Love on Notes

57

As I looked around the big building that housed my office, I realised how much I'd missed being able to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, without being targeted. I hadn't been here for so long.

When I entered, the security guard greeted me with a smile.

— Hi Harold! How are you?
— I'm good thanks Elizabeth, you? It's been a long time since I've seen you.
— Yes, I have been quite busy so I decided to work from home for the previous months.
— Okay, enjoy your day.
— You too! I said before he went back to watching the entrance.

The reception area had been redecorated and our advertising panel had been improved by our designers. When I saw the morning queue for the lift, I exhaled as I pulled my mobile out of my pocket. I hesitated for a moment about taking the stairs, but the little sleep I'd had discouraged me from walking up the eight floors.

After a quick glance at the people in the queue, I opened Candy Crush, not noticing anyone I knew. Once I'd reached my floor, I greeted everyone before heading for Sibylline's office. Through the glass, I could see that she was reading something on her computer.

— Liz! she exclaimed when she saw me enter. It's been too long!

I hugged her.

— Indeed, how are you?
— I'm fine, but what about you? Is everything sorted?

I frowned for a moment, wondering if I'd explained the situation with Trevor, then remembered that I'd only told her I was having personal issues.

— Oh yes, everything's almost settled.
— Well, I'm happy for you. So you'll be working here for the day?
— Yes, I'm going to find a free desk.
— Great! I'll see you later then. By the way, have you chosen the topic of your article yet?
— No, I'm not sure what to write about, but I'll see what appeals to me most.
— Do as you feel. I trust you.

I waved to her before leaving the room. As I was looking for an empty desk, I noticed my team gesturing for me to come and join them in a meeting room they had booked for the day.

— Sit down with us Liz, they said once I'd opened the door.

I could do with some company after all that had happened so I agreed. They seemed surprised by my answer and all smiled before continuing to write.

The most productive four hours of my life had just passed when I received a call from Daniel. I saved my work, closed my computer and quickly left the room to pick up the phone.

— Hi! I said as I settled into one of the soft armchairs in the common area.
— Hi, how are you?
— I'm fine, thanks, and you?
— I can't wait to see you again tonight.

I smiled, excited too.

— It's not the answer I was looking for, but I'm happy with that. How's your day going?
— Fine, but we've got a lot of work to do.
— Oh... But if you want to postpone our date tonight, don't hesitate.
— Oh no, no, no! There's no way I'm postponing dinner.

I smile.

— Are you sure?
— Yup. I'm doing as much as I can now and then I'll do a bit of work this evening after our dinner.
— Sounds like a plan.
— What about you?
— I'm making a lot of progress on my article, it's amazing how productive I am here.
— I was sure it could only do you good, he says, referring to our conversation this morning during which he had just encouraged me to work from the office.
— I had missed it all so much.
— That bad?
— Yeah.
— I'm sorry for everything that's happened over the last few months.
— But Daniel, what are you apologising for? Without you, I don't even know if I'd still be here. You've done more for me than anyone could have done.

Despite my desire to talk to him for longer, I had to get back to work if I wanted to finish my article today.

— Well, we say at the same time before laughing.
— I suppose you'll have to get back to work too, he continued.
— Yup. So, are we still meeting in front of your work?
— Oh no, as you're also at work, I'll pick you up by car.
— Are you sure you don't mind?
— Absolutely not. What time do you finish?
— I don't know, let's say six and a half hours to play it safe.
— Great, if you could just send me the address, please.
— Of course, thanks for picking me up. See you in a bit!
— See you later Liz, he said before hanging up.

I sent him the address before returning to work, a huge smile on my face. It attracted a few glances but I didn't dwell on it to avoid being interrogated.

As planned, at 6.30 pm, Daniel was waiting for me with his arms folded, leaning against the door of his car. He looked so handsome in a white shirt, V-neck jumper and the famous black leather jacket that he'd put over my shoulders when we first met. His black hair fell slightly over his eyes. Wanting to continue detailing him, I slowed my pace and smiled. I spotted my colleagues watching me from a distance. They were laughing, probably because I was drooling as I stared at Daniel. I smiled back at them and it was then that I met Daniel's eyes. He smiled back and I instantly noticed the confusion of my colleagues. I moved closer to him as he detached himself from his car and our lips locked the next second. He was smiling so much that I was nearly kissing his teeth.

— You're so handsome.
— I've made a bit of an effort for dinner tonight.
— Oh well, I didn't anticipate the situation as well as you did, I laughed, contemplating my yoya pants under my long trenchcoat.
— I've also planned the journey to your place before we go out.
— You're starting to know me pretty well, aren't you?

He winked at me and opened the door.

Before Daniel started the car, I took a quick look at my colleagues and found them gawking at the scene. I couldn't help laughing. From their reaction, they didn't expect he could be my boyfriend. I shook my head and smiled at them. The car pulled away as we headed for my flat.