Guard of heart

The colleague

After my awkward encounter in the restroom, I stepped out, my heart still racing. I made my way to the cafeteria, the scent of freshly brewed coffee guiding me like a beacon. As I entered, I noticed the floor was already being cleaned, a faint sheen reflecting the overhead lights. The cleaning team was hard at work, mopping up the remnants of the morning rush, and I felt a pang of guilt for having added to the chaos.

I walked up to the coffee station, filled my cup to the brim, and took a moment to inhale the rich aroma before heading over to a table by the window. The sun poured in, warming my skin and brightening my spirits. I settled into my seat, taking a sip of the steaming brew, and let the warmth seep through me.

The bustling sounds of the cafeteria faded into the background as I glanced around, enjoying the moment of peace. Just as I was about to check my messages, I caught a glimpse of Aby through the glass doors leading back to the hallway.

He emerged from the restroom, striding down the corridor with that easy confidence that made him seem untouchable. My heart fluttered-a strange mix of intrigue and annoyance.

Before I could dwell on it, a group of women strolled into the cafeteria, their laughter ringing out like bells. They moved with a practiced grace, drawing the attention of everyone around them. I recognized them immediately-the infamous Gossip Girls Jennifer had warned me about.

"Hey, Elara!" Sarah called, her voice bright and teasing as she marched toward my table, her heels clicking on the polished floor. “Mind if we crash your little solo party?”

I forced a smile, my insides twisting with a mix of excitement and dread. "Sure, I guess," I replied, trying to sound casual.

They plopped down around me, their vibrant energy instantly filling the space. Rachel was glued to her phone, fingers flying over the screen as she barely glanced up. Emily sat across from me, smiling warmly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Lisa occupied the corner, arms crossed, silently observing us with a subtle, knowing smile.

"What's the deal with you and him?" Sarah wasted no time, leaning in conspiratorially, her hair swinging slightly as she moved closer. "We saw you two in the restroom. Was there some kind of spark?"

I nearly choked on my coffee, my heart racing. How did they know? It was just us in there, and HR was the only other person around. Did he spill the beans? Oh God, if this gets back to Adrian, I'm toast. I cleared my throat, trying to sound nonchalant. "It was just a coffee spill! Nothing more!"

"Coffee spill, huh?" Rachel quipped, finally looking up from her screen, an eyebrow raised. "That's not what it looked like from where we were standing."

"Seriously!" Emily chimed in, leaning forward, eyes wide with excitement. "You didn’t feel any chemistry? I mean, he's the second cutest guy in the office. The first is obviously our own heartthrob, Alvin Calhwell."

"Yeah, obviously," Lisa nodded, kissing the air dramatically. "Nobody can overpower Alvin, not even the electrical engineer."

"Oh, please!" I protested, waving my hands dismissively. "I barely know him! We just... cleaned up some coffee! Wait, how did you guys even find out about that?" I gestured toward the restroom, suspicion creeping in.

Sarah grinned, clearly relishing my embarrassment, her eyes dancing with mischief. "We have our ways."

"What do you mean by 'ways'?" I asked, narrowing my eyes, trying to keep my tone light.

"Well, it's not just the four of us in this office," Emily smirked, leaning back with an air of confidence. "We've got eyes everywhere."

It clicked. HR was one of them. Of course.