Chapter 2
731 Words
Harold froze for a split second, then strode over to me. There was no giddy, long-overdue hug for our reunion.
His eyes darted first to Linda, who was standing off to the side, almost by reflex.
I gave a faint, detached smile. "Stick to job titles when we're at work, Mr. Scott."
Harold froze for a second time. "So the person transferred from headquarters... it's really you."
He grabbed my suitcase, barked an order that no one was to disturb us, and hurried me into his office.
Harold pressed his lips together, watching me carefully like he was treading on eggshells.
"Nat, why do you look upset? Is it 'cause I went drinking last night and didn't tell you ahead of time?"
I didn't say a word. I just lifted my eyes and scanned his office.
I'd seen it a hundred times over video calls, but this was the first time I'd actually stepped foot inside it.
There was a photo frame sitting on his desk. I glanced over, and the picture of us was gone. In its place was a stylish shot of him on a ride.
Noticing where my gaze had landed, Harold hesitated for a beat.
"There are too many people coming in and out of the office all the time. I kept our photo at home, that's all."
I stared at him quietly.
It had been three whole months since we'd last seen each other. I'd imagined our reunion in California a thousand times, us crying and laughing at the same time, or just clinging to each other in a tight, desperate hug. I'd never pictured it being this awkward, this stilted.
I pulled out my phone without a word, pulled up that video, and hit play. Linda's voice echoed through the entire office.
A flicker of panic flashed across Harold's face. "Nat, she's just my cycling buddy. There's nothing between us, I swear."
Exhaustion washed over me.
"She's also your assistant. Why didn't you ever tell me that?"
Harold spoke quickly, his voice edging with urgency. "It's not what you think! We met first in a cycling group, and rode a few mountain trails together. Her major was a perfect fit, and she was looking for a job, so I hired her. We really are just riding partners, that's it."
As he spoke, he finally stepped forward and pulled me into a long-overdue hug.
"Nat, we've been together for five years. It hasn't been easy making it this far. I really cherish what we have."
My nose stung.
He pulled back, unlocked his phone, and held it out to show me the screen.
"I have already booked a flight to come see you this weekend. I had no idea you'd come here first, Nat. I'm actually really happy."
Staring at his so earnest face, every question I'd been ready to fire died right in my throat.
Harold brushed the tears off my cheeks, then laced his fingers through mine and led me out of the office.
Linda had been sitting right outside. She stood up the second she heard the door click.
"Harold—" Her eyes landed on our intertwined hands, and she froze mid-sentence.
Harold made the announcement easy and unhurried. "Let me introduce you. This is Director Natalie Stewart, and she's also my girlfriend."
Linda forced a tight smile. "Oh, so you're Ms. Stewart! Harold talks about you all the time."
Harold put on a mock-stern face, but there was a clear chuckle under his words.
"Watch your manners. Use official titles when we're at work."
He turned back to me. "Head over to the operations department first, okay? I'll pick you up when we get off work tonight."
I nodded and walked off alone.
I could still hear Linda's pouty, annoyed voice drifting from behind me.
"Oh, so you're gonna be this mean to me just 'cause your girlfriend's here? Some buddy you are. I'm not taking you riding tonight, and I'm never taking you again!"
Harold laughed and gave her a playful smack on the back. "Nice try. As long as I'm breathing, I'm riding. We're lifelong riding buddies for life, remember?"
My steps stuttered for a second, then I practically fled the 19th floor, my chest tight with a cold, heavy feeling.
I pulled out my phone and shot a text to Charlie.
Natalie: Look into this person for me.
- Writer
