Cubicle [h.s. au]

3) A Girl Like You

Thursday // Roni

Once again, I had a hard time falling asleep last night. I couldn't get those eyes, lips and dimples out of my head. I also felt bad that I had such a grim reaction to his telling me his age. It really is no big deal to me, and I hope he knows that. I started circulating in my head different scenarios in which I would apologize to him. Of course in my fantasies, Harry always kisses me or makes passionate love to me in the end. My brain is so dramatic.

To make matters worse, I actually woke up an hour before my alarm was to go off. I tossed and turned for twenty minutes before finally giving up and hopping in the shower. Some good came out of it, however. I got to work a little earlier, and Harry just happened to pull into the parking spot next to mine at the same time I was getting out of the car. I stopped on the sidewalk to wait for him.

"Good morning," he greeted as he slammed his door shut.

"Morning, Harry," I said, giving my best smile. Or at least the best smile I could muster on very little sleep.

We walked up to the office building together, exchanging small talk about work and the weather.

"By the way," he said as he held the door open for me. "Thanks for your email yesterday."

"You're welcome."

"I'm sorry I didn't reply to it. I got really busy, and I wanted to respond only when I had enough time to say what I wanted."

A little taken aback, I raised my eyebrows in question. "And what would that be?"

Harry looked down at his feet as he smirked. "No. You'll just have to wait for the email."

I playfully pouted as we continued inside the building. I stopped by my desk to drop off my handbag and then met Harry in the break room. Alice, a sweet timid girl from the accounting department was also there, stirring her tea. She gave me a quiet greeting as I poured myself some coffee.

"So who has plans this weekend?" I asked as I sat down at the table with Harry and Alice.

"I'm not doing anything," Alice replied softly. "I never do anything."

"No?"

Alice shook her head.

"What about you, Harry?"

"No plans yet," he answered, giving me the eye. "But that can always change."

"Hmm," I nodded. "Indeed."

"Well," Harry announced as he stood up, "you ladies have a lovely morning. I have an email to write."

"Bye, Harry."

He winked at me as he left the room. I wasn't sure if Alice noticed until I heard her pipe up.

"God, you're so lucky."

"Excuse me?" I glared at her.

"I've had a crush on him since he started working here. I don't think he even knows my name. But he's obviously into you," Alice said solemnly.

I didn't really know what to say. I mean, I had the feeling he liked me, but I didn't want to make someone else feel bad.

"I'm sorry, Alice," I finally spoke. "I didn't know you liked him."

"Eh, who doesn't, honestly," she retorted. "He's bloody gorgeous."

With that, she stood and gave me a quick "see ya" before heading out of the break room. I sat by myself until I'd completely drained my coffee cup, then headed back to my desk to anticipate Harry's email.

Harry

I was really glad I ran into Roni this morning. All day yesterday I had been thinking about how to respond to her email. I didn't want it to be a quick message. I wanted to tell her how the age difference didn't matter to me if it didn't matter to her. I wanted to tell her other things, but I wasn't sure how she would take it. Maybe her quick email to me was only to be nice. Like a "nice knowing you, but you're too young for me" kind of thing.

But seeing her beautiful face as she stood there waiting for me to get out of the car sealed the deal. I knew she wasn't just being nice. Travis was right, she's into me. The way the corner of her mouth always curves up slightly whilst listening to me speak. When she licks that fucking delicious bottom lip. I want so bad to feel it on mine.

Feeling much more confident, I sat at my computer and began typing the email. I still knew however, that spilling my guts via inter-office correspondence would not be the wisest choice. If we're not even allowed to use the internet without being monitored, who knows what they do about tracking private messages.

So I kept my words somewhat professional, yet a bit cryptic. Knowing that Roni is a smart and undoubtedly extremely clever woman, I reckoned she would understand and be able to read between the lines.

To: Graver, Veronica

From: Styles, Harry

Re: Weekly Update/Meeting

Ms. Graver,

It was a pleasure meeting you this week. Allow me to welcome you to the company. Regarding our previous discussion, I foresee no objection to future relations. After all, nineteen and twenty-seven are numbers I can certainly work with. I've checked my calendar, and I have an opening in the PM of Friday, or Saturday if that better fits your schedule. Please let me know, and do not hesitate to reach me on my personal line if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Harry Styles

Below my name, I gave her my cell number. Then I got to work, hoping I'd get a response soon.

Roni

How fucking cute is he? I giggled to myself as I finished reading his email, then read it again. I wanted to reply with an emphatic yes, but knew that would not be appropriate in a work email, which I gathered were his intentions for writing something so business-like. So I gave a short, similar response.

Mr. Styles,

Thank you for your email and your warm welcome. I shall be contacting you via your personal line so that we may discuss our future meeting in detail.

Sincerely,

Roni Graver

Harry

I'd noticed Roni had replied to my email nearly forty minutes ago, but fucking Donald, my lame ass supervisor, had been going on and on about some account that had been waiting on their reports, which I knew I had finished and sent out last week. Then Nina, his secretary had to add fuel to the fire by telling me I had done them incorrectly because apparently, there was a change in the format that no one had bothered to tell me about.

After Nina had left, I eagerly opened the email. I grinned to myself as I read her words. Just as I was about to reply again, I heard my phone vibrate on my desk. I swiped it open to reveal a text.

Harry, you're such a clever lad. I would love to go out with you. I'm free all weekend, so you pick the time that's best for you. -Roni

After quickly saving her number in my contacts, I sent her a text back.

The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. Tomorrow at 8?

Less than thirty seconds later she responded.

Sounds great! :) Can't wait.

I let out a deep breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I turned my attention back to my reports, but suddenly got an idea. Picking up my phone, I texted Roni again.

This might sound silly since we're going out tomorrow, but are you free for lunch?

As I waited for her text, I felt the presence of someone behind me. I turned my chair around to see Roni leaning against my cubicle partition.

"I thought you'd never ask."