Chapter 4

Can't believe the way I was rambling yesterday. I seriously needed to get a grip. However, don't panic. I am over my bout of self-doubt. I decided not to go out after all. I phoned round my mates asking them all to go out on a lads night out, and they were either shacked up at home with their little wives or playing the sensible card and staying in because they had work early in the morning. What is happening to the male population? I didn't really mind though. It gave me a chance to chill out. I got a few beers in and watched tapes of last years cricket.

It was at some point last night however that I understood what Bridget was doing. It was as I was sat reflecting on my day with my can of Stella Artois when I realised. She must be playing hard to get. I mean why would a silly girl from the office turn down me? It all made sense. Girls like to play the hard to get card. However, the girls I normally meet are very eager to say yes to me straight away. I guess Bridget must just be different. And, do you know what? … In a strange way, I suppose, I like her more for it. I find it quite sexy.

I walked in to the office today confidently. I felt fresh as I only had a few beers the night before and I was ready for a day dedicated to getting all my work done. I was planning not to even look at Bridget, never mind email her. If she wanted to play hard to get, then that's a game that I could play also.  I immediately walked to my office, stopping only to wink at the plain looking IT assistant and whisper in her ear for her to give me a printout of our accounts. The shy girl blushed at such close contact with me. I couldn't help chuckling to myself. I knew Bridget would dislike that. She would most certainly think I was whispering sweet nothings in the girl's ear.

Back in my office I slid my suit jacket off. That's the beauty of the glass windows looking in to my office, I was certain that Bridget would be watching. I rolled up my sleeves efficiently, trying to demonstrate that I was a busy man and that she would be silly to think I would let her turning me down effect my work. It all started well. I turned on my computer and started checking my emails for the day then got straight to work. Nevertheless, an hour later, I was bored out of my mind.

Desperate for a distraction I looked over towards where Bridget normally sits only to find that she wasn't there. Bad thoughts ran through my head. I thought perhaps she was late this morning because she was out with another man the night before and was still in bed with him. I couldn't help thinking that she was taking advantage of the fact that her boss had asked her out to dinner. That did not mean she could walk in late!

I must admit, I was slightly stressed out. I walked over to where Perpetua, one of my assistants was sat. As I knew she was higher ranked than Bridget I demanded to know where Bridget was.

"Has she called in late?" I asked irritated.

Perpetua gave me an odd look back. "No, Daniel," she said with a patronising air. "She requested the morning off; dentist appointment or something like that."

Feeling relieved I went back to my office to get on with some real work.