Rita’s POV
While we were less busy at work, I assisted Evelyn to share Adam’s birthday invitation card secretly yet within the company without making Adam aware about it.
Although I tried to ignore Finn throughout today, I eagerly accepted to go give him an invitation card.
“Good day Charles, Good day Mr Finn” I greeted formally, no single string attached after all.
“Good day beautiful angel!” Charles replied.
While Finn slowly raised his head, acknowledging my greetings with a nod, looks like he then reluctantly said; “Good day to you too Rita”
I moved closer then dropped the invitation card on his table.
“Adam’s birthday. Evelyn says your presence will be appreciated and mind you, this is a secret away from Adam” I warned.
He picked up the card, unsealed it and skimmed through.
“Happy birthday in advance to your best friend” He replied.
“Can I get an invitation card too?” Charles requested.
I smiled and drew closer to him.
“Of course, I'm sure Evelyn wouldn't mind. You are a very jovial fellow. Here’s one for you” I handed over to him an invitation card too.
“Thank you Rita” Charles said, narrowing his eyes into mine while he received the invitation card, also, he lightly pinched my finger.
I chuckled because I didn't understand that gesture.
I noticed Finn was peering at us through his glasses, when I caught him doing so; he adjusted his glasses and continued his work.
I returned to him and sat down.
“Mr Finn” I called his name as formally as possible.
“Finn” He corrected, not looking at me but focusing on the computer.
“No, Mr Finn” I repeated.
“Woah! What's wrong with both of you? Charles chipped in.
“It's none of your business!” Finn shunned.
“Lovers quarrel!” Charles added, scoffing.
“Shut it!” Finn hit his desk.
“We were never lovers” I shunned Charles too.
“Well, I noticed you two used to be pretty close. Anyways, good for me I guess” Charles said, then faced his work squarely.
“I’ve come to see you” I told Finn.
He adjusted his mesh chair and sat upright.
“Excuse us, Charles” He ordered and Charles grumbled.
“No, Charles doesn't have to leave, it is not private” I said.
“What is it Rita?” Finn asked me.
“Next week is a new month, I've come to remind you of the absence of leave I’m getting” I said.
“What?”
“I couldn't get it last month remember? You promised this month plus you now have my personal reason”
“Yeah” He replied after a while. “I vividly remember you requested for two weeks break last month. You can have it next month” He approved.
“Thank you so much Mr Finn” I bowed my head in respect, got on my feet immediately.
Charles smiled and waved at me while I exited the office.
****
I stopped by at the male section, haven peeped through and noticed Adam’s absence, I proceeded into the department and shared all the invitation cards I had, I hushed them not to inform Adam about it and I ensured they kept the cards before Adam came in. Evelyn wouldn't come down here herself to share the invitation cards because of Adam’s presence.
On my way out of the section, I bumped into Adam at the entrance.
“Woah Rita, what are you doing here?” He asked.
I tried to comport myself, so he wouldn't suspect or notice anything fishy.
“I was just coming from Finn’s office, so I decided to say Hi to you. Where have you been?” I said.
“Uhm, the rest room” He responded.
I smiled a little; “Okay, catch you later in the day” I waved, taking my leave.
“Rita” He called me back.
“Uhm, yes Adam”
“Can I talk to you for - some minutes?” He asked, looking serious yet nervous.
Adam talks to me this way whenever there’s an issue between him and Evelyn and he wants me to be an intermediary.
“Sure” I nodded, moving closer to him but he headed outside the company, I followed him behind.”
“Is there a problem? You look really worried” I asked.
He blew a light huff; “Everything is fine maybe” He responded and asked further;” How is hum, your boyfriend, Zane?”
“Zane is fine” I wondered why he suddenly asked after him.
“He’s your best friend, why do you ask?”
“Actually, I told you we were buddies at college, we are- no- no longer best friends” He stuttered.
“That's sad to hear” I remarked.
“You’re still with him despite the-the distance?” He asked and I nodded; “I'm sure you converse often then”
“Yeah, we had a lit conversation yesterday, do not ask me what it is” I said and he smiled.
“I’m just checking up on you, I just wanna make sure everything is alright with you in your long distance relationship especially because online relationship can be really tiring and dangerous and besides you haven't made mention of you and Zane for a while now, I know you too well Rita, you pretend everything is fine”
I giggled a little; “Thank you so much for your concern Adam, Zane and I are actually very much cool at the moment, we know how to go about it whenever we’re quarreling, it's more like fighting to be strong for each other” I explained briefly.
“You know you can always talk to me if something is wrong” Adam is more matured and understanding than Evelyn!
I sighed heavily.
“Sometimes ago, I thought of Finn as Zane” I resumed.
Adam gave me his listening ears, so I continued freely; "I see Zane in Finn. Adam, I do not know if you understand me or maybe you’ll eventually mock me.”
“No, I understand you clearly. Long distance relationship is never easy amidst all temptation outside the relationship”
“Yeah, temptation! you are right. While Finn and I had a great time together, I had wished it was Zane and I allowed my head to lead and my heart followed. I imagined Finn as Zane or is it Zane as Finn. Finn gives me butterflies in my belly, I.. I am not sure if I'm in love with him too” I paused; “Maybe because of my imagination or maybe it’s just a mere lust or infatuation or something” I shut my eyes and sniffed deeply.
“I understand “ Adam said.
“You won't report to Zane, will you?”
“No, of course not. Your secret is safe with me Bestie” I smiled and hugged him. “I just want you to be fine, you do not deserve a hard time” He said.
“Anyways, it's all in the past now. Finn has a girlfriend and he’s no longer close with me. I think it’s helping me forget that I ever developed such romantic feelings for him” I told him. “Also, I got back together with Zane and I cannot wait to see him soon” I jumped up happily.
“What do you mean by see him soon?”
“Catch up Adam! I'll travel down to Canada next month remember?”
“Oh..Oh that’s right. I… I’m happy for you”
*******
To Be Continued.