Off The Record

Chapter Eleven - Accidental Date

The rejection stung. He didn't want to see me. We'd done everything we needed to in his eyes. I didn't text back. He'd made his intention clear. I just didn't understand why I was sad about it.

I tried to work on the article, but all I could think about was how Ezra didn't want to see me again.

"Deep in thought?" Alec's voice caught me off guard. I looked to my right, he was leaving for the day. I glanced at my laptop time, it was 6pm. "Everyone else has gone home."

I nodded and closed the laptop down before shoving it into my bag.

"Yeah sorry, I got carried away with work." I lied, it was easier than admitting the truth to myself.

"I admire your work ethic, but go home and get some rest Ivy." He murmured.

I nodded and stood up. We walked through the empty office together, it was dark outside, I was going to have to catch the bus at night.

"Did you drive in?" Alec asked, pushing the button on the elevator.

"Uh, no. I caught the bus." I replied, a decision I was regretting.

"I'll give you a ride. I don't like the thought of leaving you at the bus stop at 8pm."

I turned on my phone as I walked into the elevator once the doors opened. How the hell was it 8pm? I nodded and looked at Alec.

"I'd really appreciate that."

At first the drive to my apartment was quiet. Though I could sense that Alec wanted to say something.

When we pulled up outside he turned off his car.

"I underestimated you as a writer Ivy." Alec said softly. "I was wrong for that. Your article is amazing, and we can print it - tomorrow if you want."

I smiled.

"It's not finished." I replied.

"Well, when you say it is, we're publishing."

I smiled and opened the car door. To my surprise, Alec did too.

"Ivy!" He said, slightly exasperated. "You haven't eaten, you want to go get something to eat?"

The expected excitement at the prospect of being asked out by Alec didn't follow his question. In fact all I felt was exhaustion. I wanted to heat up mac and cheese and climb into bed.

I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, I'm really tired. Another time for sure though?"

Alec smiled back at me and leaned against his car. "I'll hold you to that. Sleep well Ivy, I'll see you in the office tomorrow."

Alec got back into his car and drove off and I let myself inside.

Once I was in my apartment the memory of the morning came flooding back. My bed was still askew and I could still smell the faint scent of Ezra's aftershave. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and sighed. I hadn't sent him a message since his last one. I'd planned to honor his wishes, but I couldn't leave it like this.

I've really enjoyed getting to know you Ezra. It's only been a few days, but I've enjoyed it. I want us to speak again. I hope we get the chance to do that. And not just for your story. - Ivy

Ezra didn't reply. I stared at my phone for an unnatural amount of time hoping for a call or text, but it never came.

Instead I ended up heating up the leftover mac and cheese, and climbing into bed just like I'd said I would.