Tuesday came and I collected the morning Espresso from Starbucks. The plan was to keep the tiny card on top of the cup so that he'll see it.
As I walked inside, Chris came running to me. She hugged me and apologized. It wasn't her mistake that Brian was a psycho. She was scared that this will bring friction in our friendship. But I didn't think it was her mistake anyways. After promising to meet her for lunch, I hurried upstairs.
I don't know why, but my heart was beating fast thinking about how I will face Mr. Grumpy? In the back of my mind, I have the image of him undressing me. I also want to give him the card today. I wonder what will he say. Am I reading too much into this? As I reached our floor, Elsa waved.
"Mr. Holden isn't coming till lunch. I guess you can give that Espresso to me" She smiled.
"Oh! What happened" I was disappointed.
"Don't know. He just messaged that he'll come post-lunch" she was already checking her emails.
I came to my cabin and switched on my computer. I didn't realize that I was so excited to see him.
'Maybe I'll give the card with the evening Coffee.'
I checked my email. There were some queries from contractors but there wasn't even a single email from Mr. Grumpy. He didn't assign me any work. I smiled. He did think about me, doesn't he?
"Someone is dreaming" I was jolted out of my daydreaming. Ivan was standing there, a bit apprehensive. "Hey! How are you? I'm sorry I left early that evening. I'll kill that jerk if I ever see him again." He sure was angry
"It's okay Ivan. I kinda don't remember anything and so -" I left the sentence hanging. I don't even want to think about it.
"I'll see you at lunch. Just wanted to come and check if you are okay. I came in yesterday but Elsa said that you were on leave."
"Sure! See you at lunch." I waved at him.
Since I had very less work, I completed everything easily and gave a call to Chris that I'll be at the pantry. Ivan was already there. We sat down for lunch.
"Christoff went to see Brian. He came back with a black eye but said that he gave two black eyes to Brian." Chris said while munching her food. "Looks like Mr. Holden already broke his nose. It was all bloodied and bandaged. Apparently, he is forever having a dent on his nose."
"Suits him well" Ivan chimed. I just kept my head down. I really don't want to think about it.
"I'm so sorry Amy. I feel it's all my mistake. I was pushing you towards Brian as well. I didn't know he was an asshole." Chris was apologetic.
"Leave it Chris. Thankfully nothing happened." I shudder to think what if Mr. Grumpy was not in the club that fateful night. My life would have taken a 360-degree turn.
As I came back from lunch, Elsa waved again.
"Mr. Holden is here. There's a hot chick too. I think it's the same woman – his girlfriend. I'm not sure" She was excited. I was deflated. 'Why?' I asked myself. At times like these, my conscience acts like an ostrich with its head buried in the sand.
I was curious. I wanted to know who that woman is. So, I picked up the notebook and pen, knocked on the door, and opened the door even before I heard the 'Come In'.
Mr. Grumpy was sitting on the single couch while the woman clambered as she got up from his lap. She pulled her red backless skintight bodycon down.
'What is there to pull down?' And then I looked at her face which shivered with pure anger.
'Fuck!'
"Don't you wait till you get permission to enter?" She barked at me as I gawked at her. Mr. Grumpy scowled at me.
"I – I am sorry. I didn't -" I wavered.
"Get out now!" she screamed so loudly that I hurried back to my cabin. I was insulted and disgusted.
I know her. Regina Peterson. She is his rumored girlfriend, isn't she? I remember reading the article about her on the internet. She looked elegant in the picture but why was she being such a bitch in person?
'Shouldn't they be doing this in their bedroom. Why do it in an office where people can walk in any time?' I realized I was hurt too. Why? What he does with his girlfriend is his decision and choice. Wasn't I planning to go ahead with Brian? How can I judge him then? And it's not like he had any romantic relationship with me. He never promised me anything. We never had any moments. Except for some tiny instances which were probably nothing for him. Why do I overthink everything?
I wasn't sure if I should take his evening Coffee today. Since it's a part of my duty, I decided to. The Thank You card will have to wait. I took the cup and knocked on the door. This time I waited till I heard the "Come in". I took a deep breath and walked inside. Regina wasn't in the office. Mr. Grumpy was signing some documents. I quietly placed the cup on the table and as I did, he spoke.
"I'm sorry Amelia. For her behavior." I looked at him. Somehow all the anger surfaced.
"You need not apologize. It wasn't you who was rude. And anyway, I don't care even if you fuck inside your office." 'Shit! did I just say that?' Before I could actually comprehend what I said, I turned and almost ran out of the office.
God! I'll be fired any moment now. Within the next half an hour my intercom buzzed. Here it goes! Will he fire me right away? I knocked on the door again and waited for permission. As I entered this time, I could see Regina in the office. She was spritzing something behind her ears. The smell was overbearing.
"I am leaving for the day, Ms. Wilson. There are some printouts to be taken and filed in the cabinet. Please complete before you leave." As I nodded yes, Regina hooked her arms into his and looked at me bitterly.
'Why show me that attitude Ms. Girlfriend?' well, of course, I didn't say it out loud.
With that, they walked out of the office with Regina sashaying her hips. I went back to work. There were a couple of hundred pages to be printed. Just great! It was way past five and I barely reached half of the document. Then the printer started giving out blank prints. Shit! the printer ink was low. I called the IT department but everyone had left. I called Ivan on his cell. He picked up immediately.
"Hey Love! Any plans brewing?" His voice was chirpy as usual.
"Nope. My printer is giving blank printouts. Can you check?"
"Maybe the printer cartridge needs to be replaced. Though I'm on 24 hours on-call support, is it okay if I replace it tomorrow? I am already home." I could see his puppy face.
"Sure. No worries. Anyways, it's just printing and filing in cabinets. I guess I can do it tomorrow." I wondered aloud.
"Thanks Amy! See you tomorrow" He hung up the call.
With a sigh, I shut down the system. As I took my bag, I saw the tiny yellow card in it. I took it out and placed it neatly on the top of my table. A sigh escaped.
You'll have to wait little guy. I'm not sure if I myself will be in this office for long!