You Never Knew

Chapter 14

Abruptly feeling sober, and hollow, I get back to my desk and the organisation of the registration requirement for Bahrain. I close myself off, only concentration at the task at hand. I focus and make great progress. Then my phone lights up with a notification.

TEXT 
All assistants to the White room for Wave challenge results.

I feel Finn's presence as soon as I step into the room, but despite our agreement, I can't face him. Instead, I'm actually relieved when Joacim slides up next to me with a confident smile. 

 "Missed me partner?"

I try to glare at him, but cannot stop a smile from spreading across my face.

Jessica Clarke's face appears on the big screen at the front of the room. "Good afternoon Wave assistants! I wanted to check in and let you know I am impressed with what I have seen so far. We seem to have a particularly strong competition within this group and I am confident that the cut will be brutal. "

I twist uncomfortably at the mentioning of the cut yet again.

"I will give the word over to Johnstone to present today's winners, but before I do, I will take this opportunity to announce that I will host a dinner on Monday night. You are all invited. Stop by James in your way out and he will give you the details."

She pauses for a moment. "And now – may the best team win!"

The screen goes blank and Johnstone takes his place in front of it. "Today's challenge was to create the ultimate office space, using only materials from the beach. All teams impressed us with their creativity and we got to hear some interesting pitches."

Joacim takes my hand. "Here we go."

I look down at our hands sceptically and he notice my glance.

"For good luck!" He squeezes my hand, whispering: "And copy room meetings!"

He smiles seductively, before it turns into a wide grin. I blush, and I cannot stop myself from stealing a look at Finn. I catch him just looking away, his jaws clenched.

"...and therefore, this challenge winners are – Dennison and Yang!"

Two women run up to Johnstone, trying to stay composed but cannot stop an excited squeal. I join in with the others and applaud the winners.

After some more congratulations, we stop by James on the way out to collect the details for Jessica Clark's dinner.

"Iiiiiihhhh! Are we actually going to her apartment?! So cool!" Jennie is literally bouncing up and down, before turning dead serious. "Oh my god – what should we wear?!"

"Pretty sure you should have some outfit for this occasion after your shopping spree."

"Ah, yes... oh, and the perfect one for you!"

I roll my eyes at her and walk towards my desk. "I can dress myself you know?"

"But it's so much more fun if you let me! Please, please, please?!"

"Fine. But no bling and no pink!"

"You are just no fun!" Joacim mimics Jennie's voice and stomp his foot.

She frowns at him. "Ears dropping much?"

"Always, when ladies as beautiful as you talk." He takes her hand and kisses the back of it. She giggles and blush. He smirks.

"Urk, stop flirting and get back to work!"

Jennie squint at me. "You really are no fun!"

They laugh and make their way towards the elevators, as I sit down at my desk.