Monday was quick to come, though the days passed sedately. The workload was low as all I had to do was to cancel his meetings till Wednesday.
On Thursday, I collected his Espresso and went to place it in his office.
"Good Morning Mr. Holden." I wished him cheerfully.
"Hmmm." He grunted as he continued to do his work. What? and I thought we were friends! Back to Mr. Grumpy mode.
The slow and lazy week quickly converted into a busy one as Mr. Grumpy was back. The days went ahead with the meetings, appointments, and documentations. Many a time, I caught him staring at me as if he was thinking about something deeply. Sometimes I felt he was going to say something to me and then changed his mind at the last moment.
In the past few weeks that I have come to know him, I find his character fascinating. If the work is not properly done, he becomes angry within the snap of a finger. I have seen many department heads at the receiving end. But he also has a generous side to himself which was very evident when he offered a fully paid family vacation to five long-term employees as a token of appreciation for their loyalty and hard work. Why think about others? When I think about our time in Seattle, I cannot deny that he was generous and considerate.
Sometimes I wonder how he would be in his personal life? Why isn't he married to Regina yet? I think about the conference and room blunder. And I wonder why did he kiss me? Not the peck on my forehead but that passionate kiss in his office. Now that I know him a little better, I don't feel like addressing him as Mr. Grumpy. He has been anything but that. But now, it's a habit. My mind automatically calls him Mr. Grumpy.
On Friday, post my lunch, I came back to the top floor to find his lunch on Elsa's table.
'Looks like he isn't back yet'
He frequently goes out just before or after lunch to various departments and sections for spot inspections. As I arranged the food in the Chamber, I saw a new photo frame on the table. I held it in my hand for a closer look. It was a family picture. I could identify the senior - Mr. Steve Holden. On his right was an elderly lady who I assume is Mrs. Senior Holden. Behind her, holding her shoulder were Ethan and Samantha. With Samantha is another tall woman who should be the senior sister Holden. Kissing her hair is another guy who is holding an infant in his arms. Mr. Grumpy is sitting on the ground holding a ginger Labrador. All of them are laughing at something. Happiness is radiating from their faces. I looked closer at Mr. Grumpy. He looks younger and happier. His eyes are crinkled and he is laughing freely. I touched his face.
"You know, you look handsome. You should laugh more often Mr. Grumpy!" I said to an empty room.
"Sure, I'll try." came a sound right behind my ear. I screamed and the frame fell from my hand. Luckily, the floor was carpeted and thus, the frame didn't break. My heart was beating fast and blood was gushing to my ear.
"I didn't mean that – I mean yea you look handsome when you laugh – no umm, I mean you look -" 'Shit! Shit! Stop speaking already.'
He gave me a long look. He bent down and picked up the picture frame and looked into it.
"Is that the name you gave me – Mr. Grumpy?" 'uh-oh! Not a good sign. Don't open your mouth, Amy.'
And then, just when I thought that things couldn't be worse, he laughed. It was a rich laugh and it took me by surprise. I stood there, watching him laugh, not sure what to do. "Come, I'll introduce you to my family" he gestured me to come close. As I walked closer to him, I was painfully aware of his body being very close to mine.
"You've already met my father – Steve Holden. That's my mother – Anna. You already know Ethan and Samantha. This is Fran with her husband Justin. That's their bundle of joy – Jeff. And that -" he said pointing to the dog "– is my best buddy Charger. This was one of the happy times we had in our family. But ever since mother has been diagnosed with cancer, our lives have been torn apart" His tone was soft.
The room was quiet. He was still looking at the picture and I had no clue what to say.
"So that was the urgent personal issue you had?" I deduced. He nodded absently. "I'm so sorry Mr. Holden. I didn't know and Ethan never said anything. How is she now?" I was sincerely sorry for him. I haven't seen him so low.
"She's been better. Life for her now is medication, rest, and chemo. It's sad. She's the most lovable and most gentle person I know. Now my goal is to make her happy but I can't get her everything she wants." He was still looking at his mom's picture.
'Uh-uh really? What is it that he can't get her?'
"Except for things that are in God's hand, is there really something that you cannot afford?" I was curious and I had to ask.
"She wants to see us all settled. Fran and Ethan have found the love of their lives. I'm the lone Stag in the family. She wants me married and that's a wish of hers that I've not been able to fulfill." He sighed
Sometimes one ought to keep their mouth shut and I know this was one such time. I pictured Regina, how possessively she held on to him that day in office. He can marry her. In fact, he can easily marry anyone he wants. He is smart, he is handsome, he is filthy rich. There should be a long winding line of women ready to marry him. What's the big deal then? I guess I just couldn't stop myself.
"Why not?" I genuinely wanted to know.
He looked at me long and hard. I knew I had stepped over the line. Then, it clicked.
'He is gay, isn't he? Shit! I really shouldn't have asked' He was still looking at me as the uncomfortable moments stretched. What about a long winding line of men waiting to marry him? We all live in a progressive society, don't we?
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to -" I tried to apologize.
"Will you marry me Amelia?" He crossed his hands over his chest and looked me dead straight into my eyes.
"What!" Nothing else could come out of my mouth.
He repeated, emphasizing each word "I said, Will– you – marry – me?"