That One True Love

Scheming b***h!

Their simple dinner sparked some gossip in the office.  The topic varying from the ‘geek god’ descending from above to have a meal with human to Lila attempting to seduce Tim.   Tim has coined the term geek god because of his great technically skills and his undeniably handsome looks.  He is tall, good built and a charming face. 

Lila brushed this off, she clearly knows where she stand and her conscience is clear.  She is definitely something out of Tim’s league.  In her college life she was surrounded by guys but most of the girls are treated like boys too.   Her kind is not the popular choice. No make-up, ponytail, short fingernails, rubber shoes, t-shirts and back packs.   Even now, most of the time she is on slacks and ladies dress shirt.  She prefers loafers or sneakers.

“Lila, were you treated to a dinner after scolding by the geek god?”  The guy seated on the workstation in front of her asked.

“Random dinner and yes I was called out.” She did not elaborate, and the programmers understood.  They know Tim too well.   Lila is not someone that can be romantically linked with Tim.

“The weird thing is that the story came from another department. These are living corporate virus…so malicious!” This comment from another programmer earned giggles and laughter within the unit.

“You got to see some shared screen grab from the other group chat.  I have friend from finance asking who Lila is.”  The girl continued to read through the comments.

‘They were clearly just having ordinary meal. What is the fuss?’

‘Because that nerd is apparently eyeing on geek good. Sneaky IT girl.’

‘She is never having my husband!’

‘Since when did you marry Timothy?’ poking fun on the previous commenter.

‘That 10-dollar blouse though.’

“Wow! That was harsh.  Did she check on the tag? Malicious as a malware!” The girl felt insulted on behalf of Lila.

“If you don’t respond to phishing, it will die the natural death. Don’t click the bait. Who is seducing that Ice King? Unbelievable!”  Lila commented while tapping on her computer not leaving a look in her screen.  This comment brought silence to the group.

“Totally agree, I am not stupid to click the bait.” 

Lila stopped upon hearing the voice.  She clenched her fist and slowly swiveled her chair looking up Tim standing behind them.  She is unsure whether he agreed to her or if he is referring to her seducing him.  She forced a smile, “sorry…didn’t mean to call you names… people talking nonsense.”

“Petty.”  Tim looked unaffected. “Deployment is on Thursday. Everyone, be ready for post-production support.”  He then turned away from the group. As he walks farther his face little by little became gloomy.  

Lila became guarded.  Previously they could discuss about project, coding side by side now she tried so hard to limit interaction with Tim.  This did not go unnoticed by Tim and the gossip mongers. Someone seems to be pulling her down putting malice on her every move.  She is tagged as scheming b***h!

The gossip died down as it went out that Tim brushed the news off, it confirmed nothing fancy happened but a simple dinner between employees.   Most ladies in the company thinks Lila is lucky.  Tim is aloof he does not engage into small talks and was never seen having lunch or dinner with any other lady employee in the company.  Tim’s dating history was a known fact. He had dated mostly western ladies that are beautiful, strong and independent.   Though no one knows exactly who these girls are, some had vouched to it.  No one really knows but speculations became the truth for some.

After 10 months the project has come to a successful end.   The after-party celebration got Lila weirdly ending to a place she never expected to be.

Lila opened her eyes, waking up in an all-white room.  The room is big but simply decorated.  Other than a lazy boy she can see another two doors, cabinets, and plain walls-- very minimalist.  Her clothes from last night is intact, nothing bad happened but where is this place?

She got up and headed to the left door only to find out it is a bathroom.  She went to the other side and opened the door only to be shocked twice. On to the left was view of the city and on to the right was side profile of Tim standing on the kitchen wearing white shirt and gray sweatpants.

“You are up.”

Lila was tongue tied. She did not know how she ended in Tim’s place.  What even surprised her is his tone.  Is she hearing it right?  Her feet were rooted on the floor. 

“Come over.  I suppose I don’t need to carry you awake.”

Lila flushed red. Carry her awake, meaning she got carried by him?  So embarrassing, she took a deep breath and walked closely to Tim in confused face.

“Do you want coffee, milk or tea?” His voice was calm and soothing very far from how he talks in the office.  He can easily qualify as flight steward in looks and in asking her of drink choices.

Not hearing any response his voice turned a little cold, “are you not feeling well? You should not be drinking when you can’t handle alcohol.” He was about to walk near her when Lila finally responded.

Covering her mouth, “can I have a mouth rinse at least?”

Tim giggled which surprised Lila.  He looked adorable and sexy at the same time wearing plain white shirt and black track pants.  Tim held her arms both sides and directed her to the bath inside his room.

“There is bath here,” pointing to door in a narrow way to the right but Tim ushered Lila back to his room, “but I got the spare toothbrush on the bath inside the room.” 

Tim gave her spare toothbrush and a towel she could use after washing up her face.  “I only have soap. Use it meantime to wash your face.” 

“Thank you.”

Tim turned around to go out and spoke as he walked away, “let’s have breakfast when you are done.”   There was a smile on his face.  His kitten seems unaware of his underlying tone when he said to use the soap meantime.  Lila will be his cute little kitten.  He will share this place with her in the future.