I stood there watching as Charles talked to Josh and Kelsey. The knot in my stomach seemed to churn with every passing second. Should I go over there? Would Josh be civil to Charles? Did Kelsey already know about what happened? I stood there as Pauline continued talking. To the right of her I had a solid eye line to Charles and I could tell he was straining to get through the encounter. His jaw was set and to most people he looked like he was having a typical business conversation. But I knew differently. I know him. In that moment, he glanced in my eyeline and a small smile formed, only for a split second, but in that instant, it calmed me down. He always knew what I needed. I returned a look and pursed my lips in a knowing tiny smile, not wanting to gain anyone else's attention. I turned my attention back to Pauline, my stomach returning to normal and a glimmer of hope building. Perhaps, because Charles knows me, too. And although the logical part of me was screaming "No he doesn't" inside my head, my heart was winning. With a final look toward Charles, I realized how much I was in love with him.
"So Liza, do you know?" Pauline asked again, almost impatiently
"Sorry, what were you saying? I thought I saw someone I know coming over?" I said
"Charles doesn't want to get back together and he denies he's in another relationship but I know better. Do you know who he's dating?" Pauline asked, almost desperately.
"Sorry, Pauline, we're not that kind of office. We may all work together but that's about the extent of it" I replied, hoping to change the topic.
"I see, okay. Well, this has been a fun event but the heels are killin' my feet and if I'm free to go I'd love to go get out of them" Pauline said, with a short laugh.
I instinctively looked down at Pauline's shoes, "Oh, I have those! I know what you mean. It's totally fine if you'd like to go. I'm probably going to head out shortly myself".
"Okay, see you later Liza."
I watched as Pauline walked off and took a slow look around the company picnic. Most of the employees were still there but the authors were slowly dwindling down and the excitement within me grew. It had been the longest week and I wanted nothing more than to go home and relax. Slip into my comfy pajamas and slippers, put on The Bodyguard, and drink some wine. Yep, that is my plan and I'm looking forward to it.
"You're looking forward to what?"
I turned around, slightly surprised, and saw Charles towering over me with an amused look on his face. Instantly mine turned a pale shade of pink. I'd been talking to myself and had gotten caught.
"Oh, Charles. Hi, everything go okay?"
"Yes, but we'll discuss that later. But back to my question. What are you looking forward to?"
"Oh I didn't realize I was talking to myself, out loud. You must think I'm crazy" I replied, with a light laugh.
"Not at all. Of all the things I think about you, crazy is most definitely not one of them"
I bit my lip, a nervous habit I'd picked up in the past week. This man drives me wild.
"So, Liza, you want to get out of here? Or did you have other plans?" Charles asked, curiously.
"I had actually just made plans when you walked up-pajamas, wine, and a night in bed watching The Bodyguard"
Charles looked visibly bummed.
"Yeah, I really just want a relaxing night in." I looked around and noticed most of the crowd gone. Leaning closer to Charles, I pulled him closer to me by the front of his jacket and pulled his ear close to mine.
"So, your place or mine?" I whispered seductively.
Charles gave me his look of desire and looked around to make sure we weren't being watched. He leaned into me, looked into my eyes, bit his lip, and smiled before grabbing my hand. "Mine".