“Sorry Mr. Ca … Jake … I didn’t see you there … Is there something I can do for you?” my voice is all over the place in my floundering panic. Heart thundering through my chest at a rate of knots as I dissolve into bumbling incompetence.

How did I not realize that my boss is hovering by my desk?

I’m supposed to be constantly aware and attentive to his every demand; this is such a faux pas on my part. I’m on my feet trying to plaster on my most friendly and efficient smile. I’m breathless. It’s the fright he gave me; I’m flustered and trying to recover quickly. Body trembling with the shock I gave myself noticing his presence.

“Emma …” He too seems at a loss for words, looking at me peculiarly. An uneasiness to his expression.

“I was coming to give you these … You look different!” His face is unreadable. I can’t even say what it is … I remember my hair’s down and flush because I’m not prepared; overwhelmingly vulnerable and I falter.

“It won’t happen again. I took a shower at lunch, because of the heat from earlier.” I need to reel myself in and claw back cool and controlled Emma. I’m babbling. I try a steadying breath to stop myself looking like a complete idiot.

“You look …” his green eyes are piercing through me and it’s sheer agony. All my little insecurities peeking up in one fell swoop.

“Untidy? It’s not how I would normally come to work.” I’m rambling, and I’m fidgeting like crazy, unable to just regain control.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

This is not me!

Don’t fall to pieces, Emma, not now … Please. Get a grip and pull yourself together.

loss because I am out of my comfort zone, and he’s acting … strange. My breathing is labored

and looks down at the papers, changing his direction of

Great job!

copied, emailed, filed … I’m sure you know the drill.” He glances up and away again, as though he

of course I do. I

out taking them from him in haste,

“Yes, sir.”

apprehension on his face and the tingles inside me ignite with ferocity. Shifting nervously, I try to steady my hands on the folder. This escalated quickly and I’m so angry with myself. I’ve literally just lost my cool and capable persona in milliseconds all because of my stupid hair. I plaster on my cool expression and smile

of my mouth before I realize I didn’t call him Jake

composure. Years of control, Emma, and you go to mush

livid

a briefcase and a jacket. I’m grateful for her sudden appearance and instant calming abilities. I glance at the wall clock noting it’s not even 2.00 p.m. and click on why they seem to be going out. I forgot they had a meeting across town at the second Carrero building and are leaving

in his

separate building from Jake, several blocks away. I wonder if

a pile of folders here.” She taps a small mountain she has placed on the desk, oblivious

through and leave by four thirty.” She smiles, her hand coming and hooking a stray tendril of my hair and catches me

much prettier, more carefree and younger.” She smiles again, eyes alive

happen again. Not entirely comfortable with the way Jake is still looking at me as

relief when they utter goodbyes, turn, and leave. Thank god, it’s

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