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“I did come early. Been in the bathtub for half an hour.”
“You came early to take a bath?” These words came out strong and clear. “You were supposed to come so we’d go to dinner. I made the reservation.” My voice started to rise along with my temperature.
“Lucy.”
Joe reached for my hand but I held it firmly back. “You promised me.”
“I know. It’s just that my day took quite a different turn than I had planned.”
“So did mine but I didn’t think of trading my time with you for takeaway.”
“Neither did I. But I was driving here and this Chinese place smelled so heavenly and I just couldn’t think about anything else than slurping on noodles and watching a grisly movie to unwind a bit.”
Who watched a horror movie to relax? Well, Joe did.
“Good to know that noodles precede me too.”
“Lucy, that’s not what I meant. What I meant is that I just want to relax for the evening.”
“This evening? You do that just about every other evening you are here.”
Joe clasped my forearms, tightly but gentle. “I’m sorry, Luc. I know, I promised you we’d go and if I wasn’t this tired, I’d go put on my best suit and we’d go to that dinner.”
“I don’t mind that you come home late or that you want to chill out on the sofa because you’re tired. I understand your work is important, Joe. I may not come home at eight in the evening like you but I do work long hours too. What I do mind is that you don’t make time for me. If we weren’t living together, I’d probably see you once every three months. If we go on like this, I’m going to end up having to send an invite to your calendar to schedule some talk time with you.” I brushed away the tear rolling down my cheek. “I miss my friend.”
“How about we sit on the sofa, eat the noodles and you’ll tell me about your day instead of watching a movie? How’s that?”
That was his best compromise? I knew exactly how that would go. He’d eat the noodles, focusing so much on picking up the small pieces with his chopsticks that he’d just nod at my words without even listening. And then, when he’d finish his glass of water, he’d lay his head back on the sofa, assuring me he was listening despite his eyes being closed and then two seconds later, I’d hear him snore. Joe in his bathrobe on the sofa was practically as awake as when he was sleeping.
“I don’t want noodles.” I removed my arms away from him and stomped to my bedroom.
I was far too upset to want anything.
Not even to be in his proximity.
* * *
Chapter Four
As my finger was about to press the button to my office floor, I spotted Sam jogging towards the elevator.
Sam joined me and two other colleagues in the small confined space. With his impeccable charisma, Sam offered his morning greetings to everyone, purposely leaving me for last.
“Morning, Lucille.”
I nodded at him with a forced smile.
The whole ten-second ride up, I felt Sam’s gaze boring through me. One quick peek at him confirmed he was scrutinizing me with utmost interest. It was most probable that Sam had already read into the scowl on my face. He knew the reason behind my pouting. The tiny smirk on his lips confirmed my assumption.
The elevator door wasn’t even fully open before I stomped out towards the corridor of my office. Sam trailed in my shadow. But of course, he would. He must walk past my office to get to his.
I hurried inside my office, escaping Sam.
“Have a good day.” Sam hollered behind me.
With a little more force than necessary, I shut my office door.
Not in the mood for your smart-ass quips, Sam. That introduction to the new day alone was just the perfect blend to complement yet another sleepless night.
