Blank Space

~ Chapter 19 ~

Felicity just wanted to quit working.

She had been at it all day, and for the most part, had been completely infatuated with it this past week alone. Since the fight with Oliver and their permanent ending of things, she had been trying to keep herself busy, and was making up excuses not to be near him.

But, when she was near him, he barely looked at her. It was as if they were back to square one of their relationship, and even then, at least he would talk to her then. But now? He was avoiding her like the bubonic plague.

"You okay?"

Felicity looked up to see Ray standing in the doorway. He was leaning against the post just looking at her with worried eyes.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just have a lot going on in here." She said, pointing to her head.

"With superb intelligence comes great responsibility." He smirked, trying to lighten up the mood.

She smiled at that, glad that someone could get her mind off of all the bad things. Ray knew how to make her forget, and it was nice. It was nice to know that someone actually cared about her, instead of trying to "protect her" all the freaking time.

I mean, the overprotective side of him got really old sometimes. She just wanted passion and love from him. And, he just didn't give it to her.

"I know I seem like I always point it out, but... your ring?" He asked, looking at my bare hand.

"It was time." Felicity responded coldly, not really wanting to say anymore about the subject.

"You sure?" He asked, surprised that Felicity has said that.

"I think so. The man I fell in love with is gone. It's time I accept that." Felicity shrugged, not technically lying.

Ray just nodded, and walked into her office further to where he was standing right in front of her desk. He just looked down at her and sadly smiled.

"If you want to take the day for yourself, then do it. I don't mind." Ray smiled down at her.

But, Felicity shook her head.

"No, keeping busy is the only thing keeping me sane right now." She laughed, folding her hands together and looking up at him.

He laughed along with her and nodded, "Okay, okay, Miss Smoak. I'll allow you to keep working this time, but only because I've grown to enjoy your company."

He then winked at her, laughing, and walked out.

Was he... Was he flirting with her?

It seemed innocent enough, but if it was flirting, she didn't know how to feel about it, really. Sure, she liked the attention, because God knows Oliver didn't give her any... But, from Ray? He was her boss... Was it right for him to be flirting with her?

Then, again... He might have just trying to lighten up the mood, without any intention of flirting with her.

Felicity just sat there, speechless, staring at her computer. She quickly shook her head, and just succombed back into the work pace. She soon realized that her hair was beginning to annoy her, so she gingerly pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and breathed in and out a long and needed sigh.

Today's work was so tedious, and with everything that she had to check, and double-check-- she was surely getting a headache.

And, then the phone started ringing.

"Palmer Industries, this is Felicity Smoak speaking." She answered, her voice monotone due to the routine of words.

"Felicity! Hi!" A mousy voice boomed from the other line, and Felicity instantly knew who it was, stifling back a laugh.