Eluding Emotion

Connections

 It's been weeks since I went to Ezra's cabin and he's been frequently visiting me in the office than he did before. He always brought flowers which end up as a fertilizer whenever it dries. I don't know how they do it but they say that flowers are helpful in fertilizing soil. Every time Ezra comes in my office and Lehi's there, Lehi would make this face at Ezra which makes Ezra chuckle a little, then Lehi will leave. Most of Ezra's visits are composed of business proposals, how-my-day-was, planned trips and work-related concerns. We still converse just like before, though anyone will be able to notice that there's sweetness and lots and lots of endearment added to his words.

It's almost lunch break and I'm e-mailing one of my business colleagues about the upcoming event where all of the well-known CEOs will gather for a charitable auction. I'm taking Lehi with me since everyone have their own company photographers and he's mine--my company's photographer--and this event will be a top priority of the publishing company for our magazine. When I sent my response, I opened my office door and was about to call Scarlet's attention to ask for Lehi when I saw and heard them whispering to each other, like something's wrong. They were so deep in their conversation that they didn't notice me listening to them quietly. I didn't wanna eavesdrop since it looks like it's something serious so I decided I'll call their attention. But when I was about to open my mouth, I heard Scarlet say, "Cassandra's coming. You know what she can do to her." I know that it might be not the same Cassandra that I once knew, but the way that Scarlet says it and the way that Lehi looked so worried when she said that gave me an impression. Most Cassandra’s must be really tough to deal with. I put my blank expression on and called Lehi's attention.

"How long have you been there?" he asked his face pale.

"Just now. Why, is there a problem? Are you okay?"

"Nah, I'm fine. It's the AC you know--cold." That made me chuckle, he's terrible at poker face.

"Anyway, I was wondering if you have an idea on what you're going to wear for the upcoming charity auction." I asked him as we enter my office.

"Oh, you're taking me?" his face lit up.

"Yes, I am. You're my photographer."

"Okay. No, I don't have any idea with what I'm gonna wear."

"I'm sure Raul can whip something up for you."

"Yeah, he's cool... Uhm, hey, I was thinking," I looked at him as he cleared his throat. "It's my mum's birthday next week and I'm wondering if I can go home, take a leave?"

"Sure, it's your mother's birthday, I won't stop you." I smiled at him.

"Thanks, but that's not the thing that I was kinda thinking about asking." What could he be thinking?

"So, what is it?" I raised my brows at him.

"I was wondering if you want to come with me." Oh.

"Sure, but I have to check my schedule."

"I already did, and you're totally clear for takeoff."

"Wow...o-kay." I looked at him, studying his face. He looked at me and got a little serious-looking--he's probably trying to read me. "Is Lehi Fontaine asking me out?" I joked and it made him laugh.

"I knew you were gonna throw that question back at me someday." he chuckled. "I don't know, I guess we'll find out." That's interesting, we'll find out? Huh.

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"Well that's great then!" aunt Alaura seems so delighted when I told her about coming with Lehi to visit his mother on her birthday. She told me that it's serious when a man asks a woman to meet his parents, and I told her that he's just being polite. But it really gave her a different idea.