Strings Attached

Chapter Seven

Wyatt as a sustainability specialist with a private consulting firm was considered to be that worker who wouldn't spare his effort to see to the development, evaluation and implementation of environmental policies and regulations for clients. He was at work—garbed in a black suit and a blue tie. That very day, he had a presentation to make. His organization needed the best ideas to utilize for an uncommon project. Hence, employees in the same department with him were tasked on this duty. Wyatt was not anxious about the presentation. If there was anything that bothered his mind, helping in developing exceptional ideas that foster environmental resilience was the least. He needed not think about or look forward to when he would stand before senior colleagues to present his ideas and the chances of these ideas being accepted or rejected. His mind was restless as he sat on the chair staring at the bulk of files arranged on the desk. Why should one feel incomplete because of lack of communication with another person? He picked his phone, scrolled through it and dialed Chloe's number. Chloe's tone was just exciting.

"Mr Planet Saver. Sincerely, I thought you would keep boring me with TEDx talks but common you hve never for once spoken about one. It must be a hard one eeh" Chloe said.

"No way. I discuss climate focused issues with partners and associates."

"What makes you think I am not a champion of the green planet?"

"Come on, you don't say!" Wayyt almost screamed as they both laughed

Wyatt felt at ease now as he ran his fingers over his head. For most persons they had look for a mirror to stand in front and practice their wording and gestures ahead of a presentation but for Wyatt, his case was different. He did not find delight on that. He knew that for him not to be unofficially unprepared was to abstain his mind from being unsettled.

Sitting in the Executive chair which he caused to revolve round with his legs crossed, smiling and relishing the moment, Alex entered. This was when he had told her goodbye. Alex was around to inform him that the session would soon commence. Wyatt grabbed his laptop, a notepad and a pen and dashed out with Alex.

Wyatt was still himself today. In fact, it seems this particular presentation had greatly surpassed preceding ones. This was due to the way he spoke with intellect and clarity. The maps and models Wayyt recommended to be used for the upcoming upcoming projects were totally in alignment with the core aim of the fieldwork

"Well done Wyatt. Your presentation was superb. I am sure you must have given it a whole lot of time. Not quite far, I will instruct the Human Resources to grant you a paid trip off so at least you could rest and have some good moments with your fiancee or girl. I love what you did " The Chief Executive Officer applauded with a continuous nod.

"That's Alex. Not disregarding courtesy, Wyatt and Alex mixture is very noticeable in this office " said the Director of Sustainability and Environmental services. This gave the top and middle management officers s tittering look. Wyatt had no choice than to belong to that moment. He could not dismiss the statement because that would meant him thumbing his nose not only at the mouthpiece but Alex dad as well, who was the Chief Executive Officer! Even if one was dumb, he would never think of doing that. He noticed the lingering smile that sat widely on the CEO's face when that was mentioned. It was not even necessary that he could have defended himself. Even if he would, definitely not now.

During the dismissal, when the top management officers were exchanging handshakes with the middle management officers, Wayyt, standing still, being a specialist and a departmental team member,r, could sense a different sensation when the CEO stretched his hand to him for a handshake. It meant numerous things. It signaled trust, acceptance and satisfaction.

Wyatt imagined if Alex was there, would she herself accept this claim that the both of them were actually an item? And another of his thought was that what if Chloe was there as well?

***

Wyatt was slightly confused about what it means for someone to be in love. For him, being in love is when there are shared emotions, thoughts, and dreams. It is self-denial. He also knew that it was defeat. And, clearly, he had lost control of himself. Now, his wigs seem clipped by love. He was at the mercy of its direction. Even when sitting in his mini bar on the other side of his living room In his small apartment, taking a Tempranillo after work hours, he still wished his conversation with Chloe had continued. Whaytt was known to be a very focused and committed guy in every space he found himself. Who was this Chloe that was making him fall off his own feet? He settled for getting nice fashion wears for her. In the first instance, Chloe has asked him about flowers the other time which definitely didn't came from him. But why did she received a flower from another man? He asked himself, his eyes downcast but in all of this, it was only Chloe that could say.

Wayyt had really wanted quality wears from top brands. From the show glass, he was already stunned with what he sighted. There were enough bustling shoppers immersed in choosing wears perfectly sealed in packs, carefully analyzing the labels and sizes when he casually stepped in. Each of these wears held a promise of quality and class.

"I love this!" A girl shopping, on Wayyt left hand side faintly screamed at the sight seeing of a particular wear, staring at Wayyt maybe to see his reaction. This Wayyt laid off with a nod—it felt like a silent pact and attestation that the wear was no one she should part with.

Wayyt knew that had it be Chloe was by his side as he went through this sea of decisions, it would have been better. But this was impossible, not until he gives her a bind on the fourth finger of her left hand. And he knew that a day like that would soon come.

"Your selections and choices are nice! Your partner must be the luckiest in the world." The cashier stated humourously.

Wyatt's voice was yet laced with anxiety "Tell me you are serious"

"Yeah. These collections are lovely. It is a fact that guys aren't good shoppers, but you broke the law"

Wyatt's voice was steady but filled with a deep-seated flicker. "Thank you. "

His face was partially brightened from the glimmer of mischief; it had been if he had picked lovely wearrs, ones that could appease the taste of a lady, but now a girl just complimented his handiwork. He was proud of himself as took the exit door. Darkness had already covered the fair little that was still visible before he had stepped into the Mart. He said he would have to reschedule seeing Chloe the next day.

Wyatt was at Chloe's door with the package in his hands. When the door had opened, Chloe showed up, her hair was a bit messy and it looked like she must have been lying down. She winked, surprised.

"Wyatt?"

"Hey," Wyatt said, clearing his voice. He somewhat lifted the red bag. "Uh... I got you something "

Chloe's heart leaped "You got me something?"

"Yeah." He scratched the back of his neck. Suddenly losing himself. "It is nothing big though. I thought that it was something you might like. "

Chloe collected the package, her fingers colliding with his for a brief second The warmth stayed. She stepped back in, motioning for him to to tag along. Wyatt watched as she sat on the edge of the couch, carefully removing the wrapping. The moment her eyes caught sight of what was inside, a small gasp let loose from her. Her lips separated in twos and for a fast one, Wyatt could not read her expression.

She had this massive smile on which could not subside "Wyatt ... I love these." She held the sweater up to her chest, staring at him. "Thought I could not see something like this. "

"I just saw it and I had a thought... It seemed like something nice you had put on"

"So you have been watching my style closely" she laughed

Wyatt smirked "Maybe"

Chloe with a grin, set the wears aside, standing up to place it on a stool at the other end of the couch. The moment felt bright and comfortable until Wayyt was hit by something.

"By the way... About those flowers..." Before Wayyt had draw the curtain with his statement, it was significant that the smile which had lingered on her face slightly faded. This, Wyatt did not missed. "The ones you called about," he clarified. "You know who it is from now?"

Chloe's throat dried up. This was something she should have looked forward to; a question like this but she had not. She forced herself to stay composed.

"Oh," she came in lightly, "Just ... Someone from school "

"Someone?" Wyatt response came in instantly in that perfect manner that showed that it was rather an uncomfortable one "Oh," he then said nodding slowly.

"How was your day?" Chloe asked forcing a smile

He was aware that Chloe wanted to erase the subject. He let her. But as they talked, Chortled and joked, that very small pie in his chest remained. Someone. This particular word was what kept setting Wyatt's heart ablaze