Liz:STOP TEXTING ME!
Finn:All caps. That must mean you’re serious.
Liz:I told you I DON’T WANT TO GO.
Finn:I heard you all twelve times. Just wait for me then.
Liz:Why do you care how I get home?
Finn:I won’t take no for an answer.
Liz:Will you stop texting if I say fine?
I wait two more minutes and he doesn’t respond.
Liz:Hello?
Finn:I thought you wanted me to stop texting?
Ugh. I wish I would have never given the man my number. He texts me all the time now. I see pics of his lunch, marketing materials, and he even asked me to help him pick out a tie this morning for the Christmas party tonight.
Taking the train and bus would be a serious pain in the ass, so even though I protested his offer, I really want the ride. I knew he wouldn’t give up. He never does. It’s strange how I’ve come to count on it.
At 5 p.m., I yawn and stretch my arms above my head. I make a quick trip to the bathroom and check myself in the mirror, brushing out my hair. I grabbed the wrong lipstick this morning and all I have is bright red. I waver on whether or not to wear it, but it’s better than nothing. Shrugging, I put it on.
Straightening out my skirt, I feel a little warm. Someone must have cranked up the heat. I remove my sweater and stare at my pale arms. I didn’t get out much this summer due to my poor choices in men. A mistake I won’t make again.
Twisting to the side, I pucker my lips at my reflection. Not eating much has whittled my waist. I look pretty damn good even though I’m starving.
After making my way back to my desk through the empty office, I toss my sweater on my chair and check my phone.
Finn sent me a pic of the buffet. Now I’m even hungrier than before. Damn him.
“Liz? You’re still here?”
I turn to see my boss, Mr. Foreman, locking his office door.
“I’m getting ready to go. I’m waiting for a friend.” Did I just refer to Finn as a friend? Hmm…
“You’re coming to the holiday party, right?” he asks.
“Nah, I have a couple of things I’m going to finish up then I’m heading home.”
“I’m only going to say this once and if you quote me, I’ll deny it. You work too hard. Go to the party, you deserve a fun night.”
I offer up a fake smile. “That’s really nice of you, but I’m fine.”
“I insist! Come on, walk with me. I hate entering those things alone. My boss’s boss is going to be there. I’d really like to introduce you. He was very impressed with your work the other day.”
Ugh. How do I say no to that? “Umm… okay, sure. I suppose I can go for a few minutes.”
We make our way to the banquet room on the fifteenth floor. I’ve never been up here before. I’ve successfully skipped all the parties since I started here, until now. The view is stunning. My hands are shaking nervously as we make our way toward a group standing near the bar. Why did I agree to do this? My boss introduces me to several people and we chat about numbers for over twenty minutes.
They excuse themselves and I’m left standing alone in the back, feeling oddly proud that I managed to get through the conversation without seeming like an idiot. Glancing about the crowded room, I look for Finn, but he’s nowhere in sight. I feel awkward and my anxiety slowly begins to rise. Just as I’m about to bolt for the exit, I feel a hand slide around my waist and turn me.
“You came,” Finn says excitedly.
“My boss made me. I had to.”
