Just My Cup of Tea

twelve

'Lanna!' Eric's eyes were fixed on me, wide, bright and so, so very blue. I gaped at him, my jaw dropped as everything else froze around us. 

All of a sudden, I couldn't feel the hot coffee searing my skin. I couldn't hear Mr Gavin silently cursing before proceeding to apologize to Eric. I couldn't feel my legs. All I could feel were Eric's eyes on mine, those beautiful, beautiful, eyes- looking right into mine. 

It was as if everything has disappeared and the only people left were Eric and I. And then I heard my heartbeat drumming in my ears. I felt myself release a long and rugged breath. I felt my hand subconsciously reach up to place itself on my chest. Over my heart.

And then reality came crashing back. Mr Gavin's embarrassed face and angry eyes broke through the image of Eric sitting there on that chair in his crisp grey suit, looking professional and fresh and all cleaned up. Except for the hair. He hated styling his hair. 

'I'm so sorry, Mr Williams! Uh, Mia wasn't feeling very well this morning! She'll get us some more coffee-' my eyes snapped to his and he didn't seem to be giving me a choice on getting that coffee.

'No!' Suddenly Eric sat up straight, his eyes never leaving my face as if he were scared that I'd suddenly disappear if he looked away. 'I don't want that coffee anyway, I-' he looked lost for words as he stared at me in utter shock and confusion for a moment. 

'I didn't know you worked here.' he finally said making me close my eyes and curse all of hell and heaven. How would he know? He wasn't around for a year. 

'You know Mia?' Mr Gavin seemed to join our confusion party because his eyes were on my face in an instant and a frown accompanied his stare. 

'Mia?' Eric turned to frown at Mr Gavin. He opened his mouth and looked like he was about to correct Mr Gavin but he had already ruined my shoes with coffee stains by being there, I couldn't let him ruin this job too. 

'Yeah! Mia, that's me! Hi Eric-' my voice choked out, pausing before I said his name. It had been awhile since I had said his name. The sounds seemed so foreign on my tongue.  He probably realized that I didn't want Mr Gavin to know my real name which was stupid because he should at least remember how I used to talk about getting a normal job to wind my mother up. 

Suddenly it became too much. His eyes, his face, his presence. Just him in general. 'I should clean this up, I'm so sorry-' I bent down to retrieve the tray but before I could, another voice piped in. 

'Oh god! I'm so sorry Mia! Here let me!' Jenny rushed in at just the perfect time, bending down beside me to pick up the tray and cups. 

'No Jen, I dropped it, I should clean it up! Trust me, I really want to clean this up.' Jenny nudged my side and hissed quietly, 'Mia you never even wanted to sign up for this and it's my fault for being late!' I was about to protest again when suddenly Eric's voice broke through my jumbled thoughts. 

'You know what Mr Gavin, the deal is done.' Everyone's eyes snapped up to look at Eric who's gaze was settled on me, as if be physically daunting for him to look away. 

'Wha-' Mr Gavin looked lost for words and beyond the past of confusion at this point. Poor old man. 

'The deal is done. I'm...well acquainted with La-Mia, and I know if she chooses to work here than it must be very deserving. The contact, is signed from my part-' I saw Mr Gavin physically melt into his chair, beads of sweat from the nervousness evident on his forehead, and then his gaze landed on me, curious and thankful. 

'On one condition.' Mr Gavin sprung upright and my eyes drilled holes through Eric's blue orbs. Or attempted to at least. 

'I want to talk to Mia alone for a bit right now.' his face held no humour and he looked dead serious as his eyes scrutinized my face. I squirmed under his gaze and watched as Mr Gavin jumped to his feet clasping his hands together in relief.