TIFFIN 3

18

Many of the new employees were easy to sift through.

Much to my displeasure, however, two out of the five said some inappropriate comments and brushed against my leg several times. 

"I am so grateful for this opportunity," one boy said, "my god, do your eyes sparkle." 

I knew I could have filed a harassment charge, but I put my worries aside. I could have been blowing this out of proportion and I didn't want to ruin their chances at a new job. 

When Eli approached, he wasn't inappropriate at all. He was dressed in a crisp dress shirt and slacks. To complete his assemble, his diamond cut chin was outstanding. 

After asking for many necessary documents, he attempted to make small talk. 

"So, how's my Kristina?" 

I blanched at this.
 
"I'm not your Kristina." 

He simply held up his hands in surrender. 

"I didn't mean any harm. I just thought we were closer than mere strangers. I did after all have your back when we were kids." 

I shut my eyes tightly then opened them to stare at his curious expression. 

"I'm so sorry... Eli. You did. You're right. I'm just all over the place..."

He furrowed his brows. 

"Does this have anything to do with the word going around this morning?" 

I pursed my lips wondering if I could trust this man. After a minute of long thinking I decided to be positive about this whole thing. 

I cleared my throat. 

"I can't get into it much, but... yes... me and Mr. Tiffin are separating."

Eli laughed at my response. I had half a mind to tell him to get the hell out of my office until he proceeded to explain with a careful look. 

"He's a fool. You're much too precious to let go. I had no choice in the matter."

I looked down at my lap, unable to stare at him.

Why was he so persistent?

It made me uneasy, though I didn't find the need to ignore him. 

I felt that I owed him. 

"Now why are you really here?" I pressed.

He simply shrugged. 

"Like I told you; I need the job which I've been granted. Do I need to be like all the other horn dogs in here and court you?"

I flushed for the first time in what felt like forever. 

"Absolutely not! I'm not that kind of girl!" 

He smirked. 

"I know that princess. You don't need to tell me. What's the game plan?"

I nodded knowing he was referring to the days tasks in the office. I didn't bothering correcting his endearment to me.

"For you, we'll need to get you going on the data sheets. It's been a week since I've been around so things are going to be hectic." 

I looked towards the rest of the boys, making my way towards the door. 

"Come on! Let me show you all to your stations." 

It was an hourly affair, giving them all the grand tour. I'd surprised myself by memorizing each and every section.

That was one thing I had done right.

When Eli and I had paused at a computer cubicle, he leaned across the desk, closer to me than normal. 

I pulled a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to ignore this action. 

"Why are you so nervous?" He asked in a husky tone. 

I did my best to gather my thoughts accordingly. 

"Nothing... I'm not. I'm just..."
 
Then what exactly was the issue?

Here I was, sweating like a whore in church, for what?

Memories of us?

Was it the fact that I'd never thanked enough for what he did for me?

"What happened to you?" He went on,  staring intimately at me. "I don't doubt you know what you're doing, but you used to be so full of life. So full of adventure. Now... you look.... artificial." 

I winced. That was harsh but so true. It was the outcome of trying to impress my kidnappers, every single day of my life though I wouldn't tell him that. 

I'd already tainted Hero with it all. 

I grinned. 

"People change, Eli. You'll notice that soon enough. I expect to see a stack higher than the enterprise by the end of the day." 

As I began to stalk off I heard him say: 

"But I liked the old Kristina."