The Test of Time

3

It's nearly noon by the time anyone interrupts my focus at work. I'm just about to send in the finished edit of the article I was working on when I hear a soft knock at the opening of my cubicle. I turn to see Kris standing there, in black dress pants, a turquoise colored v-neck blouse, and black strapy heels. I let out a small squeak and I don't know if it's because I was expecting Stephen or because she looks even more attractive than she did yesterday. She chuckles at my unexpected reaction.

"Did I startle you? I tried to knock quietly, you looked like you were really into what you were doing." She points to my computer screen with the email still waiting to be sent. I find my composure and answer her.

"Yeah, just a little bit," I laugh. "I'm not really the jumpy type but you snuck up on me". How long was she standing there before she knocked?

"I see". She says with a smile. "I just wanted to thank you for the list." She looks away for a moment and then asks if I have plans for lunch.

"Uh, not really. I usually just get lunch with Stephen." I lean forward to look around her into his cubicle but he's not there. I frown slightly, thinking that he probably went to lunch already and just didn't tell me. "But, it looks like he's not available". She glances to his desk and then turns back to me.

"There's a sub place a couple blocks over that I saw on my way here this morning. I know it's not as fancy as the restaurant we went to yesterday, but if you want you can join me." She looks away as she says the last part. I feel like she's just being nice because I gave her the list but I'm actually really hungry.

"Sure, I love subs. Plus, if I ate at fancy restaurants everyday I'd be broke". I shrug and grab my purse before following her out of the building.

"So, Elizabeth Freemont," Kris starts as we walk down the streets of downtown Charlotte. "Tell me about yourself. You heard all about me yesterday." I look over at her as she smiles.

"How did you know my last name?" I blurt out. She looks confused for a second before answering.

"It's printed on the name plate outside of your cubicle," I can tell she's trying to suppress a laugh. I nod in understanding and mentally kick myself for being so dumb.

"Back to what I was saying," she continues, "Tell me about yourself. Your family, friends, childhood, hopes, dreams, fears, everything." She waves her hands in the air dramatically as she says 'everything' and I smile.

I take a deep breath and reply. "There's not much to tell honestly. I don't have any siblings, my parents died when I was young so my grandmother raised me. She passed away two years ago." I glance at her and she's frowning at my answer so far. I'm used to it though, so I continue. "It's fine though, I'm at peace with everything," I pause. "As for friends Stephen is really my only one. He's really more of a brother. I do have other.. acquaintances, but none that I would consider actual friends." I finish and she's just staring as me as we walk.

"What else?" She asks.

I shrug. "What else is there to say"?

"Do you have a boyfriend?" She asks and I laugh.

"No, I definitely don't have a boyfriend. Boys aren't really my thing." I explain.

She cocks her head to the side and smiles. "And by that you mean"?

"I mean, I like girls." I say seriously and wait for her reaction. Most women in the office freaked out when I told them. Some stay away from me, thinking I have a crush on them I'm sure. Others told me how much they never would have expected it because I just don't "seem gay" or am "too pretty" to be a lesbian. There were some that treated it like it was nothing to be shocked about though and for that, I'm thankful.