I wake up feeling miserable. The first thing I do is take a hangover pill. I remember almost everything, but some conversations are missing from my memory. I take a shower, almost cold, to wake myself up, and pin my hair back with my hair clip. Today is going to be a long day. I quickly get dressed in a pencil skirt and a baby-blue satin blouse, loose enough. I put on my shoes and grab my coat. I have to get back to my routine.
Today I’m the first to arrive; there wasn’t much traffic or a huge line at the café. Arriving before Laila is unusual, but not impossible. I turn on my laptop while sipping my coffee and scroll through my uninteresting social media feeds. I hear the elevator arriving and its famous “ding.” I don’t look up, already knowing who it is. I stay focused on my phone and offer Laila a brief good morning.
But it isn’t Laila who’s arrived.
- Good morning.
His deep voice startles me, and I jump slightly in my chair. I suddenly look up at Mr. Parker, visibly surprised by his arrival.
“G… Good morning, Mr. Parker. I’m sorry, I thought it was Laila; I wasn’t expecting you in the office this early.”
He lets his gaze slide down my body without answering me. He stands still in front of me, the desk separating us, one hand in the pocket of his dark blue pants. Today he’s wearing a blazer. I swallow hard, suddenly nervous. Does he know I fantasized about him? No, of course he doesn’t.
“Good morning, Blair. Will Laila be long?
He sighs, and suddenly, his look of annoyance appears, as if he’s displeased that I’m there. As if he’s forced to greet me just to get some information. I’m taken by surprise once again.
“Ah… I don’t know, but I don’t think she will…”
The “ding” sounds again and we both look over, seeing Laila stroll out, casually touching up her flawless makeup. He interrupts me.
- Ah! There she is. Laila, Darling, please come to my office when you’re ready.
- Y-yes, yes, of course, Mr. Parker!
Her voice comes out squeaky, such was the surprise. He gives her a cordial smile that doesn’t reach his eyes and ignores me, heading toward his office.
I stand still in the same spot, not quite understanding what just happened. Did he ignore me? Laila rushes past me without saying a word; she throws her things on the desk, grabs her planner, and runs to the boss’s office.
I feel my irritation rising. How could he treat me like I’m insignificant when just yesterday he was hitting on me? Who does he think he is? I’m so angry, so frustrated! I glance at his office; the blinds are up, and I see him rocking in his chair and smiling at Laila, making her laugh. Are they telling jokes to make each other laugh like that? She tosses her hair over her shoulder, and he keeps smiling and looking at her. For a few brief seconds, his gaze meets mine and his smile widens; I look away and sit down, turning my back on them.
She comes back 15 minutes later, still smiling from ear to ear. She sits down and sighs like a lovesick fool.
“I just had the best day since I’ve been here! He finally noticed me! I’m sure he’s into me, Blair!” She grabs my arm. “He called me ‘honey,’ asked how my day went yesterday, and apologized for being in a bad mood, but said he’s feeling better today.”
“Oh yeah? Is that what he told you?”
I look at her with a sarcastic expression. So he’s already solved his bad mood problem? I glance sideways at his office, pretending I’m going to grab some papers. He’s staring at his laptop, focused, with the tip of a pen between his lips. A vision of a Greek god. I look away; I’m too annoyed to idolize him in my mind.
- Even better! He’s going to be at the social gathering today! I’m sure it’s because of me!
The boss has never been to the weekly staff social gathering. Every Friday, after work, we have a social gathering in the garden, where they serve us cocktails and canapés; it’s quite large and luxurious, with beanbags scattered about and small fountains. It’s meant for us to relax and interact with one another. With the boss there, it won’t be the same. If he wants to hit on Laila, he doesn’t need to go to all that trouble! All he has to do is give her the eye and she’ll follow him like a little puppy!
I think about skipping the get-together, but I can’t—I’d already promised Jonathan I’d go with him and introduce him to the new security guard. He’s convinced the guy is a gay man who hasn’t come out yet, and he plans to “help him.” So I’m screwed.
We continue working; the boss keeps strutting in and out of the office, winking at Laila every now and then, completely ignoring me. My opinion of him was right from the start—he just wanted to sleep with me and get rid of me. Okay, I have no reason to be annoyed or… jealous over something that would never be mine and is worthless. At least I won’t be on his list of conquests; I just have to feel proud because I’m keeping my job—everything’s back to normal. But then, why don’t I feel proud?