Chapter 8

AN: yes, I realize that French toast is not actually French. But I wanted him to make something that she would have ingredients for. Thanks for all the reviews!

When Christie woke the next morning, Erik was gone. He had left her a note on her dresser though.

Christie,

I had to leave early; I didn't want to wake you. I'll see you on Monday. Make sure to eat something.

Erik

She was disappointed that he was gone, but she wasn't surprised. The rest of the weekend was uneventful; she usually spent her weekends alone anyways, so she wasn't too bothered by it. On Monday, when she came into the office, she saw Mr. Farmer and Mr. Andrews standing with another man near their row of cubicles. Once everyone had sat down, Ms. Gary came over and called them to attention.

"These gentlemen have an announcement for you." She told them stoically. Mr. Farmer stepped forward.

"Joining us today is a very important person; he has just transferred from another very successful company, and we are sure that he will be a wonderful asset to the team. He is sure to teach you all a thing or two, so pay attention, and show him how Operius does things." He beckoned the man to step forward and say something.

"Hello everyone, my name is Ralph Chaney and I will be working with you." He said with confidence. He was a fairly tall man, and he was very handsome. He had thick golden hair and a jawline for days. Sylvia and Tatiana whispered to each other and flashed toothy grins at Ralph. Carla actually stood up and introduced herself to him, causing Peter's face to turn sour. Meg and Christie both smiled warmly at him and he shook Christie's hand along with everyone else's but he really stared at Meg. Christie had to admit that Meg was probably the prettiest girl on their team. She had big blue eyes and long blonde hair. Her curvy figure didn't hurt either. Christie's hand subconsciously went up to smooth her wild hair, which of course didn't help it much.

Ralph was placed at the desk opposite from Meg, next to Tatiana, who immediately began to flirt with him. Ms. Gary handed him a packet of paperwork.

"Memorize this." She told him and went to her office. It was clear that she planned on treating him like any other employee; whether he was welcomed by the owners or not.

At lunch, Ralph sat next to Meg, which meant that Sylvia and Tatiana moved to their table as well. They tried to engage him in conversation, but he only had eyes for Meg. And Meg, bless her, insisted on including Christie into their conversation. Christie wouldn't have minded being ignored, she liked eating in silence, but Meg wouldn't have it.

After lunch, Ms. Gary made Ralph listen to Joe's calls. As obnoxious and off-putting as Joe was in real life, on the phones, he was magic. He could smooth talk a lion out of its mane. He was calm and professional and was one of the top sellers. Carla, Meg, and Peter also had good numbers, but Tatiana and Sylvia were very sporadic and for every sale that they made, they missed about ten opportunities. Christie was starting to get better, but she was still getting used to it.

Things with Erik were going pretty well too. He continued to walk her home every night and he would sometimes come in and cook for her, but he never stayed over again. She kept him apprised of all the things going on at work, although she suspected that he knew more about it than he let on.

She and Meg had started hanging out on the weekends as well, going to movies, going out to eat, and they had become very good friends. One day at work, a few weeks after Ralph had started; he invited them all to a party at his house. He had been telling anyone who would listen about his fancy new apartment, and he was finally ready to show it off. The party was that Saturday night and Meg had begged Christie to let her give her a makeover. Christie didn't even own any makeup, growing up with only her dad; she didn't really have anyone to teach her about that type of thing.

The Friday before the party, while Erik was walking her home, she casually brought it up.

"A party?" he asked.

"Meg said that she wants to give me a makeover too." Christie added.

"Why? You're perfect." He said bluntly, making Christie blush.

"Well, I've never really done all that girly stuff and I thought that it might be fun to get all pretty." He chuckled at that.

"You're already pretty." He said.

"I mean, like with make-up and stuff." She tried to explain. He just shook his head and they kept walking.

"Are you free that night? I know that Ralph didn't specifically invite you, but I'm sure I'll be allowed to bring someone, if you want to go with me?" Christie asked nervously.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I don't think I'd be very comfortable at that kind of thing. I prefer a certain amount of anonymity." he said, making it clear that the answer was no. Christie didn't press it, and they walked to her place in silence.

When they got to her door she reached for her keys, and then stopped. "Do you… umm… do you really think I'm pretty?" She asked with her eyes on her shoes. He lifted her chin with one finger.

"I think you're beautiful." She leaned forward slightly and as soon as she moved, he pulled back and stepped away from her. She sighed, disappointed that he hadn't tried to kiss her. "Night." He whispered and cleared his throat and turned and started to leave.

"Goodnight." She whispered after him and went inside.