Love Notes, Espresso

Chapter 1: The Interview

I remember the office lobby that day, alive with the gentle hum of midday activity. I was applying a dab of orange-flavored lip balm, savoring the refreshing citrus scent. As I smoothed the balm over my lips, the warm office light made my soft, radiant skin catch a subtle glow.

Then the elevator doors slid open, and Am stepped into the lobby. His glasses, glinting under the fluorescent lights, framed his thoughtful eyes. His neatly trimmed beard gave him a polished look. But it was his smile—warm and effortlessly engaging—that immediately drew me in.

Katy approached him with a friendly smile. "Hi, Am. Welcome. I'm Katy. Shall we get started?"

Am's smile widened as he greeted her. "Hi, Katy. Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to this."

I watched from a nearby corner, my curiosity piqued. Who is this guy? I wondered, feeling a flutter of intrigue. Am's calm confidence and warm smile seemed to make the lobby feel brighter. There's something about him...

As Katy and Am walked toward the conference room, I found myself unable to look away. The brief moment when our eyes met left an unexpected impact. Was that a spark of recognition, or just my imagination? I mused. The way Am carried himself, with such ease and poise, suggested there was more to him than met the eye.

I could hear snippets of their conversation as I passed the open conference room door. The anticipation grew within me.

"So, Am," Katy asked, "what attracted you to this part-time accounting role?"

"I've always enjoyed working with numbers," Am replied, his voice steady and enthusiastic. "This position seemed like a great opportunity to apply my skills in a new environment."

As I lingered for a moment, contemplating their interaction, I thought, There's definitely something magnetic about him. The encounter felt like the opening of a new chapter, one that might intertwine our lives in ways I hadn't yet imagined. I can't wait to see where this leads.

After the initial encounter, I returned to my desk, attempting to bury myself in my work. The familiar office hum and rhythmic clacking of keyboards became background noise as my thoughts kept drifting back to Am. Why can't I get him out of my head? I wondered, battling a mix of curiosity and distraction.

Despite my best efforts to focus on reports and emails, Am's smile and presence lingered. I need to focus, I told myself, trying to push the thoughts away. This isn't the time for distractions.

Just as I was grappling with my internal conflict, Katy approached my desk. She stopped beside me, a knowing smile on her face. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat.

"Hey, Uno," Katy said, her tone light but her eyes perceptive. "I noticed you seemed a bit... distracted earlier. Everything alright?"

I forced a smile, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "Oh, hi, Katy. Yeah, everything's fine. Just caught up in work."

Katy's smile lingered, a subtle hint of understanding in her gaze. "I see. You know, I couldn't help but notice you seemed particularly interested in Am. He's an intriguing candidate, isn't he?"

My heart raced, and I felt a flush of embarrassment. She noticed? How could she tell? I wondered, my mind whirling. I need to resist this. It's just a fleeting attraction.

As Katy walked away, her smile still in my mind, I struggled to regain my focus. I can't let this affect my work, I told myself, though Am's smile remained a persistent distraction. I have to stay professional. I need to keep my feelings in check.

As I continued to wrestle with my thoughts about Am, Katy approached my desk once more, her expression thoughtful.

"Uno," she said, catching my attention, "could you do me a favor? I'd like a quick background check on Am. Just a search on social media and any other public records. It's part of our due diligence."

I nodded, masking my surprise. A background check? I thought, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. This could be a chance to learn more about him—though I need to keep my feelings in check.

Once Katy walked away, I turned to my computer and began my search. I started with Facebook, scrolling through Am's profile and posts. Next, I checked X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, piecing together the fragments of Am's online presence.

As I explored, my curiosity turned to astonishment. On Instagram, I discovered a post about Am's family. A prominent figure in the post caught my eye—Am's uncle, a well-known politician celebrated for his influential role and public achievements.

This politician... he's Am's uncle? I thought, my mind racing. That's incredible.

But the surprises didn't end there. I continued to investigate and found another post on LinkedIn featuring Am's father. The resemblance to my own father was striking. Could it be... my father's cousin?

The realization hit me hard. Am's father was indeed my father's cousin, making Am my distant relative. So, Am and I... we're family?

The discovery left me in shock, a mix of awe and disbelief flooding me. No wonder I felt such a strong pull towards him. This family connection... it's deeper than I thought.

As I sat back, processing the implications of this revelation, I knew that my attraction to Am was now intertwined with a significant familial bond. I need to navigate this carefully. It's more than just an attraction—it's a deeper connection.

Despite the unexpected discovery, I decided to keep this information private. I approached Katy's office, determined to maintain professionalism.

"Hey, Katy," I began, trying to sound casual, "I completed the background check on Am."

Katy looked up, her expression interested. "Great. What did you find?"

I took a deep breath, focusing on my report. "Am seems like an excellent candidate for the position. His background and skills align well with what we're looking for. His experience and enthusiasm stood out."

Katy nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. I've heard some good things about him, too. I know he's the nephew of a well-known politician, which could be an interesting angle for us."

I offered a reassuring smile. "Yes, I noticed that as well. He seems to have a lot of potential. I think he'd be a valuable addition to the team."

Katy looked pleased. "Perfect. Thanks for the update, Uno. I'll take it from here."

As I walked back to my desk, I couldn't help but reflect on the delicate balance I was trying to maintain. Keeping our family connection a secret feels right for now. I need to focus on our professional relationship and see where it leads.

My thoughts drifted back to Am. There's a lot more to explore here. I need to stay focused on the present and let things develop naturally.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I returned to my work, though my mind frequently wandered to Am. The unspoken connection between us added a layer of complexity, but I was determined to handle it with care. This could be the start of something significant. I need to approach it thoughtfully.