If Time Stands Still

4- who's hot?

Voting ⭐️ = quick/double updates 😉 (trust me, you're gonna want it)

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After a week of stressing over this meeting where I convinced myself I'd be reprimanded for slacking, things actually turned out not so bad after all. In fact, they were pleased with my work ethic and even encouraged me to stay for the watering hole today since they never see me there. I was shocked to say the least, but glad. Maybe I'm just too hard on myself.

After responding to all of my emails, I grab a coffee before heading to the games room. Everyone else has a drink in their hand, but as usual, I'm freezing and need the extra energy for gym which I'll be heading to soon.

Luke sees me and immediately walks over with a grin on his face. "Hey, you finally made it!"

"I know, right? I've been stressed out about the meeting this morning, but I decided to unwind."

"With coffee?" He raises a brow.

"With some music and pin-ball." I tell him, leaning against the machine. "I'm just showing my face for James' sake. Apparently I need to have more fun here."

"The manager is always right." Luke smiles. "Wanna play a game of pool?"

"I was just about to head to the gym actually. Feel free to join. It's leg day!"

"I'll pass. Come on, one game!" He whines.

I roll my eyes and give in to his pleads. "One game."

...

Of course it wasn't just one game. One game turned into two, then we were tied and had to play best two out of three. I won and earned Luke's self proclaimed title of Pool King.

Once I've entered the gym, I spot Lauren with her boyfriend, Sam, throwing jabs at the punching bag. I don't think I'd be able to date someone working in the same company as I do, especially not the same department. They come to work together, see each other all day, take lunch breaks together, hang out with only each other in the games room or gym and go home together. They look happy though, so if it works for them, then great. I'm just so curious as to what they would have left to talk about once they get home. That's crazy. It could never be me.

They both greet me as I walk past and I smile. Once I've done a few stretches, I make my way to the weights and plug in my earphones, thoughts of María coming to mind. She was my favourite colleague. We'd ditch the watering holes after one drink then end up in the gym. Sometimes we'd even carpool together and hang out after. That's big for me, willingly hanging out with someone after working hours, but she was a blast.

Then, she fell pregnant and decided to stay home until her kid's old enough for daycare. It's selfish, but I miss my gym partner and friend. I think about her every time I'm in here. I've tried keeping in touch, but things change.

After an hour session, I head home slowly thanks to Friday rush hour. Thankfully, the snow isn't a problem anymore, but it's still icy cold outside. All I want to do is sit in a warm bubble bath. That would be perfect after a stressful week and intense work out.

I start driving slower as I approach Zayn's house. I still have so many questions. Does he live alone? What made him decide to live here? What's his deal? I guess they'll remain unanswered. I'm not sure why I'm so inquisitive anyway.

Once I pull into my driveway, I notice that the Range Rover is here which means that dad's home. It's strange since he's usually only home by eight on a Friday. Today he's three hours early.