smile that’s trying to break free. “I just assumed that staff and team relationships were off-limits.”

“Does no one read the contracts before signing them when getting a job here?” Katherine asks and Olivia’s face flushes a deeper shade.

“Does anyone actually read contracts before getting any job?” I chip in which earns me a glare.

“Anyway, I think that’s us done here.” Katherine says, smiling at both Olivia and I. “I’m glad you two have worked things out. And I’m very happy for you both.” We make our way to the door, hand in hand. “Oh wait,” Katherine calls out, “just one more thing.” She gives us both a hard accusatory stare, “Next time you think about fooling around in the office, be a bit more discreet.”