Helping
"Okay we're discussing this right now" Joe began speaking as soon as he walked through the door.
He dragged his chair from his side of the desk to Elsie's side and sat down.
Elsie just looked at him.
"So, you're living here?"
"It's just while I find somewhere and go to pick up my things from our old place" she shrugged.
"You should've told me"
"Why? Why would I? You're the one that said you couldn't give a damn about me or my life. There is no trust between us, no friendship, nothing. Just... stop trying" Elsie snaps suddenly, not making eye contact with Joe as she furiously makes her self busy with small tasks on her desk.
"Okay, look. I'm sorry and i've said that... God knows how many times."
"Does that magically take away what you said?"
"Fine, be bitchy about it. I don't care" Joe pulls his chair back around to his side of the desk.
He becomes hyper-aware of Elsie and every move she makes. She runs a hand over her tired face. She looks at her silent phone. She sighs quietly. She types slowly. And he watches everything and he really doesn't like it. Time passes but Joe never takes his eyes off her. Noticing she looks exhausted, sad, hurt. Like she's losing her light.
"I do care. I'm sorry I said I don't. I do"
Elsie looks at him, confused.
"I want to help you. Listen, I'll take you to your old place and you can get your things"
"I can't. He still lives there."
"You don't need to worry about him"
Elsie did worry though, she had to, she knew he'd have something to say especially since she wasn't paying for the rent anymore.
"And then you can stay with me for a few days"
"What?"
"It's fine, I have an apartment and it's big enough-"
"No, I couldn't"
"Elsie, it's fine"
"I-"
"Not up for debate"
"Joe"
"No"
They're both quiet for a little while. Elsie doesn't know how to feel; shocked or grateful.
"Joe, you don't need to redeem yourself. The universe isn't going to strike you down for not liking someone" She tells him quietly.
"I have no reason to not like you, you're one of most genuine people i've ever met"
"You can't know many people then"
"I'll have you know I do"
"Right you're BFFs with Steven Spielberg, right?" Elsie snorted.
"Old friend of mine. How do you know about my Jurassic Park days, Miss Harrington?"
"I googled you"
"Of course, now come on, we're having the day off"
Joe stood up, pulling on his coat and struggling to find the sleeves as Elsie just looks at him.
"What? We can't"
"Oh come on Elsie! Live a little"
