Project

*****

(Soraya's POV)

*****

I had been daydreaming about George all day. I should be re-reading and writing my report, instead, I was thinking about him. I checked the time on my watch I had forty minutes. I slogged forward in my chair. I felt the time burning into my skin.

I had texted him but he didn't reply and now I couldn't help but wonder why. I rested a hand on my desk and held my chin up, as I peered at the screen feeling a bit lost. I squinted my eyes trying to make out what I was writing. I lazily typed on my computer just trying to complete the work required for the day.

My phone at my desk rang. I almost jump, as my mind woke itself up. I stared at it and then picked it up.

"Miss. Harrison, can you come to my office," his voice seemed to grumble through the phone before I heard a clank. I looked at the phone for a second. Now I was lost. I clearly remember he had some questions for me, but what's up with that tone of his? He had basically said it was nothing serious at the time when I saw him in the lobby. What was up with the sudden change?

I release some pressure from my lungs and I pulled myself out of my chair. I noticed Flowers unconsciously observing me suspiciously, while I got up.

"Is there something I should know about? Mr. Hayes called." I asked politely, maybe she would know what mood he was in today. Her face turned red for a second as she ran her eyes away. She was quick to turn my gaze with a smile.

"Sorry, I thought it was George. You still haven't come to me about that date you had," she coated the word 'date' with her index fingers at me. Now I was blushing slightly. I still won't call it a date, but I could understand her point of view.

I trailed off again. Me and George, we had fun, just some casual fun, the thoughts raced in my mind. Then, at the end of the evening, he sprung at me, then again I lured him. It felt like he was coming at me from every direction. Then that kiss. It felt 'omni', so passionate and unusual.

"Oh," her descanting, snap me back to reality. I could feel the warmth leaving my cheeks. She scooped over a bit in her chair. "Come on… give," she continued. I shook my head.

"Not now, I need to head over to Mr. Hayes's office," she sighed at my statement. She looked defeated and pouted.

"If I know Mr. Hayes, he probably has more work for you," she said bleakly. I hummed at her as proceeded to walk into his office.

He was wearing a dark black suit, jacketless with what seemed to have a cup of coffee in his hand. He standing next to the glass facing the world as if he ruled it all. I could imagine myself overlooking the city, it must be beautiful. He slowly turns around as I took a seat.

"Hello, Mr. Hayes what can I do for you?" I said in the most formal voice I could muster. I was much as curious about what questions he had for me.

"Aha, finally," I forced on a polite smile, at his comment. He placed his cup down, picked up a file, and handed it to me. "I need you to explain this" his eyes seemed to gleam with a warning.

Something was different with his manner and tone. He spoke with conviction, unshakeable. It made me cautious. I felt slightly nervous, did I do something wrong on the reports? Sure enough, I was confident I didn't. I took it and searched through it urgently. I read the report. It felt so familiar. I knew those numbers. This was my case file on Redwood, back in college. My face lit up red.

"How did you?" I began.

"No. I think the right question, is why didn't you bring that document to your interview," I focused on an empty space in the air between us. How do I explain to this man, I didn't even know I was coming to Redwood, to begin with. Plus clearly, he didn't know it was a favor for a favor. But I knew he was right. If I had known. I probably would have dung this up and carried it with me. Plastered it in front of him and wipe his ass with it, showing him I was more than just a country girl.

"I don't like to gloat," I said proudly. What could I say? Anything worse than that was just unacceptable. I was more curious about how it got it. "Where did you get this from?"

"I sent a request for your credentials at the university. I so happen to receive a response on my trip when I was away. Your professor was very giving," he answered me nonchalantly. I was taken aback, that he had to ask.

"Really, is there anything I need to know about?" He asked assertively. He was pontificating, differently in the mode that he should be taken seriously and for once I took him seriously. However, the truth was much worst, and I rather hide it.

"I don't know. Is there anything else, you like to know?" I said without thinking. His eyes open wide in surprise and recognition. For the first time, his expression relaxed and his lips curled.

"Maybe," he flashed a dulcet smile, but that quickly vanish. "You should gloat sometimes. You might find it… victorious,' he continued. "I was quite keened by your work. It was almost like you had worked here before," he said getting comfortable and crossing his legs.

I had found such inner peace. To know that my work was appreciated to the extent that it did. I felt so happy inside. However, I embrace that sense of accomplishment in a quiet moment, while sitting, and being still. He didn't really need to know I truly felt.

"I have a new project that I want you to work on," he continued when I didn't answer. "Since it's very much clear from what I read. I find you perfect for the job. This project is very important. So your time is well needed," he paused. "Any problems with that?"

"Do I have a choice?" I said, calm as he was.

"Great," he stated. He was serious, all business-like. "We will be working on this together, so you need to meet me after lunch hours each day," he dictated.

"When does this project have to be completed?"

"By the end of this month, I'll email you what we have to do. If you have any problems concerning the project tell them to me immediately."

"And the other reports I'm working on?" I asked.

"They are still on the table to be done. There are no other expectations," I realized then my days were going to be busy.

"The end of the month that's fine with me, is that all?" I asked, whilst I glanced at the clock seeing that I could leave in twenty minutes.

"This is extremely important, Miss. Harrison, " he darted at me, showing his true intent. "I have a meeting by then and this project could be it for you," his tone full on my radar. This was a shift for me and liked the endeavor.

"If you're were impressed by my mere college report. What do think I can do with this huge project of yours." He propped his chin with his fingers as he stroked his chin.

"No ifs, and or buts?" He proclaimed. I was assured of myself and didn't need him to question that.

"That will be all?" I asked confidently.

"No, Miss. Harrison," he answered amused. "Let's start tomorrow."

I weakly smile at him and left the office to return to my desk to see what I had to work on. As I neared my desk I could see Flowers grinning over at me.

"What?" I asked her. She squinted her eyes at me.

"Seriously!" she sighed heavily. "Do I need to bribe you?"

I laughed at her, realizing her problem. She looked so sleepless. "Maybe," I answered teasing her.

"God the things I have to do," she rolled her eyes. She took up her bag and shuffled inside it. She then pull out some cash and beckoned it unto me.

"No! You mad," her actions caught me off guard.

"I taught so! Now give up the goods for free," she pleaded. I nodded and offered her a genuine smile.

*****

I stared at the screen in front of me trying to decide once again, what to eat.

"Hey," he called me to get my attention. I nervously turned to my right. George came and stood right beside me and our eyes met. He grinned wide.

"I heard we going to the movies. Is that true?" He asked me curiously. I bite my bottom lip and for some reason. My tongue was numb enough not to be able to speak a word so I just nodded. I had asked him about that date. I may have suggested the movies. I got unsettled when he didn't reply same time.

"I'm very much interested," he said smiling. "Any suggestions on what we'll be watching." I bobbed my head, my mood was elevated.

"We can decide that later," I grinned at him. This was definitely worth the minutes of waiting.