Chapter 13

_ So now we are meeting even outside of work. How is that keeping distance? - I asked as I sipped my coffee.

_ So you asked me here for this?

_ Well, you said I should come first to you if anything happened. I was not sure if this was related to the company, as this is on my personal time.

Samantha sighed.

_ Well, you are correct on that. But I am not a lawyer or anything. I am your HR representative. Internal affairs.

I asked Samantha to grab a coffee after hours to discuss something. We decided to go to a cafeteria that was close to work, but not one that our co-workers frequently used. After all, it might seem weird if anyone saw us casually grabbing a coffee.

She was still wearing her formal attire, but it was a much laid-back stance. She seemed to be more relaxed until I bought the topic of Kristal. She heard the whole story without saying a word and just sipped coffee.

_ So there isn't anything that you can do to help?

_ Like what? A restraining order? - she asked annoyed.

_ Yeah, something like that. I mean, how did she even find out where I was having those classes?

_ Didn't she mention that she lived nearby?

_ Yeah, but I don't buy it. Can you tell me where she lives?

_ No. - Samantha said with a very serious look. -Telling you would be a data breach. I cannot disclose employee information to unauthorized personnel.

_ Sorry. - I said embarrassed. Of course, she couldn't tell me that. - But isn't it too convenient? I mean, she starts seeing this guy in my department and then going to the same gym as me... It can't be a coincidence.

Samantha shook her head and held her chin while thinking.

_ It is unusual for sure. Maybe she is doing this on purpose. - Samantha thought for a moment but then sighed again. - Nonetheless, as far as motive, she is dating someone and learning to defend herself.

_ So there is nothing we can do?

_ I am afraid not. - She said while sipping her coffee.

_ Dammit. - I said leaning back on the couch.

How could she do that? How could she press the boundaries of what was right until it almost broke? Almost.

_ You're thinking that she is scheming all of this, right?

I looked at Samantha with surprise. It was clear from my lack of response that she was on point.

_ Look, I agree that she is annoying, but you might be seeing what you want. Maybe she is planning all of this, but maybe she is just not backing off. And that is making you uncomfortable. You gotta stand your ground and not give in.

_ You mean to tell me that it is my fault she is doing all this? - I asked a little angry.

Samantha stood up. Her height made her look more serious than before.

_ I am saying that she is pushing your buttons and you are letting her. Don't let her get in your head. Right now, she knows how to annoy you and is clearly working.

I looked at my coffee and thought for a second. Could she be right? I was feeling chased but it was also true that I could just let it go. Samantha piped up again:

_ Also, if you invite a girl out again, please tell her the reason. This can give her false hope. - She said and gave me a long look before turning around and walking away.

I was speechless while I watched her go. Could it be that she expected a date?

That was impossible. I shook my head thinking about it. Samantha wouldn't go for a guy like me.

I was left with the same problem again: Kristal and her stubborn attitude. If she was not going to back away, neither would I. That afternoon I decided to don't let her define what I would or wouldn't do.

I was expecting her to come to the next class, but she wasn't there. As soon as she saw me at work, she got close and whispered as close as she could without touching me:

_ Did you miss me last night?

_ It was the best class I had since you started. - I said trying to get away from her.

_ Don't mess with me. I know you were thrilled to have me there. - she said chasing me around as we entered the elevator.

_ If by thrilled you mean loathing, then yes, I was. - I said looking at her and trying to gauge her reaction.

I was hoping to see her backing away or at least seem flustered. But she had the widest wicked smile on her lips. I honestly thought that she was unhinged.

_ Don't worry, I will not miss class again. It is just that I had a date. - she said while leaning closer.

_ I really don't care.

_ Maybe you would like me to cancel all my appointments, so we can get all sweaty together.

_ Again, I don't like the teasing. And stop following me. - I said as I exited the elevator and went to my desk.

We entered the room of my department and there was no one in sight. I thought that she stopped following me as I sat at my desk when she suddenly spoke:

_ You missed me, didn't you?

_ My god! - I said a little too loud. - Why are you still here? Get lost.

_ I am waiting for Cole, he forgot something in my house yesterday.

_ Still not interested. - I said trying to put on my headphones, but she was relentless.

_ You like that. I bet you would die to know my place.

_ I would like to die if it would end this conversation.

_ Well, you can deny as much as you want, but you are interested in me. You creep.

I flinched at the mention of the old nickname. Samantha was right, she was pushing my buttons.

But I was not going to let her do that anymore.