RC.

Ch4 ....... G

This morning I received an e-mail from Carter announcing that we were leaving next Monday.
He needs me to prepare papers for the business deal he has to sign in Houston.

After a few hours and feeling a bit lonely, I decided to go to the break room on the 42nd floor, hoping to bump into someone I know.

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In the elevator, I go over everything in my head: I have less than a week to prepare for this trip with Carter.

A week to calm down.

To apprehend it.

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Stepping out, I bump into Matt.

Matt:"Hey, Angel!"

T:"Hi, Matt!"

Matt:"To what do we owe the pleasure of the executive assistant's visit?"

T:"Just a need to see you guys. Would you like a coffee?"

He smiles broadly and walks me to the machine.

While I choose what to drink, Matt leans gently towards me and whispers.

Matt:"Admit it, you can't go without me, eh?"

T:"You've uncovered me! I was yearning for you and your very subtle humour, up there, in my ivory tower."

Matt chuckles at me.

I give him the brush-off.

T:"Actually. I'm managing pretty well, Strange eh?"

He let out a shrill chuckle.

Matt:"Ahhhh ... angel! I miss your kindness so much!"

T:"Don't tell me that your new, er... how should I put it... boy" colleague doesn't give you the brush-off ...?"

I raise an eyebrow in his direction, feeling proud of my little dig.

T:"Apparently he's rather ... manly."

Matt lets out a grunt.

Matt:"Yeah. . ."

I laugh at his revolted look.

T:"Come on, don't make that face, I'm sure things will turn out fine with your new colleague."

Matt:"Myeah ..."

I tease him.

T:"Just think about it, it's great! You'll be able to talk cars and soccer!"

Matt:"I prefer motorcycles, and for your information, my thing is boxing."

T:"Well, for sure if you're not gonna do your bit. . ."

Matt:"Nothing will replace my charming little co-worker who abandoned me to go join the Great Manitou."

I stare at him, amused.

T:"Ah be quiet! If he had been a beautiful blonde, you wouldn't be saying the same thing!"

Matt:"I'd have rathered a girl for sure, but she'd never have been you, anyway."

(How cute.)

T:"Argh, that's so sweet! You want something, is that it ...?"

Matt:"Yes, that you set me up with stuck up little secretary on your floor. I'm sure that once she lets her hair down she's really hot. . ."

I give him a nudge rolling my eyes.

T:"I take it back, what you say was such a  macho thing to say! Why would it have been a girl?"

Matt:"Because Gabriel hires the personnel?"

T:"I can't believe it . . ."

Matt:"Anyway, I can't say I came out on top... I'm now sharing my office with a moustache. It's gonna take some getting used to!"

T:"Has your moustache got a name?"

Matt:"Robert."

I glance at him sideways.

Matt:"It would suit him, but no. His name is Lucas."

I like the name.

T:"It sounds good as a first name."

Matt:"I dunno. Would you like his star sign too, see if we're compatible?"

I chuckle rolling my eyes.

T:"No, seriously, is it going well?"

Matt:"Yep, fine. It's going."

Despite his habit of kidding around, I can tell that he really misses working with me.

T:"Would you like to have a drink after work?"

Matt:"Sure, but not tonight, I have to work on my bike."

Matt and his motorbike, what a love story. I pity the girl who'll get in between them!

T:"Well, if your motorcycle lets you out one night, just send me a text!"

He looks at me knowingly.

Matt:"Gotcha, Angel!"

I give him a smile before heading toward the elevator.