Chapter 5

The gods did not seem to be in my favor that day. Work was almost over, and I was still knee-deep in tasks.

'What's gotten into me? This isn't how Avery Johnson does things! I'll finish today's tasks by today even if it kills me!'

I worked overtime as one did.

As everyone began to leave, Jake came over to me. "Miss Johnson, why aren't you heading home yet?"

"Soon. I'll leave when I'm done here. You can go home first, no worries."

Jake stood rooted to the spot for another second longer, then turned and walked away.

I continued my tasks.

What I did not expect was for him to return with two lattes in hand.

He then passed one to me. "I wasn't sure if you liked your coffee too strong, so I only asked for half a shot of espresso just to be safe."

I raised my eyebrows. The kid had pretty good instincts too.

I had always ordered my coffee with only half a shot of espresso.

I took the cup from him and thanked him. "Thanks. Aren't you still living on campus? You should head home soon."

He wheeled a chair over instead.

"I don't have much to do at home anyway. I'd rather stay here and learn from you."

I stared blankly at the dry, soulless spreadsheets on my screen. They stared back at me.

'Uh, if you were looking for a reason to stay, you could've tried a little harder, kiddo,' I thought.

Nevertheless, I graciously chose not to expose his very blatant lie and worked at top speed under his scrutinous gaze.

The sooner I finished, the better.

Truth be told, walking out of the office with Jake felt like heading home with the high school heartthrob after an evening of staying back in the library to study.

Our conversation started with work and gradually deviated into personal life.

He asked, "Are you single, Miss Johnson?"

I was rendered speechless. Jake's question gave me war flashbacks to the humiliating affair with a particular phallic package I had received this morning.

'Kid, do you think I'd need sh*t like that if I had a boyfriend?' I thought to myself.

"I guess not," Jake mumbled to himself, "I'm single too. What a coincidence."

"Oh," I replied in the most neutral tone I could muster.

Jake seemed like he was about to say something but decided not to at the very last second. He gulped.

Our trains home went in separate directions. We parted ways at the station.

Peace and quiet on the ride home at last.

Then, I received two text messages.

[Jake: Thought I'd say hi after getting your number today, Miss Johnson. Let me know when you're home safe.]

[Jake: By the way, I dig the earrings. They match your eyes.]