My Miss Independent

CHAPTER 6

Fritz's Point of View

The meeting ended. I don't know why but I don't want it to end for some reason. 

What is this? Why am I acting this way? She's pretty, alright. But I have met prettier and hotter girls in my part-time job. I'm sure it is not just that. Where did I see her before?

"Hey, buddy!" Ken distracted my thoughts. "You okay? The meeting has ended, my friend. What's up with you?" he was looking at me with a teasing smile.

"What?!" I asked annoyingly. I know that at this point, he probably noticed my unusual behavior. If there's anyone who knows me inside-out, it will be Ken.

"Did you just find "the one?" Ken teasingly asked me. "Seriously, dude, I never saw you look at anyone or any girl for that matter, like how you looked at Anastasia earlier. Are you finally interested in someone?" he added hopefully.

"No!" I denied it immediately. 

"You know me. I am never interested in anyone. Especially girls. I mean, yes, I play around. But that's just it. Why would I be interested in someone I saw virtually?" I answered my best friend defensively.

He looked at me with raised eyebrows, like he did not believe any word I had just said. "You are being defensive, my friend. I know you. You never looked at anyone like that before. And what's with the surprising confidence? I mean, I am proud of you for being like that, but I'm rather shocked. I've been bugging you to participate in meetings for years, and you never did. I was only expecting you to introduce yourself earlier. But during the meeting with Nas, I did not force you, yet you talked. It was quite a shocker." he told me matter-of-factly.

Frankly, I was also surprised with myself. I don't know why I suddenly wanted to answer Anastasia earlier. I felt like I had to tell her that I would also be happy to work with her. Like I cannot pass up that chance to talk to her.

Am I really interested in her? But why? Ken is right. I never showed anyone interest before. Ever. Well, maybe because she looks familiar and I can't quite figure where I have seen or met her. This feeling won't last for sure. She's not that interesting anyway.

"Well, you told me earlier that I should step up and change my ways. You know that I need this promotion. I'm just doing what I'm told." I told Ken nonchalantly. I can't let him know that I am feeling this way, or I won't hear the end of it. 

"That's it? You never listened to me before. What's different this time?" Ken probed.

"Nothing's different, Ken. Stop overthinking. By the way, I can only work with her in the office. I won't work with her beyond that." I dismissed his further questions about how I reacted earlier. Else he won't stop.

"My friend, Richard and Linda said guardian and partner while in Australia. That means that includes her other activities." I know Ken is trying his luck with me. But I can't do it. I still don't know why I'm feeling this way towards her. I have to avoid it. I have to avoid her.

"No, Ken. You know me. Working with someone I don't know is already challenging for me. I will guide her and answer her questions while at work. She can even ask me about Australia, places she can go to, food she can eat, anything. But please don't make me go with her to places outside work. I promise I will try to get along with her at work. But that's it. Besides, she's a grown-up lady. I'm pretty sure she can do things her own outside work. If she needs someone to go with her, maybe you can do it or George. Please, this I'm asking you. You owe me for not telling me in advance." 

I almost begged Ken. I don't like how I'm feeling right now, and I can't add any more confusion by being with the person who's causing it. Plus, I want to be alone as much as I can. I don't like being with people, especially someone I do not know personally.

"Okay, okay, fine! But you will be with her all the time at work. Even during lunch. Lunch is still within working time. If you won't, I might have to talk to Linda and Richard about the guardian thingy too." Obviously, Ken is not going to give this up.

"Fine, you smart-ass!" I resigned. I cannot push my luck further. This quick-witted best friend of mine will question my refutations for sure. The smartest thing to do now is to agree rather than be questioned by him again.

Ken smirked at me, looking pleased with himself. Sometimes I just want to punch that clown. 

We went back to our workstations. On our way, Ken was called by Richard for an urgent meeting. Good thing as I want to be alone for now. I need to organize my thoughts and think of what I have to do while that girl is here.

While lost in thoughts, I heard George talking to someone on the phone. "Hey, babe, I am so excited to see you soon. You will arrive on Sunday, yeah? Finally, I will see you in person. We can do a lot of things while you're here. I'll make sure to tour you around. Things to bring? Hmm...let me think-"

She is probably talking to that girl. I noticed the weather forecast on my computer. It will be cold here in Australia soon. Autumn is about to end. I stood up and signaled for George to notice me. "Hey, tell her to bring thick clothes and jumpers, socks, and stockings if possible," I whispered.

She looked at me, surprised, and proceeded to tell the girl what I told her. I sat down and went back to work. I was rather shocked too. I don't know why I told George that. I never interfered in any conversation like how I have done today. I understand why George looked at me that way.

I have been working with this team for five years now, and they have known me to be quiet, shy, and alone. I am comfortable working with them, drinking with them sometimes, but they know how I live my life. They also understand me probably because of Ken. So, I definitely know why George was shocked to see me butt in like that.

I must have lost my mind. I need a break. I checked the time and saw that it is almost lunchtime. Finally, I need a breather.