Cubicle [h.s. au]

22) When I'm With You

Monday // Harry

I paced back and forth in the break room for a good ten minutes. I couldn't bring myself to walk to my desk, let alone do any work. Not when Roni was in Donald's office, potentially getting canned.

She'd called me the night before after she'd arrived home, frantic about a phone message she'd gotten from Nina. I'd told her there was no point in worrying until there was actual cause to worry. But boy, was I worried.

A million different scenarios ran through my mind, some circling around again, particularly the one where Holcomb had spilled the beans about my relationship with Roni, as well as our encounter at the pub. Our personal affairs should have nothing to do with our work ethic, at least that was what I'd convinced myself and was prepared to say if I was to be put on trial. But knowing Holcomb...anything was possible.

Looking up at the clock, I realized it was already after nine. Roni was still behind the closed door down the hall. It hadn't opened once. Resolving that my pacing wasn't gonna do any good, I finally made my way to my cubicle. I sat down in my chair, my fingers on the keyboard, but I typed nothing. I didn't even bother to turn the damn computer on. I just stared at the black screen.

"Harry," I vaguely heard behind me. "Mate. You alright?"

"If they let her go, I'm going with her," I mumbled, not at anyone in particular.

"Huh?"

The bile rose in my throat and I thought I was gonna be sick. I stood up again, making my chair roll behind me and hit the partition. I ran to the bathroom and splashed water on my face, taking deep breaths and letting them out slowly. I felt like I was having an anxiety attack.

"Fuck this shit," I cursed, pushing the toilet door open with a thud.

I marched down the hall to Donald's office, passing Nina's empty desk. She must be in there with them, I thought. I knocked on the door loudly, then again. It clicked open, but only slightly to reveal Nina's face.

"Sorry, Harry," she said. "We'll call you when we're ready for you."

"Ready for me? So this is what I think it is?"

"Nnnn...not exactly...we..."

I pushed the door open further, making her take a step back. I saw the boss behind his desk, his arms folded atop it. Roni sat in a chair opposite him, her neck craned to see me.

"Listen, I have to say something," I announced, walking into the room.

"Harry," warned Roni.

"Please," I gulped. "Roni's a great employee. She hasn't done anything wrong."

"Harry, this isn't-" began Nina.

Donald held up his hand. "Let him finish his speech."

I nodded at him and licked my lips before continuing.

"Roni's done everything she's been asked to do, and then some. Yes, it's true we're dating. No. Not dating. We're in love. And I know you're probably gonna say something like my judgement's clouded by my feelings. And maybe that's true. But I know I'd do anything for her, and that includes putting my own job on the line. She deserves to stay here. Fire me if you have to."

I caught the tiny smile on Nina's face as Donald widened his eyes and clasped his hands together.

"Mr. Styles, your loyalty is commendable. I'm sure Ms. Graver appreciates it immensely. But I assure you, her job is not at risk. And neither is yours."