Office Desires

11. Cold

1 month later :

Debbie sat at one end of the conference table, her usually graceful fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood, creating a beat that echoed through the room. Her immaculately styled auburn hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a crisp, navy blue blazer that accentuated her sharp professionalism.

Lou, on the other hand, sat opposite her, her expressive blue eyes filled with determination. Her tousled blonde hair hinted at a certain carefree charm, and she donned a simple yet stylish white blouse that stood in contrast to Debbie's formality.

Lou cleared her throat, breaking the uneasy silence. "About the upcoming book launch—"

Debbie interrupted, her perfectly manicured nails clicking against the table. "I've already reviewed the plan. It's on schedule."

Lou nodded. "I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page."

Debbie's eyes briefly met Lou's, but there was a hardness in her gaze that hadn't been there before. Her almond-shaped eyes, usually expressive, now held a guarded quality. "We are."

"Okay...did you read the manuscript I gave you ?" Lou inquired, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"Yes, but I didn't like it"

"Debbie, that's the fourth manuscript I've given you, and you still don't like it... What are you waiting for?"

Debbie's gaze remained unyielding. "I don't know... Maybe stop giving me manuscripts that talk about cheesy love..."

Lou leaned back, disbelief etched across her features. "Every book is about love."

Debbie's shoulders tensed as she continued, her voice unwavering. "No... What about an adventure story?"

Lou shook her head. "There's love in those too."

"I don't know, a biography?"

Lou's frustration mirrored Debbie's.

"There is love in every damn book ! Just get over your emotions. You can't close your eyes to beautiful manuscripts just because you have a cold heart."

Debbie's eyes flashed with irritation. "This has nothing to do with me."

Lou scoffed. "Yeah, right."

"You know what?"

Lou leaned in, her tone defiant. "What?"

Debbie hesitated for a moment before simply stating, "Nothing... Just go."

Lou pushed her chair back, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "Fine!" She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor as she walked out of the room, leaving the tension-filled atmosphere behind.

"Don't shut the-"

The door slammed shut behind Lou, cutting off whatever Debbie had intended to say. Debbie was left alone in the conference room, the lingering tension like a heavy cloud in the air. She let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers running through her auburn hair as she tried to regain her composure.

***

"Come in," Lou called from inside, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

Amita entered and found Lou sitting behind her desk, bathed in the soft glow of desk lamps, her brow furrowed in thought. The lines of concern etched on Lou's face were more pronounced than usual, and it was evident that something was bothering her deeply.

"Hey, Lou," Amita began, her voice gentle as she took in Lou's appearance. Lou's usually vibrant blue eyes seemed dulled by whatever was weighing on her mind. "Can I talk to you ?"