Flawless Desire

“You look kind of flushed,” Mara remarks, dropping by my desk with a folder of proofs for Caleb to review, and a box of donuts. “Are you feeling OK?”

“Oh, yes,” I say, deleting another one-word email from him, thanking me for sending over a sales report. “It’s just been crazy, with Victoria out.”

She winces. “Bad timing. With Sterling being in such a grumpy mood. He’s been on a tear today.”

“Has he?”

She nods and checks the clock on the wall. “Thank goodness it’s almost quitting time. Any big plans?”

I laugh. “If a hot bath and Bachelor marathon count.”

“Ooh, you’re watching too?” she lights up. “I’m driving my boyfriend crazy, he doesn’t understand. But did you see last week’s episode?”

We trade gossip for a while, and find we have a ton of interests in common. “You’ll have to come over one night and watch with me,” Mara insists. “It’ll be fun.”

“Maybe next week?” I suggest, pleased to be making a friend. And that there’s someone in this building who doesn’t hate me, or want to fuck me.

We wish each other a good night and I start to put my things together. Then Caleb emerges from his office. I brace myself for his charm offensive: Dirty talk, or flirtation, trying to make me regret my choice.

But then he just stalks out, briefcase in hand, without so much a look at me. “Good night, Juliet.”

I just stare after him. I’ve survived. But I can’t help feeling a twinge of regret.

Has he really given up so easily?

But when I get home, I find he hasn’t quit just yet. Another gorgeous bouquet is waiting for me, this time a stunning display of hydrangeas in purples and blue.

I check the card. It’s from Caleb.

It’s still of interest to me. Tell me what I have to do. – C

I stare at it, feeling the cracks forming in my façade.

No. He left you alone, Juliet. Don’t forget that.

I crumple the note and contemplate tossing the flowers in the dumpster. In the end, I only bring them inside because they smell nice, and well… I like flowers.

That’s the only reason. I swear.

* * *

By the endof the week, he’s sent me three more bouquets of increasing size and opulence. Candy. Expensive chocolates. A gift basket full of luxurious L’Occitane bath products and La Mer skincare.

I tell myself he’s got a personal shopper picking them out. Hell, he probably keeps a supply in stock. But still…

The cracks in my façade are growing wider. It’s always the same. He’s uber-professional in the office, just like I asked him to be. And then he sends me these gifts.

“I’m telling you,” Kelsey remarks, eyeing the latest delivery. “This isn’t just hookup material. Maybe this guy really has feelings for you.”

“Caleb doesn’t get feelings.” I snap back. “Like Olivia said, he’s flighty. I might be his latest obsession, but once he gets done with me, he’ll move on.”

Not that knowing that is making it any easier to resist him.

On Friday, Victoria’s still out sick. Which means I have even more work to keep track of. But when I power up my computer, I see a new email in my personal account.

From Meadow View residential home.

Dear Ms. Nichols: Your account is past due.