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THIRTEEN (EDITED)

I ignore Harry for a whole week.

Easier said than done, really. He sits five feet from me at work and lives across the hall. It's been a miracle that I haven't had to talk to him.

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm in a good mood. I finished editing four manuscripts this week, having turned in my fourth one this morning; and Aaron is picking me up from work.

I'm excited to see him. We've both been busy all week, so we finally get our night out tonight.

The afternoon that l followed Harry still fresh in my mind. Every time I look at him, more and more questions fill my brain. Who are those guys? What numbers?

I shouldn't care. But the way Harry has been more reserved lately makes my mind run.

Four o'clock rolls around and everyone gathers their things to leave. I chat with Perrie as we walk out.

"What are your plans for the weekend? I ask her. She shrugs. "Not a ton. Sleep, eat, repeat." She laughs. "You?"

"I'm seeing Aaron tonight," I say.

"Ooh," She says, nudging me. "I must know all the details over coffee."

I flush. "No, we don't...uh...we haven't."

"Oh." Perrie smiles. "Still, we should have coffee. Does Sunday work?"

"Sunday's great." "Perfect, see you then." Perrie unlocks her car and waves me goodbye.

I stake out the lot, but I don't see Aaron's car anywhere. I take a seat a bench outside and pull my coat tightly around me.

I check my phone for messages from Aaron, but there are none. text him asking where he is, but no reply. Maybe he's driving. Maybe he forgot the address?

He'll be here, my mind insists. He promised.

Car after car pulls in and out of the lot, but not Aaron's. Mr. Crystal nods to me as he walks out, phone against his ear. Even Marion makes her way out, shooting me a smile.

The autumn sky begins to dim, the air getting chillier exhale, my breath swirling in front of me. Where is he?

I check my phone. No messages.

I wait another fifteen minutes before calling him, only to get his voicemail.

I hang up and put my head in my hands. Why isn't he answering? He told me he'd pick me up. He took me this morning, so I really don't have a way to get home. I guess could walk. It's only about fifteen blocks.

I can't help the warm tears that start to fall. Doesn't Aaron care about me enough to pick me up from work?

"Rose?"