Breaking Through Her Wall

CHAPTER EIGHT

The coffee Break

Friday afternoon.

A cool breeze drifts through the plaza outside the company's glass tower. The office is quieter than usual - most people are mentally already in weekend mood.

Berly didn't mean to leave the building; she rarely did. But when Ryan appeared beside her desk with two takeaway coffee cups and a crooked smile, it was hard to say no.

“I brought you peace in a cup. But the trade-off is you have to drink it with me. Outside..”

“What if I say I'm busy.” Berly said smirking

“ Then I'll drink both. And probably regret it.” Ryan said shrugging.

She glanced at her screen. Emails could wait. For ten maybe. Fortunately she told Mia and others that she wouldn't be joining them for lunch break.

Moments later, Outside.

They sat on the edge of the plaza's fountain, shoes tucked under them to avoid getting splashes. Ryan handed her the cup, eyes warm but unreadable.

“ You've made it a whole month. That's a record under Liam.”

“ I'll let you know when the schedule is scheduled.” Berly said smiling faintly.

“You joke, but people are noticing.”

She looked up

“Noticing what?”

Ryan answered sincerely

“That you're not afraid of him. You don't try to impress him and somehow that's impressive.”

Berly blinked. She wasn't sure whether to laugh or deflect. So she sipped. She then replied lightly

“ I'm just trying to survive the day just like everyone else.”

A pause

“ Yeah. But you carry it differently.”

His voice was softer now - more honest. A flicker of something vulnerable passed over his face. Berly tilted her head, curious.

“ Is that your tactic? Complimenting the new girl to distract from you own stress?”

“ Maybe. Or maybe I just like your company.”

She didn't answer that. But she didn't move either.

Back at the office lobby, ten minutes later.

They walked in side by side. Berly was laughing quietly at something Ryan had said her face lighter than it had been all week.

What she didn't see was Liam, standing by the elevator bank with his phone in his hand. His eyes flickered up at their voices. But he didn't frown. Didn't say a word. But his gaze tracked them down both until they disappeared around the corner, and didn't resume typing for a long moment. The phone dimmed in his hand.

Actually what both he and Berly didn't know was that Ryan saw him standing there from afar and deliberately said a very funny joke to Berly which caused her to laugh hard even leaning towards him.

They had to play fair, so he thought.