Le coup de foudre. | EMINEM

9

»I won't call him.«
I repeated.
I was sitting in front of Eric's desk and talked about my date with Noah again, which was a week ago.
He didn't call until now and neither did I.
"And why on earth wouldn't you? You said it was a good date."
Eric furrowed his eyebrows and still kept his gaze on his files.
I went to Eric's office before going home, because I barely saw him all week. He's in his office 99% of the time and wants to be alone.
"It was good but it was just that, good.", I stated and put my hands on his desk.
He finally looked up from his files and sighed.
"Val,"
Eric began to talk and I immediately held up my index finger.
"Don't sigh and start with Val.", I whined.
He stared at me in silence for a brief moment and replied,
"Val,", in the same tone.
"I think you liked the date more than you're admitting to yourself, because you're scared and didn't expect it to be that great with him."
I glanced around the room while he was talking and avoided eye contact.
I knew he was right, except for one thing.
"You're partly right. Yes, it was a good date but no, I didn't like the date more than I am allowing myself to. Noah is great but the feeling is different if it's the one for me, I felt that with David-", I started to explain but Eric didn't even let me finish and answered frustrated,
"For lord's sake: Fuck that idiot, Valeria. You don't want another David! Stop comparing every single thing with that coward of a man."
We sat in silence for some time until I cleared my throat and mumbled,
"I'm not comparing it with him, I'm comparing it with the feeling."

Eric sighed again and let himself fall into his seat.
"I didn't mean it like that. You need to understand me Val, there's this - so far - great guy, who's interested in you and you're letting that go to waste. For what? Overthinking and comparisons?"
I thought about Eric's words and peeped outside the window.
"I don't know, okay? I'll think about it, but I'm sticking to my opinion: If it's the one, I'll know right away."
Eric just nodded and I got up from my seat.
"What's Chloé's take?"
He asked and looked down on this files again.
"It's not David and he's nice and handsome. She's the leader of his fanclub.", I answered and rubbed my forehead with a tortured face expression.
Eric slightly chuckled and played with his pen.
Whenever other people did that, I sensed how annoying it actually sounded when you're not the one playing with the pen.

"How's your feeling about next week?", I asked and changed the subject.
The trial started on Monday and I wanted to be there for Eric, but I didn't know how to. All he did for the whole weekend was go through every file of Mr. Mathers. It's a miracle is ass doesn't hurt from constantly sitting in front of his desk. That can't be healthy.
"It's getting better but I'm still nervous and he's also tensed."
I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Should I talk to him?", I asked bluntly.
Eric tilted his head and raised his eyebrows.
"Valeria."
I rolled my eyes.
"Alright, I got it. I won't."
He exhaled relieved and I shook my head.
"I wanted to be nice, but whatever! See you on Monday!"
"See you on Monday.", was all Eric answered when I closed the door behind me.

As I was walking towards the elevator, I saw Alex heading to the same direction.
"Hey, haven't seen you here in a while.", he stated as walked into the elevator.
"Yes, Eric is super busy right now."
was all I answered and looked down on my shoes right before the doors closed.
It was silent until I heard him exhale heavily.
"Do you want to grab a coffee someday?", Alex just blurted out and my head immediately shot up.
"I- What?"
my eyes went big and I furrowed my eyebrows.
Alex and didn't talk much when Eric is not around, I didn't expect him to ask me out.
"I didn't know how to ask you in a different way."
I glanced at him with a smile and played with my necklace.
"Alex, I'm sorry but no. I'm not really looking right now.", I answered truthfully.
And it wasn't a lie. I wasn't looking.
He just nodded.
The next few seconds are gonna be one of the most awkward moments of my life.

The door finally opened and I immediately left the elevator. I walked towards the door and pushed it open.
I just wanted to get home and lay down.
What a week it's been. And this, just gave me the rest.
I saw Alex also walking towards his car but he didn't look at me, he didn't even glance.
Suddenly, I felt my phone buzz as I opened my car.
It was Noah. Finally. I almost thought he forgot about me.
»I'm sorry, it was a busy week for me. I hope you enjoyed the date as much as I did. Down for a second?«, was all he said and I immediately put my phone away after reading this message.
I wouldn't reply right now.
It's not that I wanted to play games, I didn't know my answer to his question, just yet.