Page 19 of Just Do It
Finn fixed me with a look that called BS on that reply.
‘Because…’ I swallowed and felt my chest and face grow hot. I tilted up my chin and faced him. ‘Because I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve never done anything like that before and I don’t know how it’s supposed to work. I certainly didn’t want you waking up and there being a very awkward scene in which you attempt to find a polite way to ask me what time I have to leave. So I left.’
‘I wouldn’t have done that.’
‘I’m not saying you would. I’m saying it was a possibility.’
‘And I’m saying it wasn’t.’ Those eyes hooked my gaze and held on. ‘Elizabeth—’
I jumped as the tap tap of heels echoed in the hallway. ‘I need to make some phone calls. Thanks for this.’ I moved my arm to indicate his handiwork and winced as I did so.
‘Take some painkillers when you get back to your desk. Do you have some?’
‘Yes.’ I turned to go and then stepped back. ‘I think it’s best if we don’t mention Friday again.’ He went to speak but I got there before him. ‘I made a mistake and we have to work in the same vicinity for a while so let’s just move on.’
The tap tap tapping of the shoes was close now.
‘If that’s what you want.’
‘It is,’ I confirmed.
Finn met my eyes, hesitated a beat and then nodded just as Bella entered the room dressed the smartest – and sexiest – I’d ever seen her in the three years she’d been there.
‘Hi, Lizzie. Do you want a drink?’
‘Hi, no, I’m fine thanks. I’ve just had one. You look nice.’
Bella’s smile widened. ‘Oh thanks! I’ve been doing a wardrobe overhaul and found some pieces I haven’t worn for ages. Thought I’d give them an airing.’
‘Sounds a great idea,’ I said, resting my good hand on her shoulder and deftly tucking the price tag under her cashmere cardi. She turned and caught the action, her eyes widening a little. ‘I love this jumper. The colour really suits you.’
‘Thanks, Lizzie.’
I stepped out into the corridor and turned towards my office, the conversation in the staff kitchen drifting out as I left.
‘Oh hi, Finn. I didn’t realise you were in here…’
I smiled to myself and headed back to set about some one-handed typing.
With so much planning to do for the exhibition and the many meetings that entailed, opportunity for conversation between Finn and I had been limited. On the odd occasion a moment presented itself, one or the other of our phones would ring and the chance would pass.
Bella had been a fixture in my office far more often than was usual, valiantly attempting to find an inroad with Finn. From what I’d seen, she didn’t seem to be making much headway. He was polite but that appeared to be where things ended. Much to the obvious chagrin of Bella.
‘Do you think he’s gay?’ she asked as she perched on the corner of his empty, but very tidy desk.
‘Hmm?’ I looked up from the email I was typing. ‘Who?’
‘Finn.’
‘Oh… no, I, err, don’t think so.’
I was pretty damn certain but I wasn’t about to explain how I knew.
‘I think he might be.’
‘Oh… OK.’ I carried on typing, only half listening as I composed my correspondence.
‘I mean, there’s been nothing back from him at all.’
