Life lately
(Bella)
I step out of my office to Calvin's. I did stop by earlier to say hello but he wasn't around. Apparently, he hadn't been since morning.
His secretary said he'll be coming in late and it baffles me that he didn't tell me, that's unlike Calvin but then I figured it must've been something really urgent.
I knock gently and invite myself in.
"Bella," he raises his head from his laptop, a warm smile creeping up his face.
I return his smile, walking over to his desk.
"Please," he says, gesturing to the chair just across from him.
My smile gives way to a light chuckle, deciding to tease him a little, I retort. "You say that like I'm some stranger walking into your office for the first time,"
That elicited a chuckle from him, he places a hand on his chest dramatically. "My bad, pardon me." He says between chuckle.
I laugh, the both of us.
"Is everything okay though?" I ask as soon as our laugh quiets down, my eyes pinned on him. "You're just coming in, that's unlike you," I add.
He leans back into his chair and then he says. "Yeah everything's fine, I'm sorry I didn't mention I'll be coming in late, it's just—,"
I roll my eyes. "Just?" I ask, lifting my eyebrow in question, sensing he's holding back more.
He straightens up. "So, about the anonymous person that keeps getting things for me," he says and paused, holding my gaze. "I finally figured it out,"
I blink, caught off guard by two things. First that was unexpected, secondly what does he mean by keeps getting things for him? Thought it was just that once, he never mentioned the rest.
"Okay, you lost me there. Keeps getting things for you, it isn't just the food?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.
He shakes his head. "This person legit knows that I love freshly squeezed orange juice, and then my favorite vanilla pudding?" he retorts, much to my surprise. "If it isn't you then it has to be someone close, not a random stalker like I assumed at first. So I did the only logical thing or perhaps it was just out of curiosity, I didn't mention because I wanted to be sure." He says.
Well, I take it that Cynthia genuinely likes Calvin but then the look in Calvin's eyes says otherwise.
"It was not so hard, I checked my camera for the first time in a while and it turns out it was—Cynthia." He says, watching my reaction.
Okay, now it's hard to pretend like I'm surprised but I have to. So here goes. "Wait, what?" I exclaimed, rolling my eyes.
"Exactly my reaction. It's a thoughtful act but then…," his eyes are locked onto mine when he says this. "I had to invite her out to talk this morning,"
Hearing Calvin say that, it hits me that I really haven't seen Cynthia since I got to work. I just put it down to her being busy with clients which is only natural.
"You did?" I'm wide-eyed, genuinely surprised.
He nods. "Yeah, I had to."
A little curious, I asked. "So how did it go?"
He looks at me, hesitating as if thinking his words carefully. "She said she likes me, more than a boss and a friend. But then the feeling isn't mutual, as much as I appreciate her loyalty and diligence. I mean, she's been with me, the company for over a decade but I've never really thought of her in that way, I had to be honest with her just so it doesn't escalate," he explains in his defense, his eyes never leaving mine. "I explained this to her and she understands and promised she'd put it behind and maintain a good working relationship, just like always."
I drag in a sharp breath. "That's —intense," I stutter, my voice unstable.
Hearing Calvin say that feels so personal, it makes me realize — that not being outrightly straightforward in things like this complicates things even more.
He's been a great friend and while I can't love him back, I need to be honest with him, he deserves that.
I understand my fear of not wanting to hurt him like his ex did, but then by not telling him, I might just be leading him on without even knowing it.
And yes, while he likely doesn't have such feelings regarding Cynthia. Deep down, I can't help but think that maybe, just maybe I was greatly part of the reason why he turned her down.
I let out a heavy sigh. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to outrightly tell him that I don't see us in that way, just soon enough.
"It was. But glad that's over now," his voice pulls me back to earth.
"Yeah," I mutter, my voice barely above a whisper.
"So, I've got good news," his voice perks up as he tries to change gears, a smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
"Okay?" I look at him, silently urging him to spill.
He holds my gaze a little longer, a smile creeping up his face. "The Lego deal just clicked, they called a few minutes before you came in," he divulged and my face instantly breaks into a big smile.
"Oh my!" I exclaimed, my excitement evident. "That's big—massive," I corrected. "Congratulations,"
I'm super excited for Calvin, glad everything is working out like we envisaged. First it was Brenco, the biggest company in New York and now Lego?
Putting my past aside, coming back here wasn't such a bad idea after all, seeing the smile on Calvin's face, it's worth it.
Calvin's face lit up with a wider grin. "Thank you. But I can't take all the credit though, everyone contributed to this, it's a team work and to celebrate, we'll be having a staff party this weekend." Calvin says with a warm smile.
I nod. "That'd be great, it'll help everyone unwind," I say approvingly.
I quickly glance at my wristwatch after talking with Calvin for a while.
I've got to meet a client in an hour.
And not to mention, I'm considering contacting Dean.
It's hard but I have to try, for my kids.