19
It’s Wednesday afternoon and I’m buried in work, busy writing the report for the Perez case. I’ve written hundreds of these kinds of reports, but it never seems to get any easier. I’ve never been one for reports and essays.
My stomach is growling, but I’m determined to finish this section before I eat. I steal another almond chocolate from Pauline’s bowl. Pauline is a colleague, another social worker, and she’s out at the moment. As I pop the almond in my mouth, I study the pictures on her desk. She has a nice family; a smiley little girl and a boy, about thirteen or so. And her husband is kind of hot. They seem happy. I sigh at the sight of my desk. No pictures. I don’t have a husband or kids, not even a pet. I’ve considered bringing the photo of me and the girls, the one we took a few years back at Mischa’s birthday dinner.
I’m still standing over Pauline’s desk when George bursts in. George is a family law attorney, one of the many lawyers we work with. He’s representing Madison’s aunt in this case, and he and I have gotten to know each other a bit. He’s been a regular around here lately, always friendly, always chatty. Pauline commented that she’d never seen him around so much, and proceeded to shoot me a playful wink.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she was on to something. He always seems overly friendly, and a little too interested. But perhaps that’s just his personality. It’s hard to decipher these things when you don’t really know someone.
He’s all smiles. “So how’s today treating you, Abby?”
I shoot him a quick smile. “Busy.”
“How’s your report going?”
I take a seat at my desk, and get back to it. “Moving along.”
“I look forward to it,” he says. “We’ll go over your statement next week.”
“Sure. I’ve done this dozens of times,” I tell him. “I’m an old pro.” Yes, I’ve been in court more times than I can count, and it never gets any less nerve-wracking.
George stands for a beat, biting at his bottom lip. He looks dashing as usual in his grey suit. On the shortish side, he has an athletic build. And although he doesn’t seem too old, he’s what the ladies would call a silver fox. He has nice eyes, but something about his smile turns me off. He’s a charmer, that’s for sure.
“Have you eaten yet?” he asks. “I know a place around the corner. Amazing chicken parm.”
My stomach says yes, but I can’t accept the invitation. I don’t want to lead the man on. He’s nice enough, but I’m just not attracted to him, not in that way. And for me, that’s just something that doesn’t change with time. Either I’m into someone or I’m not, right off the bat. And as much as I’d love to have pictures on my desk like Pauline does, I’m not that desperate.
I feign regret. “Sorry, I’m too swamped, and I have a roast beef sandwich waiting for me.” The thought of that homemade sandwich does not excite me in the least. My stomach is churning, silently protesting.
His face falls for a beat, but then he’s smiling again. “Maybe some other time then.”
I nod. “Sure… maybe.”
“Well, I’ll let you get back to work. I’m here to speak to Melanie.”
I smile, glad to be rid of him. “Yes, she’s right in her office.”
He waves as he moves along, leaving me to it. Leaving me to my report… and my thoughts.
My thoughts always turn back to Noah. I miss him. I want him back in my life. The sex was amazing, and I crave it. I long for the feel of his skin on mine.
I shake my head. It’s extremely difficult to focus when all you can think about is sex.
Should I push? I know he wants me as much as I want him. But there’s something keeping us apart, and not knowing what it is is driving me insane.
Unfortunately, I’ve never been a very persistent person. I never make the bold moves. I always play it safe.
I’m tired of playing it safe.
I can be bold.
I’ve been bold before.
* * *
I’ve rushedhome from work, and it’s full steam ahead with my plan.
I rummage through my kitchen cabinets, and hastily whip up a batch a blueberry muffin batter. As soon as I stick the muffin tins in the oven, I dash to my bedroom where I feverishly rummage though my closet for the perfect outfit, the one that says sexy, but not trying too hard.
