Chapter 4 Hide And Seek

• Let's say that it didn't go as I had expected. Almost two weeks had passed since the proposal was approved and we were swamped with work, everything we had wanted, and yet... I was miserable. During the first week, we had meetings almost every day where I would catch glimpses of Brandon from afar, and when he approached me, I would come up with an excuse before he even had a chance to speak to me.
• He sent me a couple of work emails to which I responded very professionally, and suddenly everything seemed fine... or at least I thought so. Because whenever I let my guard down or we started to be cordial... the man would bring up the same topic again, mentioning going out for the aforementioned coffee or dinner, and I simply wouldn't respond.
• Oh my God! What a persistent man! He couldn't see or write to me without bringing up that stupid coffee, a drink at a corner bar, dinner, a snack, and the list goes on for social outings.
• I would simply say that I had completely forgotten to respond, but that I would do so soon. A complete lie. I had no desire to respond, and if I did, it would be a no. The worst part was that his face showed complete confusion as if I were speaking to him in another language, suddenly forgotten.
• He kept approaching me happily, until after several attempts, he stopped. I knew he was an intelligent man, but I must admit that it took him a while to understand the hint of "no thanks, I don't want to go out with you for anything in the world."
• I suppose he's not accustomed to a simple rejection from a silly employee, nothing important, just the little girl he used to play with, and then the teenager he used to laugh at. Imagine that! The school pig, now HIS employee, rejecting him for a drink. It must be terrible for him.
• Now he just stood there, looking at me seriously, with a furrowed brow and his lips in a thin line. I have to say, he intimidated me, and for a moment, I feared jeopardizing the project, and why not, my job. At this point, I honestly don't know if I wanted to work for him anymore. I felt a kind of suffocation knowing that I would see him almost every damn day.
• The truth is, I didn't give him any explanation, and perhaps I was very childish in avoiding him and giving him the cold shoulder. But understand me, I was desperate. Seeing him all the time was torture. To make matters worse, I would receive sweet messages from Annie inviting me to wedding preparation events, for some strange reason she wanted my advice on the decoration of the ceremony venue.
• I'm not a graphic designer, if anything, I barely qualify as a graphic designer. But no, she insisted that she wanted help with the cards, with the signs, and she remembered that I was good at designing. I kept putting it off. I felt sorry, but what could I do.
• I focused on my work and after the interaction with Brandon became more uncomfortable, I did everything possible to shift the attention onto my colleague Katie, a strategy which, by the way, she was very happy about. Katie would approach him, lean in close, and if she could, boldly sit on his lap. She would play with her hair and send him sexy hints as if they were in a nightclub.
• It was both comical and absurd to witness. I, at least, found it amusing. The worst part is that it might actually work. Brandon seems like the type of man who would be attracted to a woman like that - beautiful, successful, with a good position and a great body.
• I couldn't ignore his glances, his disappointed expression, how he would search for me with his eyes when I entered the room, and how he would shake his head every time I walked away. He seemed annoyed, as if he didn't know what to do with me. Leaving me alone would be an excellent idea, in my opinion.
• Honestly, I don't know what he wants to talk to me about, and I don't want to know. I happily went to the workshop to see the materials and started drafting some designs and life-size prints. If this was my place, quiet and far from formal meetings, a kind of sanctuary, happy and alone. It was ideal.
• I was basically covered in dirt on my jeans, enjoying testing how the company stands would look at that event in the hotel. It was a more hands-on and outdoor job when I heard the voice I least wanted to hear. My world came crashing down. I mentally cursed my luck. Who the hell gave him this address? No one comes here! Of course, it's him... the new CEO. Meaning, he has access to all the company's information.
• "So, this is where you come to hide and keep yourself hidden," he said, not bothering with pleasantries or niceties, getting straight to the point. I didn't want to turn around, but eventually, I did.
• I quickly texted Liz to please call me as soon as possible, just to pretend I had a call. Don't abandon me, Lizzie. When I turned to look at him, he was more attractive than ever, if that's even possible.
• His coat was hanging from his arm, and the white shirt seemed like it had been sewn onto his torso, slightly open, revealing his neck and the beginning of his muscular chest. He was so elegant that he seemed like a mirage, not belonging in this place. Great! Wonderful! Spectacular! And here I am, looking like a poor homeless woman, living on the streets, lying on a piece of cardboard and sharing my food with pigeons. Does he seek out these special occasions?
• "Hiding?... no, no, it's not clear, absolutely not. This is where the work that no one sees happens, the real work, you could say," I say simply, trying to sound convincing and, above all, calm.
• He looks at the furniture we have on display, the color samples, the paintings, and smiles as if he likes the place. I notice that he looks me up and down with an expression that's hard to understand. I suppose it must be because of my unflattering outfit, nothing like the pretty girls in the office with their skirts, tight blouses, and not to mention Katie, who is fully committed to seducing the new CEO.
• "You know? I'm really glad you've dedicated yourself to this. I think you've liked it for a long time. You've always had a good eye for combinations, proportions, colors... you could say you have an artistic vein. I'm sure you're a fantastic designer, Ady," he says, looking at the wall and laughing a little, as if his mind is somewhere else. What the hell is wrong with him?
• I remember how you used to collect seashells to decorate the house, and the care you put into making a tent with books in the room. Mom still has a decoration you made with seashells and stones," he says, smiling again, showing his dazzling white lips and teeth, as if it were a pleasant memory.
• Although I was quite surprised that you didn't go to university, it's a real shame... I never thought about it," he says, and I look at him again, surprised. "I saw it on your CV," he explains, and I feel embarrassed.
• Does he really have to bring up that topic? It seems incredibly tactless. I don't like talking about it, it was a tough failure for me, and I feel myself blushing. I don't say anything else, I continue arranging things that don't need to be arranged, but I need to distract myself with something.
• I don't understand why, you're very intelligent, I'm sure any university would be happy to accept you. When I saw you enter the office... I was almost certain you were the design manager, maybe with a postgraduate degree or your own office... at least that's what I expected from you," he exclaims. He doesn't say this with an accusatory tone, but rather curiosity.
• Still, I take it badly, as if he's disappointed. Who is he to be disappointed in what I did or didn't do with my life? Sure, he completed his studies and more... and I'm just an employee here, with nothing special, with no way to climb higher than working more and more. I would like to run away from there or tell him a few truths, but he's the CEO, the supreme boss of the company where I work, and I need my job.
• I had a lot of problems in school... I got sick and couldn't attend all my classes, so I couldn't get into any university," I confess, dry and cold, as if it's not a big deal, but I hope that will put an end to the topic. He sighs and seems affected by what I said, he gets closer to me.
• Ohhh... I'm sorry to hear that. I... I hope you're better now, I really hope you're okay, Ady... I didn't... I didn't know. It must have been very difficult for you. Are you better now? You look good," he suddenly says, and he seems embarrassed, so he continues talking, he could only say, "And the truth is... it's not too late, you know? You can always go back, improve, surpass yourself." Of course, with what money? With what time?
• My family is not wealthy like his, I have bills to pay, I have to live off something. I have to work. I fake another smile and nod, and silently pray for him to leave. Improve, surpass myself... as if now I'm a true failure. Fortunately, he's really an intelligent man because right there he changes the subject.
• So... were you hiding? Were you avoiding me?" he says, leaning on the desk where I'm standing, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know? We've known each other for a long time... I thought this was a good opportunity to remember the good times," he suggests, seeking my gaze. What good times?
• It's just that I'm very busy," I reply coldly, and he sighs again. I feel him leaning closer to speak to me.
• -It's an important job, no doubt. And Mike has a lot of confidence in you, that's for sure.... However, you have a life outside of work, don't you? What the hell are you insinuating? - Annie's wedding is in a few months and she's very happy, she told me she asked you to be part of the bridesmaid group - he points out. Of course, as if seeing him at work wasn't enough, I would also have to see him on weekends.
• Oh yes... but I told her it would be better to include her closest friends, maybe from college or the office, friends who have been closer to her lately - I reply without looking at him, continuing with my things. Honestly, I don't even know what I'm doing! I've arranged these folders in every possible way, I must look like a complete lunatic.
• Yes, of course... it's just that the bridesmaids have to be single women and almost all her friends are already married. Do you understand? And of course, she adores you, you've always had a special place for her, it's obvious that she wants to have you close on her big day - he points out, actually. Great, I'm the single friend, thanks for throwing it in my face, I'm still very young! I scream internally. Just what I needed!
• You're not married, right Princess? - I slowly shake my head, now focusing on the computer. Damn it Liz! When is she going to read my message? When is she going to get me out of this mess?
• And do you have a boyfriend? - he asks in a low voice, as if in doubt. Of course, he had to ask me that too, what's his goal? To laugh at the fact that I can't attract anyone? My goodness, let this end soon. This is truly the height of humiliation. I repeat... does this man have nothing better to do?
• No, I don't - I snap coldly and he has a strange expression.
• Well, well... I'll tell Annie then that you're the perfect candidate for her bridesmaid group. Ahhh and that you don't need a plus-one invitation, you'll go to the wedding alone - he says as if it were the most obvious fact in the world: Adelaide, the lonely one, the spinster, the one who didn't attract anything, nothing. Fantastic, truly fantastic. Was there a need to emphasize that? Adelaide, the foolish, nerdy, and without suitors.
• It's as if he got into my head and searched for my worst nightmare and is making it come true. We remain in an uncomfortable silence, it's obvious that I don't want to talk and he doesn't know what else to say, he just stands there, meters away from me, looking around. He seems nervous, I have no idea why.
• Ady... I don't know what happened, I swear I'm a little lost here... but I just... well, it's all very strange, I swear I'm lost... but... I just would like us to talk, I know you're very busy... but if only you would talk to me and tell me what's going on, it would help me a little... - he starts to say in a rushed manner when I hear the ringtone of my phone. Saved by the bell! I give him a look of -I have to take this call- and answer my phone.
• Ami? What happened? You wrote to me, but I was in class, now... tell me, what do you need me for? - I hear Liz on the other side of the line and I start improvising in a way that deserves an Oscar.
• Oh God, I didn't remember! Thank you, thank you for letting me know! Yes, yes, I understand... I understand, I can't miss this call, of course... I agree with you - I say hurriedly, starting to grab my computer and my things. He looks at me expectantly, with the face of a child whose balloon just popped.
• I don't know what you're talking about, but... okay, whatever you need, you can always count on me for fake calls. Love you! - Liz says on the other end of the phone, laughing.
• Yes, yes, I know... this call is crucial. I'm going to connect to the call now... no, no, no, I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. Thank you for reminding me, I've been busy with the new client, and we have a new boss, you know, changes, changes, changes, and I hardly have time for anything else... - I indicate, not letting go of my phone, and head towards him.
• I'm sorry, I have a super important call from a potential supplier in... in Japan, and I have to attend to it. I'm really sorry - I tell him and escape to a corner of a table, pretending to connect to a video call, putting on my headphones.
• Japan? I don't know if it was a stroke of genius or a complete ridiculousness. I see him quickly walking away with his head down. Great, now my safe spot has been discovered.
• I have to think of a new strategy.
• Hello everyone!
• I hope you're enjoying the story. What do you think Adelaida should do?
• I'm reading your thoughts!
• Kika