Office Desires

21. In love with you

As they gathered their materials and reviewed their notes, there was an unspoken awkwardness that hung in the air. Lou was still struggling to open up about the underlying issues that had been bothering her, and Debbie was torn between giving her space and wanting to confront the situation.

Debbie finally cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

"Lou, we need to talk about what's been going on..."

Lou shifted uncomfortably in her chair, her gaze fixed on her notes. "Can't we just focus on the presentation ?"

Debbie leaned in, her voice gentle yet firm. "Lou..."

The blonde sighed and finally met Debbie's gaze. "It's just...I... never mind."

"No tell me !"

"I don't want to Debbie, can't you understand that ?"

"Is it about us ?"

Lou sighed.

"Lou...is it too much for you ? I mean, you've been distant with me, and I ignored it at first, but now I think I know what going on."

"Oh really ?"

"You can tell me if you want us to just be friends, I don't mind."

"What ?"

"Well, you've been avoiding me physical and mentally, why don't you just tell me we're over ? I mean, I can understand if you don't want me that way anymore, we can be just friends if you prefer."

Lou looked taken aback by Debbie's words, not expecting this turn in the conversation and heart ached as she processed them. The idea of reducing their relationship to just a friendship stung, especially because it seemed like Debbie was willing to let go so easily.

"Then let's just be friends." As the words left Lou's lips, a heavy silence fell between them. It wasn't what she truly wanted, but it seemed like the only way to protect herself from further hurt. She couldn't see the pain in Debbie's eyes, mirroring the ache in her own heart.

Debbie looked down, her voice trembling as she responded, "If that's what you want..."

Tears welled up in Lou's eyes as she nodded, the weight of her choice sinking in. It was a moment of painful resignation, the fear of getting hurt leading her to push away the person she cared for deeply.

Debbie stood up and began to walk away, her steps heavy with sorrow.

"Debbie, I'm in love with you..."

Debbie paused in her tracks, her back to Lou, as if frozen by the confession.

Lou couldn't bear the silence that followed, so she continued, her voice wavering but earnest. "I'm in love with you and I can't bare to be just an affair anymore..."

Debbie seemed frozen in place, her back still turned to Lou. The room felt heavy with the unspoken emotions that swirled between them. It was as if time had stopped, and they were caught in the gravity of their feelings.

But Debbie didn't turn around, and that silence became deafening to Lou.

Her heart ached, and the tears in her eyes threatened to overflow.

She had finally bared her soul, only to be met with this heavy, painful silence.

Debbie took a deep breath but didn't say a word. Without looking at Lou, she rushed out of the room, as if she didn't hear a thing. Her steps were determined and swift, leaving Lou to scramble after her.

Her heart raced as she followed Debbie through the office corridors.

She finally caught up with her at the elevator, her chest heaving with unease.