“That’s not it at all.”
“What is it then? Are you mad I didn’t bring you back a sandwich?”
This has backfired badly. I stare resolutely at my screen. “I have work todo.”
“So do I,” he says, preparing to put his headphones on. “I just had a long lunch.”
—
The more I try and focus on my work, the less I succeed in doing any. Every time I see Connor’s hands move over the keyboard out of the corner of my eye, I imagine he’s busy flirting with his new girlfriend Carrie. Anger and embarrassment war within me for top billing. When I can take it no longer, I go upstairs to steal some snacks and sulk in private.
As it turns out, two packs of Oreos can do a lot to restore your inner calm. I swallow the last of my feelings back down with a full-fat Coke and return to my desk determined to ignore Connor for the rest of theday.
It takes him less than sixty seconds to message.
CONNOR:Would you forgive me if I promise never to have lunch with anyone else ever again
ANNIE:Fuck off please I’m very busy
His laugh filters through my headphones. He types again.
CONNOR:This is so surprising
CONNOR:I never pegged you as the jealous type
ANNIE:I’m not!
The exclamation might have been a little much there. Too late now. I click out of the chat box and return to my spreadsheet. He messages again.
CONNOR:It wasn’t a date
And then:
CONNOR:If that’s what you’re assuming.
ANNIE:Ok Connor
The clack of his keyboard becomes more pronounced.
CONNOR:Carrie had some questions about a report she wants to set up
I guffaw so loudly that Martin pokes his head above my screen. “Nothing, sorry,” I say to him, and he pops back down. To Connor I type:
ANNIE:SURE she did
ANNIE:Boys are so fucking dumb
CONNOR:…?
ANNIE:Carrie has never thought of reporting in her LIFE
ANNIE:That was obviously just her excuse to talk to you
CONNOR:She said this to you?
ANNIE:She doesn’t need to! This is how girls work
CONNOR:Really??
