Page 11 of Everything She Wanted

Why would he? I mean, since he visited yesterday, the office was already thrumming with the news, everyone talking about the hot new consultant. He probably has women falling at his feet. Of course he wouldn’t remember someone like me.

I wish he did.

The thought comes unbidden. I want to dissolve it. Eternal Sunshine him from my brain like in the movie.

It’s better he doesn’t remember, and it wouldn’t matter if he did. I’m happy with Eshaan. Besides, he made his intentions clear that night. He didn’t want to take me on a date, he only wanted to take me home.

“Um, hello?”

I smile as I look away from my screen and I turn to see Jess at my door. “Lunch?” she asks.

“Oh my gosh, yes. I need to get out of here.

“Gogi & Kimchi on Robson?”

“Perfect.”

I grab my bag and follow her down the hallway. She winks at me as we walk by Nick’s office and I try not to giggle.

The elevator doors bing open and we shuffle in, next to a few people I recognize from sales. I lean against the wall, staring up at the tiny screen displaying the weather and the headlines and not registering any of it.

“Tough morning?” asks Jess.

“Not really. Just a lot on my mind, I guess.”

“Want to talk about it?” The elevator doors glide open and we step out.

I wait until we are out of earshot of others. “No, it’s nothing.”

She turns to face me and gently takes my elbow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m good. Really.”

“Okay, you know I’m here, right?”

“I know.” I hook her arm in mine as we step outside, and stroll to our favourite Korean restaurant. It’s busy as usual, but we manage to grab a table and order the lunch special: beef galbi, spicy pork bulgogi, kimchi pancakes, and a selection of banchan.

“OMG, I can’t believe the hot new consultant is in the office next to yours. I’m going to have to saunter by him slowly every time I come to see you.”

“Oh, Nick. Yeah, he seems nice,” I say casually.

“Nice? Lena was literally drooling when she saw him.”

Lena is the events manager and on her third marriage.

“I think she drools over any remotely good-looking guy,” I say, and we both laugh.

“Seriously, though, everyone in the office has been buzzing about him.”

I shrug and take another bite. It’s one thing for me to be enamoured with him, but to know that the entire office is too? It’s way too much.

“I know you’re all loved up, but for the rest of us, this is juicy, okay?” says Jess.

Our food arrives and I’m grateful for the disruption so I can think of something to say.

“Tom introduced us yesterday and we’re going to be ‘working closely together. ’” I use air quotes over the last few words.

“What? You get to sit next to him and work with him? I’m so jealous.”