AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Not funny,’ Frank says, alarmed.
‘Just think of the pizza at the end,’ Leo reminds him, like he’s taking a child out for a treat. Frank perks up at the mention of pizza.
‘That’s very good of you, Leo,’ I tell him, catching his eye. He shrugs off the compliment, but I like how he’s looking out for Frank. ‘It sounds like a perfect date night. I hope you put out at the end.’
Frank cackles with laughter and for a moment, I’m glad we’ve managed to lighten his mood.
‘Right, get out of here, all of you. Half the building have signed out so I am sure I can cope.’
They all look at me. It’s the last day in the office, people will have signed out even if they’re still in the office. I know this because I went up to client management to quality assess their new monitors, and they were all recording a Christmas TikTok and tucking in to mince pies and mulled wine for lunch.
‘Are you sure?’ Leo asks me.
I nod, wanting him to know it really is fine. ‘You guys log off, go get Frank ready for tomorrow and have a good night.’
They smile at me, Jasper a bit too eager to shut down his computer and start packing his bag. I mean, it’s three o’clock – it’s only a couple of hours grace but it’s Christmas, it’s the least I can do.
‘Oh, and there are gift bags…’ I say rushing to my feet, reaching down below my desk. ‘It’s not much. Just some fun things to get you through the holidays.’
‘Did the company sort them?’ Leo asks as I hand his over to him.
‘Oh no, this was me. It’s silly really.’
He puts his hand in his bag and pulls out a joke book, opening it up at the first page. ‘Why was the computer cold? It left its windows open.’ And with that he gives a laugh that’s rare for Leo, it comes deep from the belly, and I’m happy to see him express the emotion.
‘They’re all IT jokes. And there’s socks and chocolates and stuff,’ I say nervously as I did spend an extraordinary amount of time curatingthem.
‘They’re brilliant – thank you,’ Leo says. ‘I guess I’ll see you on Christmas Eve, yeah? You still up for driving together?’
If I know little about tomorrow’s wedding, I know much less about my pending adventures with Jasper and Leo. Leo has told me to pack a coat and given me a lot of advice about socks. Jasper on the other hand tells me to bring my best chess game as he’s going to slay me. The uncertainty is a worry but also mildly exciting.
‘Yes, please. I’ll get to yours early. Do you have a choice of travel sweets?’
‘Starburst.’
‘Done,’ I say holding my hand out to close the deal. As he puts his hand into mine, there’s a look. I can’t quite read it. Maybe I should have offered a variety of sweets? Something more substantial like a sandwich? His fingers clasp around mine and we catch each other’s eyes and I can’t talk, my face numb from the contact.
‘These bath bombs you’ve put in, are they coloured? Will they stain the bath?’ Frank asks me, forcing Leo and I to part. I see him clawing his way through his bag and pulling out the phone charger cables I put in for each of them. Once a tech girl, always a tech girl.
‘I guess you’ll find out after your date tonight,’ I joke. ‘Can you both fit in your tub?
‘You are so funny,’ Frank says, pulling a face at me.
‘Someone in this office has to be…’ I reply.
‘Did you want to join us for pizza?’ Leo mumbles. ‘When you’ve finished here?’
I turn, smiling. ‘Oh no, I don’t want to be a third wheel. You go groom our Frank.’
He smiles but the look in his eyes possibly reads disappointment. What I really need to say is unlike Frank, I may bloat if I eat pizza tonight and I only have the one dress option.
‘I might join you for pizza,’ Jasper interrupts, putting a handto Leo’s shoulder. ‘We’re not going to Pizza Hut though, are we? Can we go to Pizza Pilgrims at least?’
‘Pizza snob,’ Leo replies.
‘It’s called taste, Leo.’
The banter continues and I watch as Leo zips up his duffel coat and slides a dark green beanie over his head.
