As it turns out, the man Andy fell in love with is more of a mystery than she first thought. When they give their relationship another chance, it's not long before Lex's secrets begin to unravel, threatening their happily ever after.
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Tuesday was much more reasonable, as Lex and I barely saw each other all day. Our only encounters so far had been early in the day, in the kitchen of the lunchroom, where he was pouring himself a black coffee while I was making cups of tea for Mason and me.
We had managed a very mundane conversation about the weather, which had suddenly become rainy and cold. When we wanted, we could be inconspicuous and professional. Or so I thought until he commended my choice of clothing – a simple pair of jeans with a nice and comfy hoodie. A rainy day must.
Just that was enough to make me somewhat hot and flustered, remembering the maddening sensations of his hand up my skirt.
Us being on good terms again, and knowing the truth about his feelings, was making everything different. Even my solo actions with Jason felt entirely different. I came harder, faster, and I didn't feel guilty or filthy afterward. I still felt lonely when I was coming down from my orgasms, panting and sweaty, but I wasn't hating myself for it anymore. It was only a matter of time until Lex and I resumed that aspect of our relationship, and me coming to the thought of him wasn't as problematic.
It was as if a veil of doubts had lifted, making me more confident about everything. Even at work, I was more efficient, nailing tasks after tasks. My depressive state was far gone, and it was amazing to be back to my old, confident self.
In the middle of the afternoon, Lex sent me a text to tell me he had handled our HR issue, but explained I still needed to go up there to retrieve my departure notice officially.
I had answered Hugh's email the night before, using the exact same excuse. In a short but efficient email, I'd pretended that my original message had been a maneuver to make Kelex raise my salary. I explained they had decided to take my bluff seriously and had agreed to my demands. Doing my best to sound professional, I'd thanked Hugh for his offer, but made it clear it would never happen.
If this part had actually felt good, I knew settling it with HR wouldn't.
As expected, the moment was stiff and embarrassing. I knew I shouldn't be obsessing so much over the matter, but all I could hear was my abuela, reprimanding me for being ungrateful and acting like a spoiled child toward a company that had been so kind to me. Even Karen had pointed out it was my right to know my worth and try to get paid what I thought I deserved.
When I came out of the HR office, officially not leaving any longer, I hesitated for an instant, wondering if I should go back downstairs or drop by Lex's office, three doors down the hall. I wanted to tell him in person it was done. This was a big step, the proof we would try, the proof I wasn't going away.
Between this and the email I'd sent Hugh, there was no going back. I was doing this. We were.
Before I could dwell on the question, my feet carried me to Lex's door, some part of me wanting to see him, anyway. I knocked and entered when he commanded me to.
