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Oscar waits for a few moments, but when I don’t say anything, he finally breaks the silence.
“Zander is a great guy to be friends with. If the name thing bothers you so much, ask him. I’m sure he has a valid reason. But don’t let anyone railroad you into doing something you don’t like.”
Oscar ends the call, leaving me with mixed emotions and feeling more confused than before.
Later that night, I receive a new text.
Zander: Just so you know, I’m certainly not gay and very much single. Good night, couch girl.
10
ZANDER
My two-day trip to Cherrywood has stretched into a week. But what an exhilarating week it’s been. Every morning when I step inside the office building, I feel the giddiness of a five-year-old on his first day of school.
When you do something for so long, even if it’s as exciting as running a company, you don’t realize when it becomes a part of your routine and its buzz fades out. Since starting Elixir, I’ve been laser focused. The only thought on my mind as soon as I enter the office door is the company’s growth and success. How can I be better in this business? How can I not fail the people who count on me?
But this week, I’ve thought and been excited about ridiculous things like Wolverine.
Me: I see you have a new wallpaper.
Marr’s cell phone vibrates on the glass table, and she picks it up before everyone in the conference room is disturbed. I notice her as she reads my text, and then her gaze meets mine. She immediately looks away, turning her head slightly to the side as if making sure no one is watching.
I lean back in my chair and briefly glance at Oscar, who’s presenting the quarterly progress report to the group.
My phone stirs in my hand.
Couch girl: It’s an exclusive. I had an illustrator design it for me.
Me: I didn’t know your obsession ran so deep, couch girl. Are you campaigning for the biggest Wolverine fan?
I’ve just hit send and there’s a short giggle in between Oscar’s words.
All eyes turn to Marr as she starts to cough.I notice her transition as she almost cowers in her chair and hides behind her laptop screen, her face turning pale.
Everyone’s attention is quickly pulled back when Oscar starts to talk about some sales numbers in a high-pitched voice, and I wonder if his increased enthusiasm is for Marr’s benefit.
When I look in her direction again, I find Kristy staring at me, eyebrow arched. I give her my sweet smile, not wanting to be in her bad books.
Me: You have a beautiful laugh. I love knowing that I did something to make you smile. But next time, I’ll make sure I don’t do such a thing in a room full of people.
Some tension leaves my body when I watch the beautiful pink reappearing on her face.
* * *
“W-when are you ret-t-turning?” Zane asks as I press the keycard to the sensor and open the door to my hotel room.
This part of my day, coming back to an empty, stale room, is no fun. Although, I’d be returning to my empty apartment in St. Peppers too, but that’s usually after spending a fun evening with my brothers. Other days, when I want a break from things, I’d cook something and have them over. It might sound strange to many, but cooking has always been therapeutic for me.
“I don’t know.” I open the fridge and fetch a water bottle.
“Is t-t-there a problem?”
“No. It’s just…” I try to find the right response for my brother. “I like it here. I feel different.” My grip on the plastic bottle tightens.
“You s-sound d-d-different. But don’t leave me alone wit-t-th Zach for t-too long.” He chuckles.
“Don’t worry. I’ll most likely return at the end of this week,” I tell Zane before ending the call.
