Ashley's POV
Andrew is acting weird.
I mean, I know he's a naturally quiet guy. But something was off. He wouldn't even look me in the eye when I asked what he was getting. And he only bought an apple for lunch. That guy could eat a whole plate of steak for 2. Trust me, that's what happened at dinner last night. When my steak came it was medium rare (I'd actually ordered well done) and he'd sheepishly said he didn't mind having mine. So I gave it to him. He totally didn't look like a guy who could eat a lot, but he could.
I decided to corner him. 'Hey Andrew. You alright? You seem pretty troubled about something. ' I said lightly.
'Just didn't sleep well last night. No worries. ' he mustered a closed-mouth smile.
'If there's anything... you can tell me.' I cleared my throat awkwardly.
'Ella walked out. '
'Pardon?' I blinked.
'Ella... she left. Just like that. Over a text. ' Andrew blurted out.
Sympathy stirred up within me. 'Aw honey, I'm so sorry.' I felt an overwhelming urge to give him a hug, so I did. The heat radiating from his body made me feel all warm inside, and my ears burnt again. (?!)
Andrew didn't retaliate, and withdrew approximately 4 seconds later. 'Thank you, Ashley.'
'No problem at all. And for the record, if she's doing this to you, she's not worth it in the first place. ' I said fiercely, surprising myself.
'Actually-'
'Don't even defend her. These kind of women are the worst. I mean, who does that over text? Only the most cowardly people. Don't you worry Andrew, there're lots of other fish in the sea who are more worth it.'
'Actually, ' Andrew coughed. 'She didn't dump me. She just went overseas... she's going to stay in Australia for 2 years. '
Well hello, floor. Now's the time to engulf me. 'Oh. Well.' I laughed awkwardly. Meet Ashley Perez, also known as Ms MotorMouth. 'She still should've seeked for your consent. '
Andrew shrugged morosely. 'I would say it's her right to do whatever she wants. If this makes her happy, I'm happy. ' he exclaimed, looking slightly unsure even as he injected confidence into his voice.
'Want a cupcake?' I changed the topic abruptly. 'I baked it.'
'Oh, yeah why not, ' I watched as Andrew bit into my chocolate chip + M&Ms cupcake. 'Mhhmm, tastes awesome!'
'I know right?' I teased. 'I should totally open a bakery. '
'If you did, you wouldn't be here,' Andrew replied.
A funny feeling rose in my stomach. 'True. And I do like it here. Until you came along. ' I pretended to roll my eyes.
'You mean, you only started to have fun when I came along. ' Andrew retorted swifty.
'Puh-leaseee. ' I bit my lip, trying to contain the smile threatening to take over the lower half of my face.
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Andrew's POV
Man, I felt so much better after talking to Ashley. I didn't know why I didn't exactly jump to Ella's defence when Ashley criticised her. I don't know, it just seemed kinda cute, like she was protecting me...? Okay, I don't mean cute in that way if that's what you're thinking. She's just proven herself to be a really great friend.
'I can't believe you possess this skill. ' Keith was at my side suddenly.
'I'm sorry?'
'Don't be. You're doing great.' He chuckled.
'I'm sorry?' I repeated, feeling like a total idiot.
'At flirting."
"Excuse me?"
"I know something's up, Andy," Keith said playfully. "There aren't a lot of office romances here but it is allowed, y'know."
"Keith, I don't know what you're getting at, but I'm already attached."
"Really?" Keith's eyebrows shot up, his grin slipping. Ha.
"The last time I checked I was." I said firmly.
"Ah, that's a pity. I thought..." Keith hesitated. "OK, I kinda saw Ashley's phone." he glanced at me before continuing. "I wasn't invading her privacy or anything, but her phone was unlocked, and I kinda saw her wallpaper." he coughed. "Looked pretty serious to me."
"What wallpaper?"
"Ah, never mind. Looks like it's unrequited love for Ashley," Keith said vaguely and rolled away in his computer chair, leaving me extremely befuddled.
A funny feeling rose in my stomach when it finally sank in. Right. Last night, I'd kind of dared her to put the photo we took together as her wallpaper because she claimed she'd never had a guy as her wallpaper before. I never really thought she would go ahead with the idea. And even if she did, I mean, she would have changed it right back when she got home or something... right? Maybe I should casually ask her about it...
But what if she really does like me? That will explain why she's been so friendly. But maybe she's just like that, I mean, she's an extrovert and is really sociable. But wait, despite this, I don't really see her so involved in my other colleagues' personal lives.
In any case, I would have to disappoint her. Ella may be on the other side of the world but her heart will always remain here with me.
I hope.
A/N: I'm glad to see that Andrew isn't feeling so down in the dumps over Ella's sudden decision to go overseas! But seriously, how do these two truly feel towards each other?
More will be revealed in tne subsequent chps, so stay tuned and kindly vote/comment. (:
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