I get up from my desk and leave my office. When I step into the hall, I see Chad’s desk is empty and head toward Iris’s office. Her door is closed, so I knock. When she doesn’t tell me to come in, I frown.
I knock again.
Silence.
I try the handle and find it locked.
“Hey, are you looking for Iris?”
I turn and watch as Chad sets his water bottle on his desk.
“Yeah, I need to talk to her about something. Do you know where she is?”
He nods. “Yeah, she had a lunch date. She told me she would be back in time for the meeting.”
“Lunch date? Do you know with who?” I ask, feeling a sense of dread.
“No, I didn’t ask. I’m assuming it’s personal because I never entered it into her calendar.” He tilts his head. “Hey, are you okay? You look a little flushed.”
“Just warm,” I mutter before I stomp back into my office.
I shut the door behind me and walk to the window that overlooks the city. Usually when I stand here, I watch people scurry around like ants or the cars driving by. It helps calm me. Like watching the waves crash in. Today I can’t see anything.
She’s with him.
I don’t know how I know, but I do.
I know I shouldn’t be jealous. I knew they were dating, but I was hoping that I would convince her to date me instead. I haven’t had enough time. I haven’t gotten to show her what it would be like with me.
Someone knocks on my office door.
“Yeah?” I yell over my shoulder.
“Hey, five minutes until the meeting. You should probably get in there,” Chad tells me.
I look at the clock and wince. I must have zoned out. I’ve been standing in one place for almost an hour. I didn’t even realize I had let my mind take over.
“Is Iris back?” I ask.
“Yeah, she just headed to the restroom.”
I’m not in the mood for this meeting. I should tell Iris to handle it and take the rest of the day off. I can feel the anger in my blood. I know I am on edge. I already have issues handling meetings with others, but today is going to be worse.
Everything is going to grate on my nerves. I am going to have to work twice as hard to keep the irritation from my tone.
Not only that, but I am going to have to look at Iris and not wonder where she has been. If she kissed him before she left. If he walked her back to the building. Does he know what she tastes like?
Shaking my head, I grab my things and head into the meeting. I’m the last to arrive. Another pet peeve of mine. I like to be in here before everyone.
Yet another thing that has me off-kilter.
This meeting is going to suck.
“Sorry I’m late. Let’s get started.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she hisses as the last person walks out.
“This was a pointless meeting. Nothing even got done,” I scoff as I stand.
