Cubicle [h.s. au]

17) I Could Write A Book

Monday // Roni

The next best thing to waking up next to Harry is seeing his smiling face as soon as I walk in the break room to get my coffee. Especially since Gerard had already left something on my desk for me to do, which he marked with a Post-It URGENT. With a huff, I dropped my bag on the floor next to my chair and quickly left my cubicle for my much needed caffeine boost.

"Morning beautiful," Harry greeted me, planting a hasty kiss on my forehead.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice still sleepy as I reached for a cup. I felt Harry's hand slide down my back and pat my bum before I jerked around and gave him a look.

"What?" he mouthed just as I saw someone else arriving out of the corner of my eye.

"Morning you two," sang Alice as she came up behind me and opened the cupboard.

"Morning, Alice," said Harry. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Hi." It was then that I noticed her ensemble - a short denim skirt, pink cardigan set and pumps to match. She even had her hair pinned back, showing off her peaches and cream complexion. I raised a brow.

"You're chipper for eight a.m.," I remarked. "Good weekend?"

"Not particularly," she replied as she poured her coffee. "Just trying out a new attitude."

I grinned at her. "Good for you."

"What about you lovebirds? Did you have a good weekend?" Alice asked as she turned for the table.

"Lovebirds?" Harry echoed.

Alice chuckled, rolling her eyes as she sat down. "Please. Like I didn't know."

"Um..." I hesitated as I sat across from her. "What exactly do you know?"

Alice raised her brows over her cup. "That you two are dating? Like, a couple?"

"Oh," I said, dropping my shoulders. "Does everyone know?"

"I doubt it," Alice shrugged. "Most people here are either idiots or too worried about themselves to notice."

"Miss Graver" I suddenly heard behind me and I jumped.

"Case in point," Alice muttered under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear.

I cleared my throat and turned in my chair. "Good morning, Gerard," I said through gritted teeth.

"Did you see what I put on your desk?" Gerard asked without greeting me.

I sighed. "Yes, I did."

"I need it ASAP," he remarked.

"You need everything ASAP," I spat.

"Excuse me?"

"I just got here, Gerard," I said. "I'm having my coffee. I'll get it done when I get back to my desk."

I heard him mumble something as he made his way to cupboard, but I didn't bother to try to make it out. I turned back around in my chair, catching Harry's eye. He gave me a gentle smile and placed his hand over mine. I felt the tension slowly escape my body just from that one touch. I smiled back at him before taking a sip of my coffee.

"Miss Graver," I heard once again. I groaned as I turned around to face him.

"The next time you call me that," I nearly shouted, "I'm not going to acknowledge you."

Gerard sighed, though I didn't miss his eye roll. "Veronica. I would really appreciate it if you got that report completed for me by my meeting at ten."