Menus

I woke up the next day for work, trying desperately not to remember last night. Jada hadn't reached home yet and had texted that she would be going on a date. Later, I had gotten the next text from her just before going to bed. It wasn't an unusual text, just a notification, that he'd be bringing a guy home after their date which had apparently gone well.

I thought nothing of it since she was courteous enough to text me and I had my own room. I just locked my door so I could be more comfortable in the situation. It was not like I wasn't used to Jada entertaining guys, we were roommates back in college. Back then, our bed was literally a few feet from each other, so this was more than tolerable.

So when I fell asleep last night, the last thing I thought would happen to me is not getting a good night's sleep. I made several attempts to ignore the disturbing noise by inputting in my earbuds and listening to some music, but that fail as well. I became increasingly desperate, as I tried to echo louder sounds as well.

First I thought it was a ghost or a high-strung animal dying. Then I realized it was Jada getting it in. But why in the world, did she have to be so loud about it? I didn't even know that you could make sounds like that during sex. Was it really that good?

At one point I was wondering if they were taking long to have a climax... or where those are climax noises only. I couldn't tell the difference, no man had ever pleased me to that point. I stared at the ceiling I thought all night, stuck in a dark tunnel where you can literally hear everyone having fun without you.

I could hear grunts, the bed squeaking, and Jada saying something along the line of, 'a little more!'. Then her guyfriend said something like, 'give me more.' My mind played the image in my head, though I didn't want to. It was slow torture.

I got up as soon as the sunlight was about to steer his glorious face. I made Cheerios with bananas, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch with a dash of nutmeg. I toasted it with butter and jam. I guess without thought the guy came into the kitchen where I was at.

"Morning," he said with a smile on his face.

"Morning," I uncomfortably whispered back. He was shirtless, with a slender body. He had a short bob for his short, frizzy, dark brown hair. I just looked at him strolling in with his boxer. I sighed. This was what was driving Jada crazy last night, unbelievable.

Though I was tired last night from their noise, I went into a rage when I saw him take my Cinnamon Toast Crunch and took a bite.

"I thought I smelled something great," he said smiling at me while chewing. I was about to say something when I saw Jada's sprinting into the kitchen. She looked like had on only a short sports set.

"Oh, there you are," she said as she wrapped her hands around his neck.

"Yea, the food smell great." She looked at me as if to give an apology smile. I released my tension and ushered him my Cheerios as well, as Jada whispered 'thank you'. I turned and resorted to making a cup of cream cocoa coffee with extra sugar.

I went to work with ease. Flowers was still busy and unfortunately this time she would be unable to have lunch with me, but she did say she would be free tomorrow. It was the same quota, no Mr. Hayes, review my email and report.

I already knew my way, so went to the cafeteria alone. I sucked on my lower lip, concentrating hard, trying to figure out what food I should get my scrubby hands-on, seeing that I didn't eat anything this morning.

I glide near the food courts reading the menus, imbibing comfort from its familiarity. Trying to decide what I should choose today. I licked my dry lips. 'The soup?' I thought, as my eyes skipped over the seafood section. Maybe pizza, and soda my mind spun.

"You should try the Apple salad," a similar voice, came from behind me. He had momentarily spooked me and my response seemed to put him in a good mood, as I looked to see George's blue eyes and bright smile.

He stood so close to me and I could smell a deep, woody fragrance. I don't mind the attention, and I start to smile to myself enjoying this little attention. He stood a little bit closer to me, but it felt like it was nothing more than innocent.

"Really?" I asked. Slightly looking at him.

"Yes," he said as he pretends to read the menus too. "It has romaine and celery mixed with tart apples, cranberries, and blue cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette." I looked at him expressed.

"Oh... wow," I smiled, realizing how tasty he made the apple salad sound. "I definitely need to try that." With that, I went to order, while he trailed beside me.

"So..." he looked around. "Flowers?"

"Oh, she's busier than usual. I guess, she would pick up and leave with lunch," I said.

"Aha... umm..." he looked at me as if he wondered if he should ask me. "Do you mind if I keep your company?"

"Sure," I shrugged willing.

After receiving our mystifying dishes described on the menu and we sat on a small bench facing each other. I was dallying with my food when I looked up to find George glaring at me with his intense, ocean eyes. He immediately looked away. I thought I saw an undeniably blush. Was he feeling warm because of me or was he nervous to even speak to me?

"George...?" I call, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice. He looked at me.

"It's George Wells," he said as he questioned mine with his eyes.

"Harrison." He smiled.

"How is it?"

I swirled my fork in my food. "Luscious," placing a piece of salad in my mouth. "Just as how you describe it." His eyes never missed a beat when I did this.

"So, Flowers assistant?" He eventually said.

"No." His widen slightly. "I more of a separate arm, personal assistant to Mr. Hayes."

"Oh... that's odd."

"Why?" Curious.

"Well, from what I know, Flowers has always been his golden star." He paused and tilted his head a little, searching for his deepest memory. "I never heard him having anyone else assisting or even working with him otherwise."

"Truly?" I crunched my food slowly. A cold wind of thought passed through me, making me wonder about a natter. I waved it from my mind.

"So, what you do that Redwood?" I asked. He swallowed his food before answering.

"I am in IT," he said.

"Hmm..." I hummed. Technology and I have never been friends. Ever since innovation started it never seize to twist an individual's will. But in reality, it has been the continued use of an individual's will that twists the technology's will.

I have past experience when I feel like it spites me; not only does the technology refuse to comply, but it also refuses to acknowledge and respond. Unless 'the IT guy' is brought into the equation.

"What?" Seeing me lost in thought.

"Oh, nothing... it just generally people like you are life-hackers," I stated. He smile seeing what I meant.

"That's why we can't be responsible if we get you in trouble. It was simply your request," he smirked.

"How much trouble you have gotten someone into?" I blurted out. I tilted my head slightly up towards those gorgeous blue eyes, beaming at me, and seemed to stare straight into my soul. What was he thinking?

"More like, I almost did..." he paused to lean towards me. I felt a shivering sensation stealing a path from my hands from moving. "She wanted to know if her boyfriend at the time was cheating," he continued. "You see, he had proposed..."

"Oh... I guess she wanted to know if their relationship was based on the truth or lies," I asked. He scoffed, slightly.

"That's what I thought," he fiddled with his fork in his food. "Turn out the guy had been faithful from the very beginning." I looked at him, misplaced.

"Isn't that a good thing?"

He rubbed his jawline. "Yea... expect she was the one cheating." I rolled my eyes. "That's why I promised myself I would never do shit like that again." I realized he felt used. He probably thought he was defending her honor, but it only turns out his skills were used to violate his code of integrity.

"Did you tell him?" I was quick to ask, without thinking.

"How could I?" He beckons to me. "I hacked his personal life, she had evidence of that. So..." I exhaled heavily, realizing his predicament. He would either have to give up something in life.

"So, she married him," I placed my fork on the plate, so what feeling uncomfortable. This just reminded me how there are some good-hearted individuals who were just blinded by every other person who pretends to be the same. There is just some person who tends to exploit good people, for some reason they believe they are tricks, but instead, it's hurtful.

"So..." George started. "Are you..." he didn't get to finish.

"Miss. Harrison," the sound resonated, beside me.

I turned to face upwards to see a hazel eye that was a radiating brown sun warmed with inner gold. His hands were tucked in his pocket, wearing his neat press white shirt and gray tie, as he was making a statement with his stance.

I could notice the few cold stares glancing our way, it was enough to set the other patrons on edge with his appearance. Even George seemed to have dressed back slightly in his chair to give him a path.

It didn't seem like his presence was usually uncommon in the cafeteria, as I unseemly hear the whispers that follow. Was he teasing me, as if to see I was going to falter in the public's eyes as well? I somewhat felt insulted but secure enough. He raised his eyebrow at me when I didn't respond.

I took a piece of my food into my mouth, before answering. "Mr. Hayes."

He squinted his eyes at me, momentarily, before smirking.