Chapter 13 It doesn’t change anything!

Chapter 13 It doesn’t change anything!
Brad
I woke up early in the morning and the first thing I did was go into the kitchen. I didn’t like how things ended between Vivian and I last night. It’s not like it’s unusual to see that angry side of her but she seemed disturbed. When she entered, there was that look of anxiety on her but I ignored it and chose to taunt her instead. 
It made me feel bad seeing as she stormed off and that thought kept troubling me. I couldn’t even sleep well but I managed to force myself. During one of the times that I woke up disturbed in the night, I made up my mind to prepare her breakfast this morning. I know she’d be mad again but it’s my peace offering and I hope she accepts it.
I got to work and made a few of the delicacies I’ve observed to be her favorite. When I was done, I wrote a note.
“Hey, good morning roomie. I’m sorry about last night. I crossed the line and got you upset so this is me apologizing. Accept this food as a peace offering and no, I didn’t forget. I know this is against the rules too so know that I’m also apologizing in advance for breaking another rule.” 
I read it over and over again while contemplating if it was a good idea to include it. I wouldn’t want it to be the one thing that would piss her off. 
I eventually added it, and then plated tge food. I wrapped it up with a cover and then quietly went to drop it at her door. 
I made sure I walked so gently to avoid raising her suspicion. Once I was clear, I went into my room, prepared for work and headed out.
I left earlier than usual so by the time I got to work, only a few have arrived. I didn’t wait to eat breakfast at home and that was because I was avoiding running into Vivian. I didn’t want to be at home when she finds the peace offering. At least that way, even if she’s angry, she wouldn’t be able to transfer the aggression to me. And by the time I get home in the evening, she would have forgotten all about it.
I was just about starting out with my breakfast when the door opened and there she was. My office crush. 
“Ouhhh… perfect timing!” She exclaimed as she ran towards me and pulled a chair to sit with me. 
“Can I join you?” She asked and from the way she asked, I already knew I had no other choice than to say yes. 
Well, maybe if I say yes quickly, we can get to eat and be done with it before someone else arrives and sees us. I can’t be the topic of discussion again this week.
“Of course, please join me.” I said and then pushed the pack into the middle. 
She dived in and just one bite, her eyes hit so big like she had just hit a big win.
“Oh my goodness… tell me you bought this please,” she exclaimed and I smiled. 
“I wish, but that would only make me a liar. I made it myself and I know what you’re going to say but I don’t think it’s all that. It’s just nice, not like a professional made it.” I chimed in while she scoffed.
“I know you’re trying to beat your own drum but trust me, if you ever consider a career change, you should go into this. You really tried. If I could cook like this, every one in the world would know because I won’t be silent about it.” She countered.
“Thank you then, I’m glad you like it.” I replied.
“I love it, baby. I love it so much.” She replied and I didn’t say anything. I only smile because why call me baby when we are just coworkers.
I hadn’t dropped that thought when the door opened again and my greatest fear appeared. 
Ryan walked in and seeing Anna and I sharing a plate, his face quickly changed. It went from blankness to a taunting smile, and I just knew what the day holds for me. 
“Ohh, I can see you guys are enjoying? Am I allowed to join?” He asked while Anna shook her head.
“No Ryan. Brad made this specially for just the two of us.” She said confidently.
“Ohhh really? That’s nice. I actually understand and I must say, that’s so loving of him. You’re so thoughtful, Brad. Thank you for taking care of beautiful Anna.” He replied and while she thought it was a compliment, I knew he was teasing me. 
We were done eating, and she left for her space. More people arrived then and Ryan finally got his chance to come over.
“You know when I first met you, I never thought you could bag two women at once. I mean you looked to gentle for such but here you are with a woman at home, and another at work. Wow, that’s top tier!” He let out while I shot him a weird look.
“What the heck are you even saying? Nah two women? What are they? Groceries or what?” I quizzed.
“Of course I know you will play innocent. That’s what you do best after designing products. I don’t know about the one at home, but everyone in this company knows Anna liked you. You’re the only one who has chosen to be blind to it.” He replied.
“You know what? I’ve got plenty of work to do and you’re disturbing me right now.” I said while he reached to punch me but I dodged it.
He went back to his desk and I just buried myself in work for the rest of the day. By the time I finally decided to stop, a lot of people had already left including Ryan. He left for company work though. 
I thought Anna had left too until I looked up and saw her approaching me with a broad smile on her face. I was packing my desk, ready to leave then when she popped up. 
“You’re leaving?” She asked and I nodded.
“I was already leaving too but I remembered something and had to come back. So my birthday is coming up and I’m throwing a party. I’m inviting you to be my guest please.” She let out.
That sounded like a simple invitation but I know her well enough that the answer can only be a yes or a yes. Anything other than that, and she’s not going to take it. She’s just going to press and press till one gives in. 
I’m not in the mood for that so I did the needful. She got so happy that she pushed herself into my arms and hugged me tightly. 
“Thank you so much, I’ll let you know other details.” She exclaimed.
“Anything in particular you want as a gift. I know it’s supposed to be a surprise but I prefer asking people what they want so I don’t gift something they dislike.” I explained and she nodded.
“Of course I understand you. You can get any gift of your choice that you know I’ll like. For me, it’s the thought that matters. If akways choose that over anything else.” She replied.
“Good then,” I said and then packed my things in a hurry to avoid prolonging the chat with her.
“I’ll leave now.” I chimed in and then quickly went my way.
I got home and found Vivian watching a show in the living room.
“Hey,” I said gently while she looked in my way and smiled softly. 
I was so shocked and if I wasn’t seeing it for myself, I would never believe. I mean, Vivian is smiling back at me. That’s so new.
“Seems like you’re in a good mood today,” I muttered under ny breath.
“What?” She asked but I know better then to repeat myself. 
“Nothing, just thinning out loud. I hope you had a good day?” I asked.
“Yeah I did. And thanks for the food… and the note.” She let out and I was about to talk when she continued so I swallowed my words.
“It doesn’t change anything though,” she simply added while I nodded. 
There was no point saying anything anymore. I just went into my room gently…