Chapter Five
Wyatt
Monday morning I sat in my office reading the morning newspaper, as I always did, and somehow I was glad that it was Monday. I had to go over to Astral Designs to sign the agreement between our company and theirs, as I promised, and I wasn't exactly dreading it. The conversation that I had with Calvin at our parents’ house still stuck in my mind. I had probably recalled that conversation a million times in my head, and I analyzed it to death.
She had actually defended me behind my back, which was rather surprising, seeing as she shouted at me at our first meeting, and lied to me at our second. It was strange to hear this from my brother because there were very few people on this earth, and no I am not exaggerating, that would defend me without really knowing me. It was unexpected, yet incredibly comforting.
I finished my coffee, neatly folded the newspaper and checked my watch. It was nearly time to leave, so I put my phone in my pocket and left the office.
“Where are you headed?” Calvin asked me as I walked down the hallway.
“I’m on my way to Astral Designs.”
“You’re going to see Kenzie?” he asked me with a frown.
“Yes,” I answered simply.
“Isn't she supposed to come here?”
“I offered to go sign.”
“You did, huh?” he asked me and narrowed his eyes.
“I’m just going over there to sign, Calvin.”
“Right,” he said and narrowed his eyes at me. I knew that look all too well. He didn't believe a word I said, despite knowing that I was completely and utterly incapable of lying.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked with a sigh.
“Like what?”
“Like you don't believe a word I just said.”
“Why are you being so defensive?” he asked with a smirk. “You don't have to explain yourself to me. You never have before.
“You’re right, I don't have to explain myself to you.”
“But I see what’s going on here.”
“And what is that?”
“You like her.”
“Goodbye, Calvin,” I said as I turned around and walked passed Hannah at her desk.
“Porter is waiting outside for you, sir,” she said to me.
“Thank you, Hannah.”
I stepped into the elevator, went all the way down to the ground floor and stepped out into the lobby. The doorman held open the door for me and I nodded at him in gratitude. I stepped out in the late morning air, which was warm and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
The Escalade stood in front of me in the street and Porter stood, holding the door open for me.
“Thank you, Porter,” I said as I climbed in.
About ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of Astral Designs and I climbed out. I walked up to the glass doors and they automatically opened. I walked to the reception desk and glanced at the young woman behind it.
“Good morning to Astral Designs, sir. Can I help you?”
“I am here to see Miss Morris. She is expecting me.”
“Mr. Pearce,” I heard my name and I looked up.
Kenzie walked through the waiting area, and she looked absolutely beautiful in a pair of casual jeans and an off the shoulder white top. Her dark brown hair hung down her shoulders and she smiled brightly.
“Miss Morris.”
“You’re right on time,” she said with a smile.
“I always am,” I answered.
“This way to my office.”
I followed her down the wide aisle and glanced at the open offices as we walked passed them. It was a much more relaxed place of work than what I was used to, but it didn't make me uncomfortable. It seemed that people worked together on projects as they were openly discussing them with one another. A few women glanced at me as I passed, and I simply gave them a nod of acknowledgment.
Kenzie motioned to an opened door and I entered her office.
I understood that everyone was different, and not all people were like me, but Kenzie’s office was completely opposite to mine. The walls were painted a light turquoise and her shutters were white. There were colorful paintings hanging on every wall, and in the corner, there was a Zen garden.
“Have a seat,” she said to me.
I sat down slowly and looked around me, as she placed a small stack of documents in front of me.
“Are you okay?”
“Your office is...” I hesitated. I searched for a diplomatic response, but I didn't have any. “How do you keep track of everything in here?”
“It may not look that way, but I know exactly where everything is in here.”
“That is not possible.”
“You sound like my father. When I still lived at home, he’d complain about my room being disorganized, but it wasn't. I knew where everything was.”
“Is your father a perfectionist?”
“A neat-freak who must always be in control and who is always right.”
“He sounds nice.”
She looked at me, and the corners of her mouth curled up in amusement. “He is most of the time,” she answered and handed me her pen.
“I have my own pen,” I said and took mine from my pocket.
“Of course,” she said and bit her bottom lip. “Just read through it, and then all you have to do is sign at the bottom of the last page.”
“Thank you,” I answered.
She smiled briefly, walked around her desk and sat down on her chair.
I read through the document relatively fast, as it was laid out very clearly and signed the bottom of it. I glanced up and noticed a dark purple crystal on the desk beside her pink coffee cup – said cup was not on a coaster, but I didn't say anything. “Do you believe in crystals?” I asked.
“Why would you ask me that?” she asked.
“I just saw the crystal on your desk.”
“Of course I do,” she answered and picked it up. “It’s real, isn't it?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant. It comes from nature, which is a pretty big deal. Without nature, we would cease to exist.”
“So you’re one of those people?”
“Those people?”
“Yoga, meditation, all that new age stuff?”
“No, I just love nature and everything she represents.”
“She?”
“Mother Nature.”
“Right, and I suppose you also think that unicorns exist.”
“I’m not questioning your beliefs, am I?”
“I’m sorry. My questions always seem to offend people.”
“It’s not the question that’s the problem, it’s the way you ask it, your tone of voice. It’s too cynical, too accusatory.”
“I didn't come here to insult you or your beliefs, or your lifestyle, because mine is pretty screwed up too.”
“Mr. Pearce, could we not get personal, please?”
“Of course. I apologize.”
“It’s okay.”
“You’re very forgiving and understanding.”
“I realized very young in my life that everyone has problems and issues that they deal with, including me, so I try to be as kind as I can possibly be, because you never know what is going on in another person’s life, and my harsh statement or judgmental stare could be that one little push over the edge. I don't want to be held responsible for something like that. I have enough to deal with.”
“What issues could you possibly have?” I asked her in slight disbelief. Someone as beautiful and talented as her shouldn't have any issues. She was perfect, at least that’s the impression that I had of her.
“I thought we agreed not to get personal.”
“Right.” I handed the signed documents back to her and she smiled. “What?”
“I like your signature. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said slowly.
She chuckled and said, “It’s a compliment. Don’t look so terrified.”
“I want to thank you,” I said and glanced at her.
“For what?”
“For defending me against my brother.”
“You hard about that?”
“Yeah, he told me.”
“You talk about me?” she asked and raised her eyebrows.
I hesitated for a second, not really knowing what to say to her and she chuckled.
“It’s fine,” she said.
“You didn't have to do that.”
She shrugged and looked at me with those brown eyes of hers. “Like I said, everyone’s got something going on in their lives that others don't know a damn thing about.”
“Thank you, Miss Morris.”
“You’re welcome.”
I glanced at her for a few more seconds, until I realized that she might think I was being creepy, so I stood up, straightened my jacket and said, “I have another appointment, so I have to get going.”
“Sure. You’re a busy and important guy.” She stood up and walked me out.
I felt strange when I climbed back in the car and Porter looked at me strangely.
“Is everything alright, sir?”
“Yes, Porter. Please take me back to the office.”
“Yes, sir.”
The entire drive back to the office I spent thinking about what Kenzie had said. I had underestimated her. I had never thought that someone like her would actually understand me better than people who had known me for my entire life. An unexpected smile formed on my lips and I glanced out the window when I would normally just stare blindly in front of me.
Back at work, Calvin called me into his office, which was strange, but I went in obviously. Usually, he would just walk into mine when he needed to see me, but he rarely was the one who called me into his office.
He sat behind his desk with a bunch of computer hardware, which looked more like a computer exploded on his desk. “You’re back early.”
“I told you, I just went to sign.”
“I still don't understand why she didn't just come here.”
“She probably doesn't want to see you.”
“Why on earth would you say that?”
“Because she told you off for giving me shit.”
“Did you talk to her about it?”
“No, I just thanked her.”
“You thanked her?”
“Yes, I did. She stood up to you and defended me, and I appreciate that. For someone like that, I would travel a thousand miles.”
“That sounds a bit extreme to me.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because you hardly know this girl-”
“Woman.”
“What?”
“She’s a woman, not a girl.”
“Whatever.”
My jaw clenched and Calvin glanced at me. “She is a woman and she deserves to be treated with respect.
“You’re a fine one to talk about respect, big brother. You’re lecturing me on respecting other people while you’re the one who shouts at anyone when things don’t go your way.”
“This conversation is not about me right now.”
“Maybe it should be.”
“Calvin, I don't want you to bother her any more than you need to.”
“What?”
“While she’s here, I want you to treat her with respect and be professional at all times.”
“Did she say something to you about me?”
“She didn't have to.”
“Look, Wyatt. You know how I am.”
“That’s exactly why I’m bringing it up,” I said. “When the remodel is done, you can harass her as much as you want, just not on my watch.”
“Fine. I will be professional at all times,” he muttered and rolled his eyes.
“I mean it, Calvin,” I said firmly.
“Why are you o strung up about this girl-” He stopped mid sentence and corrected himself. “Sorry, woman.”
“Well, to be honest, her ideas and suggestions about my office give me an indication that she gets me.”
Calvin scoffed and shook his head, “No-one is that understanding, but okay, I’ll back off. You win this round.”
I nodded slowly and looked at him.
“What?”
“Can I ask you something?” I asked hesitantly.
“Sure.”
This was not going to go down so well, I knew that, but I asked anyway. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Act so confident around women?”
“You’re asking me for advice?”
“Maybe.”
“Wow, I never thought that this would ever happen.”
“If you’re going to make a big deal of this, I’m going to leave and never ask you for anything ever again.”
“Okay, okay. Stop being so touchy,” he said and grinned at me. “Now, the first thing about attracting women is to know your audience.
“Know my audience.”
“You wouldn't talk about sports to a girl wearing full make-up and high heels would you?”
“Would I?”
“No, you wouldn't.”
“Okay.”
“Girls dress the way they are. High heels and dresses mean they’re girly, and most probably not interested in sport at all. Women in jeans are more casual and would probably drink you under the table. Girls who dress trendy are normally high-maintenance.”
“Really?”
“It’s an unwritten rule.”
“If you say so.” It sounded like bullshit to me, generalizing a woman’s personality by the clothes they wear.
“Next is to compliment them. Women love that.”
“What if there is nothing to compliment?”
“There’s always something,” a voice said behind us and Calvin and I whirled around.
Kenzie stood in the doorway, and I silently begged for the earth to open up and swallow me whole.
“Kenzie, I didn't see you there. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thank you, Calvin.”
“You’re looking beautiful as always,” Calvin said and winked at me.
“Of course you would say that,” she said and cocked her head to the side, flashing him a sarcastic smile.
“What are you doing here?” I asked her, climbing out of my initial state of shock.
She glanced at me with a smirk and held out my pen to her. “You forgot this in my office.”
I looked at my pen in her hand and glanced back at her.
“Thank you,” I said and took it from her.
“You’re welcome.”
“You came all this way for a pen?” Calvin asked her.
“I did, but it sounds to me that you need more than just your pen,” she said to me.
Calvin chuckled and said, “Look, I don't know what you think you heard, but-”
“I know what I heard,” she said and glanced at me. “Can we talk in your office?”
I glanced briefly at Calvin, but ignored his expression and nodded at Kenzie. “Sure.”
“Lead the way, Mr. Pearce,” she said to me.
If there was one thing that I could say about Kenzie, was that she didn't take no for an answer, especially not when she had set her mind to it.
We entered my office and I closed the door. “Miss Moore, I know what you must be thinking.”
“Do you?” she asked.
“It’s a toss up between either I’m a jerk or all men are stupid,” I said honestly.
“Good guess, but no,” she said and looked at me. “I don't want to overstep any professional boundaries, but you shouldn't be taking advice from your brother on how to get a girlfriend.”
“Did you hear our entire conversation?” I asked warily.
“Not the whole thing, but I heard enough to know that his advice sucks. He may know how to get a woman for a night or two, or a week at most, but you’re not like that.”
“You think you know me, Miss Morris?”
“You’re rude and abrupt and even though you run a successful company, you have no idea how to talk to women.”
“That’s mildly offensive,” I said.
“That’s what women think, or at least that was what I thought when I met you the first time. I wanted to punch you in the face.”
“My attitude makes you aggressive.”
“Yes,” she answered. “And even though you are crazy attractive and ridiculously rich, that’s not always enough for some women. If it is, then they don’t really care about you, just your looks and your money. That’s not the type of woman who would deal with the complicated man that you are.”
Wait a second, she called me crazy attractive. “You think I am complicated.”
“You know it, I know it. Everybody knows it,” she said and I knew that she was right, on all counts actually. She hit the nail right on the head.
“Mr. Pearce, I can’t help but feel the need to help you out.”
“Help me out?”
“I obviously know how women are. I could help you if you want me to.”
“You would help me get a girlfriend?” I asked.
“Only if you want me to. I don’t know you, but I know you well enough and I can see that you get lonely. I get lonely too, and I’m the most free-spirited person I know,” she said and I detected a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“What would this entail?”
“I just want to help you.”
“Why?”
“Because I feel that I have to because you’re never going to find someone worthy of you if you ask your brother for advice.”
“He’s so confident.”
“Yeah, and he also has sex on his desk at work.”
I chuckled with amusement and nodded. “That is a good point. My desk is still a virgin.”
“So is mine,” she answered with a smile.
“You would really help me?” I asked her.
She nodded and looked at me with a sincere expression on her face. “Of course.”
“Can I ask one thing though?”
“Sure,” she shrugged her shoulders.
“Can we not tell Calvin about this or anyone for that matter?”
“I wasn't planning on telling anyone,” she replied.
I glanced at her and she still had the sincere look in her eyes. “Okay.”
“Do you have any free time now?” she asked.
“I’m the boss, of course, I do.”
She chuckled and said, “We could have lunch.”
“I could do that.” I walked to the phone and dialed Hannah’s extension.
“Is everything okay, sir?”
“Yes, everything is fine. Could you clear my schedule for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Of course sir,” Hannah answered.
“And could you make reservations for two at Fluerdo’s.”
“Of course, sir. For what time?”
“We’ll be there in twenty.”
“I will do that,” Hannah said.
I placed the phone back on the unit and looked at Kenzie. “Have you ever been to Fluerdo’s?”
“No, I’ve never had lunch with a billionaire before.”
“It’s not as exciting as it sounds,” I said to her. “We better get going.”
Kenzie
Some people, or most people I knew, would tell me that I had completely lost my mind. What on earth was I thinking in helping Wyatt be more approachable, and eventually find a girlfriend? I was actually the last person who has in the position to give him any advice on dating, or anything related to a relationship. I was famous for dating assholes, or picking out the only asshole in a crowd full of men. It was my gift and my curse.
The only reason I offered my help, was that I didn't want Wyatt at the mercy of his brother and his terrible dating advice.
Sure women love compliments but there are limits. You don't want to be sucking up to this woman the rest of your life, and I knew that Wyatt was not the type of person who did that in the first place. Like I mentioned to him, he was attractive, and wealthy, came from a good family, and sure, women will be attracted to him, but as soon as he opens his mouth, they’ll be running for the hills. I meant that in the best way possible too, however horrible that may sound.
“So, lesson one.”
“Lesson one?”
“I assumed you were going to start now.”
“I can do that,” I answered and turned to him. “First of all, don't talk to people like they’re five years old. Talking down to them is not a good thing, and no-one likes that.”
“Ah,” he muttered as if he had never thought that it might bother people.
“Second of all, you have to be comfortable with yourself first. Women pick up on discomfort and if we feel that you’re uncomfortable, then we’re uncomfortable.”
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“No, but I can see that you are.”
“Why are you not uncomfortable?”
“Because very few things make me feel that way.”
“Like what?”
“We’re not here to talk about me,” I pointed out.
“But how can I be comfortable if I don’t know much about you?” he asked.
He did have a point. “Confined spaces.”
“Like elevators?”
“Yes.”
“What else?”
“Believe it or not, I get uncomfortable when some men stare at me for an extended period of time.”
“Which men?”
“Mostly older men. I don’t know why.”
“Do you have Father-issues?”
“No, not at all.”
“Would you tell me about your family?”
“There’s not much to tell, really. My family’s pretty much normal. They’re all academics though, and I’m the only artist in the family. They didn't always know how to handle me.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Artists are different. I was moody, and had a different way of thinking and doing things, which sometimes infuriated my mother to near insanity.”
“I know what that feels like.”
“Near insanity?” I asked with a chuckle.
“No, driving my mother to near insanity. My whole family for that matter. I understand what it feels like to be misunderstood,” he said and glanced at me.
“At least we have something in common.”
He smiled slightly and glanced down at the place setting in front of him. He frowned and tilted his head slightly as he took his napkin and rubbed a spot on the glass in front of him.
I looked at him with a frown and tilted my head as well.
“What?” he asked me.
“Is that your OCD coming through?”
Wyatt looked at me with a hint of shame on his face and pursed his lips, not answering.
“It’s okay, you know. You don't have to look so ashamed. I don’t judge you because you prefer things the way you do. A lot of people are like that, and a lot of people wish they were like that. At least you know what you want. Not a lot of people can say that,” I said to him and waved our waiter over. I took the glass from Watt and handed it to the waiter. “This glass has a dirty spot on it. Could you replace it with another, please?”
“Right away, Miss.”
He left the table side and I looked at Wyatt. “As easy as that.”
“You were so nice to him.”
“Believe it or not, you can actually get your way by being nice. You don’t always have to be an asshole all the time.”
The waiter walked over to our table with a brand new glass and placed it in front of Wyatt.
Wyatt glanced at him and said, “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome, sir. If you need anything, please let me know.”
Wyatt glanced at me with slight surprise as the waiter left us again and I chuckled. “You see?”
“You were right.”
I laughed in amusement and shrugged my shoulders.
“So, it doesn't bother you?”
“Doesn't what bother me?”
“Me, being the way that I am.”
“That’s who you are, Wyatt.” I bit my lip and shook my head. “Sorry. Mr. Pearce.”
“You can call me Wyatt if you want.”
“Okay, but only if you call me Kenzie.”
“I think I can do that.”
I smiled at him, studying his expression, and the way his hand lay relaxed on the table. His shoulders weren't tight anymore and he actually smiled briefly. Seeing him this way stirred up quite a few emotions inside me, but I knew that I was not here having lunch with him for my own benefit. I was trying to help him find someone. For a split second, I wondered what that would feel like. I wondered what it would be like waking up beside him, seeing him with untidy hair and stubble on his chin. I wondered what he smelled like when he just stepped out of the shower, and I wonder what it would be like to be wrapped up in his arms watching the sun rise. I also wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to…
“Kenzie?”
I diverted my gaze from his mouth to his eyes and frowned. “Sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
Honestly, I liked the way my name sounded on his lips and…
Oh, no. There I did it again.
I chuckled to myself and shook my head. “I’m sorry. I get distracted sometimes.”
“How do you get distracted?”
“Easily,” I confessed. “My mind is like a computer, with a million open tabs, all working at once, and I can't focus on just one at a time or very long.”
“I guess we’re all programmed differently.
“That is exactly it,” I said with a smile.
He smiled briefly and his expression grew serious. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you lie at our date?” he asked.
I raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips for a second. “When I met you on the plane, you were just too mean, and I didn't like that. I had gone out with too many assholes in my life and when I saw that it was you, I just bailed.”
“But then you came back.”
“Have you ever been stood up before, that your date didn't show up, or leave because you weren't what they expected?”
“I have.”
“So have I, and I didn't want you to feel that way, or anyone for that matter because it sucks.”
“That still doesn't explain why you lied.”
“I know. I wanted to give you a chance, but then I thought about how horrible you were to that air hostess, and for a moment I didn't want to be with someone like that again.”
“You dated someone like me?”
“No, but he was an asshole ninety-nine percent of the time.”
“Where do you meet these guys?” he asked me.
“I have no idea. Sophia thinks-”
“Sophia. Your friend from the gym?”
“Yes. She’s my best friend. She thinks that I have a built-in homing beacon for assholes and that they just naturally gravitate towards me.”
“That’s rather unfortunate."
“Tell me about it,” I chuckled. “But, I’m done with that. I have my work to focus on, and I’m happy about where my life is going right now.”
“That’s good to hear that someone else keeps lying to themselves as well.”
I looked at him, and I didn't have any words. Even though this guy knew nothing much about me, he knew me so well. He knew what it felt like to be lonely, just like I did. He knew what it was like to have struggled in life, regardless of how rich he was. He knew me, and I knew him.
It was weird, to be honest, but comforting at the same time.
“Yeah,” I said and lowered my gaze.
“I think that’s enough for today.” He cleared his throat and said in a low voice, “Are you ready to order?”
We enjoyed a very nice lunch and after the waiter cleared out table, I turned to him with a smile.
“Could I please have your dessert menu?” I asked.
“Certainly, Miss.”
“The dessert menu?” he asked me.
“Yes,” I said with a frown and the waiter approached the table with the menu.
“Here you are, Miss.”
I quickly paged through the menu, scanning through all the delicious desserts and glanced at the waiter. “Any dessert recommendations?”
“The cheesecake is always a popular choice.”
“Then the cheesecake it is.”
“And for you, sir?” he asked and glanced at Wyatt.
“None for me, thank you.”
“Very well, sir,” the waiter said with a polite nod and left the table.
I looked at him and narrowed my eyes. “No dessert for you?”
“I don't eat dessert.”
“What?” I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He doesn't eat dessert? “Why not?”
“Because I don’t feel like it after I’ve eaten a meal.”
“But it’s the best part of a meal.”
“I don’t go to restaurants to eat their desserts. I go there to eat their food.”
“You’re weird.”
“I’m weird because I don't eat dessert?”
“Amongst other things,” I said and rolled my eyes. “So what else don’t you do that regular people do?”
“I don’t understand the question.”
“You don't eat dessert, you say exactly what’s on your mind.”
“Here’s something you might not know about me, is that I don’t lie,” he said.
“What?”
“I can’t lie even if my life depended on it.”
“Wait, so you’ve never told a lie before?” I asked.
“Never.”
“No way. I don't believe that.”
“I’ve tried, but I never got away with it, so technically it didn't count,” he said with a slight chuckle.
“That’s the strangest thing I’ve ever heard,” I said to him and laughed. “That is truly admirable because not a lot of people can say that about themselves.”
“I know.”
I glanced at him, still not really believing what I had just heard, but somehow I knew that he was. Somehow I already knew it, before he even said it. He didn't look like the type of person who would lie anyway. Even though he did not have a filter between his brain and his mouth, or that he said exactly what was on his mind, it shouldn't surprise me that he couldn't lie.
“I don’t like being lied to either.”
“I get that, and I’m sorry.”
“I didn't direct it solely to you. I just dislike being lied to by everyone. I don't see the point. Why would you lie to anyone when the truth was just so much easier?”
“It’s the same thing as being pretentious.”
“Exactly.”
“I could never be like that, though. It’s too exhausting to try to be someone besides who you are. Plus, I like who I am, and I wouldn't want to change, no matter who it’s for.”
“I feel exactly the same way. If you don’t like me, then there’s the door.”
I smiled at him and he looked at me for a few seconds.
“I have to admit, it’s been a while since I felt this comfortable with anyone.”
“And why is that?”
“Probably because you don’t get offended easily.”
“Right, but I know that we’re all dealing with our own things, so it’s better to be kind and accepting, than to judge and be rude.”
“You’re calling me rude and judgmental?”
“Not at all. I’m just glad that you’re comfortable around me. It’s a good thing.”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“I think it is,” I said to him with a smile.
The waiter approached the table with my dessert and I glanced at it with a smile. “This looks great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Miss.”
I picked up my spoon and took a bite of it. It literally melted in my mouth and I let out a satisfied groan. “You have to try this.”
“No.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and frowned. “Honestly?”
“I told you, I don’t like desserts.”
“Just at restaurants, or any desserts.”
“Any desserts.”
“So you don't really have a sweet tooth?”
“No.”
“I love ice cream, but too much dairy makes me sick.”
“And your dessert won’t?”
“No, it’s not that much.”
“Okay, because I don't deal well with vomit. At all.”
“I will remember that,” I said as I took another bite.
Wyatt
Kenzie taught me a valuable lesson today.
Not that I could get what I wanted by being nice, or that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but that everyone fights their own personal battles, regardless of how normal they look. I never thought about it that way. I had always been so focused on myself, and what I needed, that I didn't care about other people.
Lunch had also been a bit of an eye-opener for me. I had never thought that I could be this comfortable around another person. She was funny without being overbearing, or mean, and most importantly, she didn't judge me, which was refreshing. She allowed me to be myself, but in the same breath wanted me to be nicer to people.
Kenzie went back to work after lunch, as she had a lot of things to finalize with both her boss as well as the contractors who she worked with. She told me that she would call me as soon as she had everything sorted because she knew that I wanted this renovation to be done as quickly as possible.
As I made my way up the elevator to the office, I vowed to be nicer to people, for Kenzie. As I walked passed Hannah’s desk, she flashed me an intrigued look, but I simply winked at her, leaving her in a momentary state of shock. I knew what she must be thinking, but I wasn't going to correct her. In fact, I was not going to tell her anything at all. That wasn't lying, it was just withholding information. I didn't want anyone to know what we were talking about during lunch, especially not Hannah, or my brother for that matter.
“Why are you in uch a good mood?” she asked me.
“I had a bit of a revelation.”
“Oh, no.”
I chuckled and asked her, “Hannah, is Calvin in his office?”
“He’s in the Tech room, sir.”
“Right,” I answered and headed down the left hallway.
As I approached the open door of the room, I heard Calvin and a few of the other men talking, and I stopped abruptly. I didn't want them to hear me or know that I was eavesdropping on their conversation. It might be interesting to hear what they said when I was not around.
“Your brother should have redone this place a long time ago,” Malcolm, one of the technicians, and a good friend of Calvin’s said.
“Especially with someone like her,” Brendon, another technician said.
“Yes, definitely. I like her, she’s friendly, and heaven knows we can do with another friendly face around here,” Malcolm agreed.
“Just keep your hands to yourselves, boys,” Calvin said. “Wyatt already warned me to keep it strictly professional.”
“Like you’re going to listen to your brother.”
“Actually, I’m going to ask her out as soon as this project is done.”
“And you think she will go out with a guy like you?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“She doesn't look your type, Calvin.”
“Every single woman on this planet is my type.”
“Yeah, but you’re not interested in a relationship.”
“I know.”
“Who knows, maybe she’s not interested in being a one night stand, Calvin.”
“She doesn't look the type.”
“Trust me, she’s definitely the type,” Calvin said. “But this is not a competition.”
“Meanwhile, we can still look at her, right?”
“Of course. That’s what I intend on doing.”
“Just don’t make it too obvious. Wyatt might fire our asses.”
“He wouldn't dare. You guys are the best programmers in the world.”
“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, boss.”
“We wouldn't have hired you otherwise.”
“So, where is Wyatt?”
“He’s having lunch with Kenzie.”
“Maybe he has the hots for her too.”
“There’s no way. She’s not Wyatt’s type.”
“What exactly is Wyatt’s type?”
“I have no idea, but Kenzie isn't it. She’s too loud and funny and free-spirited,” Calvin said gallantly. “Wyatt’s not into that.”
“Speaking of women, what happened to that woman you had over the other day?”
“The one you banged in your office.”
“Where did you hear about that?” Calvin asked.
“Hannah had a word with us about it.”
“And how did she know about it?”
“Hannah knows everything around here.”
“I swear she has this entire place wired.”
“That wouldn't surprise me.”
“What if she’s listening to this entire conversation?”
I pursed my lips for a moment and decided that I could speak to Calvin later. I quietly turned around and headed to my office. I was just about to enter when I heard Calvin calling my name behind me. I looked at him over my shoulder as I opened my door and he followed me in.
“Where have you been?” he asked me.
“I was out to lunch.”
Calvin glanced at his wristwatch and frowned. “It’s almost four o’clock. Your business lunches never last that long.”
“We were discussing my office, and the renovations.” I wasn't lying.
“Right. For four hours.”
“I don't need to explain myself to you, Calvin.” I walked to my desk and sat down in my chair.
“Why are you so defensive?”
“I’m not.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on. You’re questioning me and I don't like it.”
“Fine, I won’t question you anymore. You’re the boss, you can do whatever the hell you want.”
I glared at him and shook my head.
“So how was lunch?”
“It was fine. Kenzie...” I paused and sighed. “Miss Morris and the renovation crew will arrive on Wednesday morning.”
“Wow, that’s fast.”
“I don't want to wait too long. I want this done as fast as possible, you know that.”
“I know.”
Calvin looked at me for a few seconds and I raised my eyebrows at him. “Is there something else?”
“No,” he answered with a frown and slowly left my office.
He closed the door behind him and I sat back in my chair. I frowned when I noticed that my heart was beating faster than normal, and it was strange.
This whole day had been such a strange experience for me, I think that I needed a bit of normality in my life.
An hour later I was at the gym and running on my usual treadmill. Sure, I had a fully equipped gym at my house, but this was my therapy. Even though the gym smelled of sweat and was covered in a billion different germs when I was on that treadmill, all that seemed to fade away. I wasn't a germaphobe who had to wash my hands and all my surroundings every five minutes, but it was still gross to think that people would sit down on a sweaty seat, or use a machine straight after another person.
Luckily, the only thing I touched on the treadmill was the control panel, and my feet touched the belt. That was it, and that was enough. The voices in the background, as well as the music that played from the overhead speakers, created a buzz, an atmosphere that I actually liked. This was one of the few places that I now felt comfortable in these days, and that was certainly saying a lot.
The gym was filling up rather fast, as it was their busiest time because most people came after work.
As soon as my ten miles were finished, the machine automatically slowed down and I slowed down my pace as well. I glanced around the gym and my eyes landed on her.
I had to make sure that it was her because I was so used to seeing her in work clothes, but as soon as I heard her laugh while talking to her friend, I knew it was her.
She wore a pair of light gray running tights, with a bright pink vest and her hair was tied up in a high ponytail. Her clothes were very figure hugging and I wasn't sure why she would even come to the gym with a body like that. I lowered my gaze when she turned in my direction, as I obviously didn't want her to see me staring at her.
I felt strange, like a teenage boy with a crush, or was that only something teenage girls had? I wouldn't know; I wasn't the most normal teenager.
The treadmill stopped completely and I stepped off it. I grabbed my towel from the railing and wiped my face.
“Are you done with this?”
My head jerked up and I looked at her with wide eyes.
She looked at me expectantly and I realized I didn't answer her. “Yes.”
“Are you okay?” she asked me.
“Yes, just catching my breath.”
“You should probably take it easy, you know,” her friend said to me. What was her name again? Sadie? Sarah? I was terrible with names.
“And why is that?”
“Because your heart rate monitor is beeping like crazy,” she said.
I glanced down at my heart rate monitor on my wrist and sighed. “Right.”
“Or is it not because of the running?” her friend muttered, but Kenzie nudged her in the arm and shook her head.
“I’ll leave you girls to it.”
“I’ll see you Wednesday,”
“Wednesday morning, right.”
I made my way to the locker rooms as fast as I could without running, all the while cringing to myself. I could have been friendlier, and looked less shell-shocked, but she took me completely by surprise. I didn't know why exactly. I knew she went to this gym, but somehow it only registered a bit late, which made me look like a total idiot.
As I entered the locker room, I frowned to myself and wondered why exactly it mattered to me so much that I thought I made such a fool of myself. It was a strange feeling, as I had never cared what people thought about me, but somehow, Kenzie wasn't like everyone else. She mattered, but I wasn't sure exactly why.
With any other person I'd just walk away and not even give them, or the situation a second’s notice, but with Kenzie, it mattered.
And what was the deal with her friend – whose name I still couldn't remember? Was she insinuating that I was having heart palpitations because of Kenzie? That was ridiculous.
Why on Earth would someone like Kenzie give me heart palpitations? She didn't make me nervous; on the contrary, I was very much at ease when she was around me. Then why did I suddenly develop a quickened heartbeat? Did I have Tachycardia? Did I need to see a doctor?
Or was I, like always, over-analyzing this entire situation and conjuring up a fake illness just to prove that there was nothing going on between me and Kenzie?
Why would someone like her be interested in me in the first place? I wasn’t the easiest people to get along with, and despite her understanding and her patience, I was not the kind of person who would be good for her. She needed someone with a free-spirit, not someone with a locked-up-parakeet spirit.
That was who I was, a locked up parakeet. I didn't know how to be free-spirited even if I tried. Why would she even think of me in such a way?
For some strange reason, that thought made me rather sad, or mad; I wasn't sure which way it was, but either way, it wasn't a good feeling.