"So, tell me, Anna. How do you feel at work? How your relationship with your mates is right now? Have you problems with any of them?"

"Oh, no, no. Everything is fine. All my companions are very capable and responsible workers. And we all appreciate each other. They are always kind and supportive."

'He's not gonna buy this shit.'

"I'm sure they are."

'Oh, really?'

"Still…"

'I knew it.'

"Mr. Blue feels that there is something bothering you. Do you know why it is?"

"Oh, you know. Mr. Blue is always worrying about us. He's such a good boss. Maybe he saw me on a bad day or something and thought beyond that."

"A bad day?"

"Yeah, not every day is a field of flowers, you know. There are days when you feel tired, stressed, or just not in the mood. I'm sure that happens to you too."

"Of course. I understand you. Sometimes you feel your work is not the best, or that other people get more attention, maybe because of their physical appearance, or maybe because they are better prepared, and then you feel humiliated or bullied…"

"Wel… I didn't say anything like that."

'I'm going to ignore how he just called me ugly and focus on what's important.'

"I'm sorry, but that's not how I feel. I like my work, and maybe you are right and I'm not the supermodel the rest of the women here are, but I'm really good at my job and I feel proud and recognized for it."

"Oh, dear, what makes you think you couldn't be a supermodel?"

Wasn't he the one who just suggested that?

"I'm not blind, Mr. Westergaard. I know I'm not like them. But I don't need it either. I'm happy in my roomy warm sweaters and comfortable jeans, with my simple and discreet hairstyles, my huge glasses that allow me to see without getting headaches, my flat shoes that don't destroy my feet, and my great brain that makes my job easy and funny. I come here to work, not to impress anyone."

"Well, still, you got me impressed."

"What…?"

Seriously, what?

"I think you are the most beautiful lady in this company. Don't let them make you think otherwise. You could have whatever man you wanted. Whatever…"

His tone became suggestive, his eyes traveled me up and down, and his smile seemed ready to become in a lion's mouth at any second. He wanted to eat me.

'If he's trying to seduce me, he should know that his beautiful green eyes can't compete with Sven's or…'

"Thank you, Mr. Westergaard. Now I feel better about myself. But now, I got a lot of work to do, so…"

"Sure. But call me Hans, please. And take things easy, okay?"

"I will."

"And remember that no matter what they think, you are so pretty for me."

Okay, at least, he wasn't getting closer. Maybe he was just trying to comfort me. Maybe he saw so obvious the difference between the other girls and me and thought that by raising my self-esteem the problem will be solved. Probably it was been too smug of me to think he would flirt with me, so I would just open the door and leave that place and return to my life with no one telling me I'm pretty but laughing at Sven's jokes. Not bad.

"Have a nice day, Anna."

"Same to you… Hans."

'Weird, weird, weird.'

"Hans?"

Oh, shit, no.

"Kristoff?"

"You are right in time, Kristoff," Hans said sitting on his chair. "Anna was leaving."

Kristoff was looking at me, but not with that usual mocking face I hated so much. He was serious and seemed concerned, and I would say he was angry. With me? I don't think so, why would he? Maybe he was just pissed off about the interview with the mediator. He knew that was all our fault.

"Try to make this short, Mr. Westergaard," he said putting special emphasis when saying Westergaard. "I got a lot of work to do."

Yes, he was mad about the interview. I couldn't help but throw at him my evilest smile ever. If we were going through that was because Mr. Blue had noticed that we couldn't stand each other, so he will suffer that with me.

He didn't answer. Not a gesture, not a face. He just pierced me with a glance. I knew that it couldn't be, but I would have said he was mad at me. Well, if that was the case, I wouldn't feel bad at all. He deserved it for being such an asshole all those months.

"I'm sure about that," Hans said with a cordial smile. "Take a seat, please."

And the door closed and I felt curious about their chat, but, obviously, I couldn't just spy on them because someone could see me doing it, so I just go to my place to find the hottest face in the world smiling at me.

'Yep. No Kristoff nor Hans matter. Sven's smile is all I need. Thank you, Mr. Blue. You are a genie, indeed.'

"How was with Mr. Westergaard? Too harsh?" Sven asked with a friendly voice.

"Oh, no. He's been… kind."

"That's good."

"Has he said anything about Kristoff?

"Why should he?"

"Well, Anna, it is no secret that you guys don't have the best relationship ever."

"So do you think this is our fault too?

"Hmm… I wouldn't put it like that. But maybe this is good for you guys. It would be nice to see you get along with my best friend. You both are wonderful people."

"I'm sorry, Sven. But I don't think that's gonna happen. He hates me, and it is hard for me to believe that he is such a marvelous being, you know."

"Hey, I wouldn't be his best if he was a jerk. He's just shy."

"Sure. I can see how he hides to laugh at me all the time."

"That's why I think he doesn't hate you. You are special to him."

"Of course I am! I make his days so much funnier!"

He laughed then. I knew he was wrong, and that he was just so sweet that couldn't see the dark side in people, but, at least, I made him laugh, and I could laugh with him. That felt nice; very nice.

Unfortunately, Kristoff had to come to ruin it.

"Anna."

"Yes?"

"Don't trust that man."

"What?"

"What are you talking about, K?" Sven asked standing up.

"Just… don't trust him. You are next, buddy."

"Oh, okay. I'm coming. I'll be right back, Anna."

"It's okay, take your time. I'll be checking these papers."

"Fine, thanks. Kristoff, be nice," Sven warned.

"I was being nice," Kristoff replied serene as if it were the most obvious thing.

And, then, without further explanation, both marched in different paths, my sweet Sven closed Hans' office door behind him, Jasmine run to Kristoff and giggled with him, and he looked toward me just a second and something stirred in my guts. Whatever it was, it was caused by his eyes. I hated to admit it, but they were so soft, and transparent and pure as those of a child, and there was fear in them. Maybe Sven was right and he was shy and was scared not knowing how to treat that amazing woman that was touching his arm just a little too much for my likeness. But, obviously, the only one being hurt by that was Al, the poor janitor… By those puppy eyes, I would say he had a huge crush on her from the second one. I wonder if she would even look at him or if a janitor wasn't enough for her. Well, she had Kristoff, I could understand.

'No, I don't. I definitely don't.'

"I'm back!"

"Sven!"

'And here is the light again.'

"How was it?"

"Fast. The man was just doing his work. Asking about internal relationships and stuff…"

"Maybe he needs to know so he can picture how we work…"

"I don't know, but he couldn't get a lot from me. I've never been interested in that kind of thing…"

'So he actually didn't date anyone here. I bet I'm not going to be the exception… but I'll dream I am anyway.'

"So you do trust him?" I asked in a mocking tone.

"Not a bit."

"Wait, what? Why?!"

"I didn't see anything, but Kristoff did, and he is pretty good reading people, you know? I trust Kristoff."

"So, you think he wasn't joking or just angry?"

"Nope. I know him. He was being serious. You should trust him too, you know? He cares about you."

"Yeah… Sure."

"You don't have to believe me, but be careful with Hans."

I felt stupid. I also felt that there was something strange with Hans, but he was the first person ever to tell me I'm pretty. I wanted to believe him. Well, as I said, I was there for working. It didn't matter how pretty or fucking ugly I was. Only Sven's opinion would have mattered and he's clearly not interested. Fine then.

"Okay. I will. Thanks."

"Thank Kristoff," Sven dropped not letting his tender smile fade.

"Yeah… Maybe I will."