I rested my head on his chest for a moment. His heart began to slow as we stood there, his hand moving rhythmically over my hair, down my back.
‘May I ask a question?’
‘Mmh hmm.’ I tilted my head back to meet his eyes.
‘How on Earth do you know about Candy’s… persuasions?’
‘I overheard her saying it when I was in the loo.’
He brushed my hair back off my shoulder. ‘Something tells me that wasn’t the only thing you overheard in there.’
I didn’t reply.
‘I don’t understand. You don’t let stuff like that bother you normally. You’ve said yourself you have to find a way to not let people’s opinions get to you if they say something mean. You know all that from doing the blog.’
‘I know. I guess it’s different when it’s said in your hearing.’
‘Well, it shouldn’t be. You’re just different from them. And, in my opinion, that’s a good thing. Don’t ever think that it isn’t.’
I gave him a squeeze in silent thanks, and he returned it.
‘Did you know already?’
‘About what?’
‘Miss Spanky Pants.’
I saw his mouth twitch at the moniker I’d dubbed her with. ‘Yes.’
My heart did a lurch thing and my stomach contracted, as I wondered how he knew.
‘Office gossip can be a very informative thing.’
‘You’re not one for gossip.’
‘Nope. But my assistant always passes on information that she thinks might be pertinent.’
‘What would she have done if your eyes had lit up when she passed on that particular bit of vital information?’
‘She’s harder to shock than you might think. Besides, she’s already informed me that she doesn’t think Candy and I would be a good match.’
‘Really?’
‘Apparently.’
‘What do you think?’
‘I think she’s never given me bad advice. Besides, I’m not interested in her anyway. Dating someone you work with can get messy.’
‘Would you date her if you weren’t going to be working with her?’
‘I hadn’t really thought about it. I will be working with her, so it’s kind of a moot point. My brain doesn’t go to the same places yours does, with all those “what ifs”.’
Logical, as always.
‘You should really go back to them. I’m sorry I messed up lunch.’
‘You didn’t. Don’t worry. Why don’t you come? You haven’t eaten anything yet.’
