“I was telling Rakhee we met at that book launch recently,” I explain before he can jump to any conclusions.
“Right,” he says, his brow furrowed.
“I’m sure you two will get on well,” Rakhee adds nervously, noting his grave expression that likely matches mine.
His eyes flicker toward the scattered papers and heaped books across my desk, and he suddenly looks pained.
“Are you a neat-desk person or someone who prefers a busy workspace?” Rakhee continues gallantly.
“Neat,” he replies without hesitation.
“Apparently, Harper’s messy desk reflects her creativity,” Mimi pipes up.
“Studies have shown that messiness and creativity are strongly correlated,” I explain, lifting my chin.
“Studies have also shown that messiness is a significant contributing factor to stress,” he retorts.
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?’” I quote, delighted with myself for remembering that one.
“Science has proven that our brains thrive in an orderly environment,” he says.
“Research has also proven that those in cluttered settings are more likely to break the mold, while those in neat, orderly ones simply follow social convention,” I declare.
He lifts his eyebrows at me, as though accepting an unspoken challenge.
“In some cases, disorganization is a sign of laziness,” he snaps back.
“Neat and empty spaces often belong to sterile, bland, and uninspiring personalities.”
“Messiness can signal a deeper underlying issue of feeling overwhelmed.”
“Tidiness is usually a sign of a Type A personality.”
He hesitates, frowning. “That’s a good thing.”
“Is it?” I counter.
He narrows his eyes at me. “Type A personalities are associated with high achievement, strong motivation, and being meticulous.”
“As well as impatience, hostility, and stress.”
“And you’d describe yourself as Type B, would you, Harper?” he asks.
“I’d say I have a more casual and carefree approach.”
“So you wouldn’t describe yourself as, say, a workaholic?” he suggests, watching me carefully.
“No, I wouldn’t.”
Mimi snorts. I glare at her. Ryan looks satisfied.
“Ryan! Good, you’re still here,” Cosmo calls out, sticking his head out of his office door. “I want to go over a few things with you.”
“I’ll be right there,” he replies before turning back to address us. “I look forward to working with you, Mimi and… Harper. Rakhee, good luck with everything.”
“Thanks,” she smiles. “You’ll come to my goodbye drinks, though, right?”
“See you then.”
