Page 22 of All of Him
“Morgan?” I sighed, closing my eyes.
“Noah, we need to talk.”
13
Amanda
I WAS ALREADY SITTINGin the extra chair next to Oscar’s cube when he arrived the next morning. He stopped and mumbled something when he noticed me, but plastered a fake smile on his face anyway.
“You are bright and shiny, as usual, Oscar.”
“Fuck everything,” he said under his breath. “Except you. What do you need?”
“I need a nugget,” I admitted. “Things are weird with a coworker.”
“Not Brayden, I hope,” he grumbled, tossing his cane into the corner. “The shit I took this morning had more value.”
I laughed and shook my head as he sat down slowly in his chair. He stared at me, ready to listen better than anyone. I checked to make sure no one was within hearing distance, then started.
“Noah, the new guy,” was all I said at first.
Oscar nodded slowly and chewed on his lip, contemplating his words carefully.
“Seems nice enough.”
“He is,” I admitted. “But I’ve been bothering him. I know I’m doing it as I speak, but stupid things come out of my mouth anyway. I’m an awkward person, but it’s worse than usual. Something about him just makes me act like an idiot.” Oscar chuckled—a rare occurrence.
“Young grasshopper,” he joked, smiling, “we do silly things when we are nervous.”
“But he doesn’t make me nervous,” I countered, checking to make sure the area was clear again.
“Maybe you don’t realize it?” He shrugged. “But it just sounds like a case of big, fat crush to me.”
I gaped at him sarcastically and held my hand to my chest.
“Oscar! Are you accusing me of an office romance?” I joked.
“No, Amanda,” he responded sincerely. “Romance implies he likes you back.”
I picked up a paper clip and chucked it at him, making him crack and laugh again.
“I really don’t think that’s it,” I said honestly. “I mean, yeah, he’s obviously attractive, but I barely know him…” I trailed off, thinking about the little things I’d noticed about Noah. His smile. His broodiness. The way his hair was constantly in his face. “Superficial crush,” I said, nodding. “Got it.”
“Oh my, one can only hope,” Oscar shot back. “Now, go away. I need to work before they try and fire my ass again.”
“Thanks, Oscar!” I answered, standing and stretching.
As I walked away, I saw Noah walk into his cube. He briefly looked my way, but didn’t acknowledge me. The back-and-forth was getting old, but there wasn’t much I could do, except control my mouth.
“Morning,” I said, walking by his cube.
“Morning,” he surprisingly responded, though his voice was hoarse. Despite my sudden concern, I left it at that, not trying to test my luck. If he wanted to speak to me, he could initiate the conversation. So, instead of giving in to the urge to talk to Noah, I slumped into my chair and opened my email for the day, seeing that I had one from Brayden.
“Oh, this should be rich,” I mumbled to myself.
As I read it, I tried not to laugh, but it was so pathetic.
Dear Amanda,
