NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: Surprise surprise
That day, the department meeting stretched for longer than usual. We worked on projects and future conferences until well past 6 pm. And as the clock ticked on, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending awkwardness. I had no idea what to expect, but I was definitely curious about the surprise waiting for me at home. And also, I was more than a little nervous the whole day.
As the meeting finally wraps up and everyone starts to clear out, I make a quick excuse to go. "I'll catch up with you all later. I just need to drop something in David's office."
With quick, deliberate steps, I make my way to his office, the gift for him wrapped carefully in my arms. I can not help but smile as I walk inside. The scent of old paper and polished wood fills the air.
I place the box on his desk, right in front of where he usually sits, and look around for a moment. The thought of the surprise waiting for me later tonight lingering in the back of my mind, but I quickly shake it off. I take a deep breath, then turn on my heel, heading back to my office. But as I near the door, I catch a glimpse of Amy's grin from across the hallway, her expression practically glowing with anticipation.
She mouths silently, "It's David, right?"
I shrug noncommittally, though the question still lingers in my mind. What is going on here? And who really sent me that card? Because whoever that is, one thing is certain, I was hoping for no one else than him.
By the time I leave the office, the clock already passed 7 pm. Amy went home a long time ago. I am exhausted after this long day of meetings, but my mind is still racing from the events of the day. The mystery card, the cryptic words, and the looming question of who could possibly have sent it… It all kept swirling around in my head.
As I walk out of the building, the streets are eerily quiet, and the chilly evening air brushes against my face. It is not that late yet, but something about the stillness makes it feel like the world is holding its breath. Maybe everyone is with their soulmates, at fancy restaurants enjoying the company. Yet, even with the stillness of the streets, I can't shake the feeling that someone is following me.
I quicken my pace, glancing over my shoulder once or twice. But all I can see is a huge stray dog a few feet behind me, its eyes gleaming in the streetlights as it trots along, seemingly peaceful and minding its own business. It is almost as though it had been following me the entire way, and there is something weird about its presence. I sigh, shaking off the odd feeling. It is probably nothing. Just the nerves from the stress of the day. Maybe a doggy friend of the stray I am used to seeing.
When I finally reach my apartment, I step inside, and the usual warmth of the place wraps around me. I toss my bag onto the couch and kick off my shoes, eager to get comfortable. Just as I am about to sit down, there goes Amy. Waiting for me in the kitchen.
She stands there, holding a bag in her hands with an excited grin on her face.
"You won't believe what your surprise is!" she says, practically bouncing on her heels.
I raise an eyebrow, feeling a little confused. "What is it?"
She hands me the bag, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm pretty sure it's from someone you know. Someone who has good taste and knows you well."
I look inside, and to my surprise, there is a container of pasta from my favorite trattoria, the one dish I always dream about after a long day, and that I can never resist : pasta with brie cheese and apples. It smells heavenly, and my stomach gives a little flutter of appreciation.
"I didn't see the guy who delivered. " Amy clarifies, practically vibrating with excitement. "It's definitely David, right? I mean, who else would know about this dish except him and me? You always order it when you work late with him. And to be honest, you must be the only one in the world who likes this disgusting mix of ingredients! " She laugh with all her heart.
I stare at the pasta, a lump forming in my throat. I want to believe Amy's words so badly. I want to think it is David. But... no. It does not make any sense. He has rejected me, he has made it clear he wasn't interested in crossing that line, and I try to respect that, even if it stings. There is no way he'd be sending me love notes and pasta now. I want to cry, as I can not think of anyone but him.
I shake my head slowly. "No, Amy. It's not him. I... I think it's just some coincidence. Maybe a random gesture from someone else." I force a smile on my face before adding "Maybe I have a soul mate that loves the same pastas as me and will be a perfect match once I get to know him…".
Amy glares at me skeptically. "Coincidence? Come on. This is David's kind of thing. You know he's into you. The mystery card, the surprise dish... It's totally him. I mean we don't know much about his ways to seduce people, but it does seem like him to do cryptic, mysterious yet thoughtful stuff."
But the more I think about it, the more it doesn't add up. My mind flashes back to the way he had pulled away after our near kiss, the way he'd set such clear professional boundaries. He wasn't the type to change his mind that quickly. At least, that is what I think. He had every opportunity to try to make a move at his house. But instead he carried me to his bed and slept on the couch.
However… Once you think about it, that is really considerate. I could have slept on the couch. Maybe he really likes me and is also conflicted with his feelings ?
"I don't know, Amy," I confessed quietly, staring down at the pasta. "I just can't believe it's him."
Amy's face falls a little, but she still gives me a teasing smile. "Well, whatever the case, it's a very sweet gesture, no matter who it's from. You should enjoy it."
She is right. I sit down at the table, the bag still in my hands, my thoughts swirling. Yes it is sweet, and even if it is someone else… So what ? At least there is one person who cares about me. Maybe I am about to discover a perfect match for me. A man to grow old with, to build a beautiful life.