Strings Attached (On-going)

10. FEET ON THE LADDER

Oscar's POV

We both knew the consensus we reached on us not crossing paths was highly impossible. Despite the fact that I so wanted to stay out of her lane as she wished, I couldn't help myself. I knew for sure Raya would disagree with me on what I was about to do, but I did it anyway, without Letting her know of course.

Raya was my confidant. She had been for almost a year since I moved here and decided to buy this company, she helped me through a lot of processes and we got very close,as time went on. Though she told me a lot, I didn't share much with her.

So after the meeting, I waited patiently for the day to end before I saw Lisa again. I stood behind her door anxiously. Ever slowly, I opened to the door after pressing the bell button a few times without answer. She was busily closing files and arranging them. She raised her head immediately I closed the door behind me.

"Hi...I pressed the door button several times", I said calmly, with my hands in my pockets.
"No, it's...it's fine, I was a little engrossed in these", she pointed to some files on her desk.
"Working hard already,huh?"

"Oh, uh...I just had to revise them", I nodded.
"Getting ready to leave?"
"Yeah"
"Look, I uh...I know we agreed I wouldn't cross your path, but..uh..I wanted to ask if I could take you home....I mean, it's just a thank you ride.....or something close, you know.... for accepting to come back", I stammered a little, my feet restless.

"Thanks Oscar, really. But the thank you gesture can be another time. I-", her phone rang just then, cutting her off. "Just a moment please", she quickly picked up the phone and answered. Honestly, I was wondering who she was speaking with, because her tone dropped.

"I really have to go Oscar, but thank you, I..I'll see you tomorrow". For an odd reason, I felt a sharp crippling heartache ripple across my chest.
I watched as she picked her bag and walked past me hurriedly.

Once I was sure she was almost gone, I rushed down quickly to the reception racking my neck to see who was picking her up, but she was already gone with whoever that was.
"This is not a very good start Oscar", Raya said obnoxiously, shaking her head. "Seriously, you can't go around, looking into all that she does, you promised you would take this slow".

I sighed and sat halfway on her desk, resting one elbow on my thigh, with my fingers clasped. "Who-who was that?". Raya turned to look at me in frustration, as to say-really?- "I just want to know, it's not like I'm going to chase him down" I raised my hands defensively.
"I have no idea Oscar, really... You really have to give her space.. A lot of space", she said, stressing on lot. "I mean, I get you..I understand you perfectly, you know that, but prying into her privacy is a no no for me".

I agreed with her totally, but I wished we were already back to normal, to our glory days. To the times we played together like kids and held hands hands together at funfairs. When we talked deep into the nights till we fell asleep in each others arms, caring so little about the world around us. When all we needed was each other like our lives depended on each others touch.

LISA'S POV
Dave's car pulled up slowly in front of the building. Our conversation was as lengthy always. He was happy that I returned to work finally. After saying our usual good-byes, I made to open the door, but his firm fingers brushed my arm gently, causing the hairs on my arm to stand. My hand retreated from the car door to my lap almost immediately.

I looked back at him quizzically. "What's up?", I chuckled. His lips bloomed into a tiny smile. "Uh...what are you doing this weekend?" He asked biting his lower lip as his pupils dilated.
"nothing, I think you already know my daily routine" I said.
"Well, my friend is having his wedding dinner party in Culver city this Sunday.. thought you would like to go with me."