Page 11 of Office Mistakes

Chapter 6

The next day, most people seemed to have an extra bounce in their step.

Audra felt like she was dragging. Restless sleep and a nagging headache combined to make her annoyed and waspish.

She blamed Charlie. Whenever they crossed paths, her eyes shot dark daggers at him.

Charlie’s mood matched Audra’s. He glared right back at her, and the office gossip began.

Most of their coworkers thought the obvious discord between the two stemmed from the upcoming promotion.

Beryl knew better and wasn’t sure if she should be amused or concerned.

As the lunch hour approached, Audra passed a file off to Beryl and asked if they were still going out to eat.

“Only if you reign in the bitchiness,” Beryl pleasantly replied.

Startled, Audra laughed. “I’m sorry,” she offered. “I just had a rough night.”

“Mmm. Seems like Charlie did, too.”

Audra bared her teeth and turned away. “I’m driving. You’re paying,” she said over her shoulder.

Beryl rolled her eyes and reached for her purse.

Audra perkedup as the lasagna soup hit her stomach. She licked the spoon before pointing it at Beryl. “This is all Charlie’s fault, you know.”

“Oh? You mean you tried and failed to fight off his amorous advances?”

“No. Shut up.” Audra scowled when Beryl laughed. “I mean, this. Today. Today is his fault.”

“Did he fight off your amorous advances?”

It was asked so blandly that Audra couldn’t help but smile. “No,” she said again. After swallowing more soup, she continued. “He bought me a Christmas present.”

“That monster,” Beryl whispered in mock horror, reaching for her water.

Audra laughed and felt the tension leave her shoulders. “Stop that. You know what I mean. Why would he get me a gift? Why does he want more than one night of sex?”

“Because he’s not a jerk?” Beryl suggested. “Because he finds you smart, attractive, and interesting? Don’t you think the same about him?”

“Relationships don’t work for me. Not for more than a couple of months anyway.”

“That’s because you never really got over what Malcom did to you. Answer my question, Audra. Do you think the same about Charlie?”

“I do,” Audra admitted. “I really do. This whole promotion thing is making a relationship with him harder than it normally would be.”

“Why?”

“Because one of us will end up working under the other one.”

“I bet you could find a way around your reservations if you really wanted to.”

Beryl’s remark stayed with Audra for the rest of the meal. Once she was back at her desk, she worked out the fine points of her plan.

Audra waiteduntil she saw Charlie disappear into the supply closet before making her move.

Walking quickly and stealthily, she nipped in behind him and locked the door behind her.

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