Unlock the content CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE "I mean, Nina seems fit, but not nearly as much as you," she said, her eyes flicking up and down my body.
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling almost naked as I stood in front of her. I was somewhat used to women being interested in me, but never like this-not in a professional setting, at least. The possibilities began to flicker through my mind, but I felt more and more cornered with each one.
I could report her, but she had been working with this team for years. She had seniority over me, and she was good at her job. I was just the newbie; what would they think if I suddenly reported their beloved team doctor for sexual harassment? And furthermore, how would it cacross if a guy of my stature reported a woman like her for making uncomfortable advances? God, I hated the implications.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIt was just a reminder that in this world, men's issues in the workplace could be just as tricky as women's sometimes. I didn't want to be labeled as a wimp who couldn't stand up against a woman, but then again... did I really want to work in an environment in which I was being sexually harassed by a coworker in power? Suddenly, just as I was about to open my mouth to retort, Tim burst into the room to see Mila and I standing close together, her hand lingering on my arm.
"Hey, you two-" He paused and gave us both a curious look, his eyebrows raised as he took in the scene. "Am I interrupting something here?" Mila quickly straightened up and flashed a friendly smile. "Not at all, Tim. We were just discussing Enzo's impressive PT results." Tim's gaze lingered on us for a moment longer before he seemed to dismiss any suspicions he might have had." Well, that's great to hear. Hey, I was thinking, would you two like to join the team for drinks tonight? Enzo, I figured you could use it. You've been working so hard, and..." His voice trailed off, but I knew the implications: the situation with Nina was what he was getting at. I wanted to say no, because I needed to get back to the hotel room and talk to her as soon as I could.
But Mila didn't miss a beat. "Sure, count us in," she replied, speaking for both of us without so much as consulting me.
Realizing that it would be impolite to decline now, I reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Uh, yeah, sure. I could have one drink." Tim's smile widened, oblivious to the tension in the room. "Excellent. We're meeting at O'Riley's Pub at seven PM. See you there." As he left the room, Mila turned towith an amused glint in her eye. "Looks like you and I have got plans for the evening, Enzo." "The team has got plans," I corrected, stepping away from her.
Mila nodded, but said nothing as I left. I returned to the tail end of hockey practice, but my mind felt as though it was in a million places at once: the fortune teller, Nina, the baby, the team, and now Mila-my overbearing new colleague. I didn't know how to feel, or what to do, or even if I should bring it up to Nina. She already had her suspicions about Mila, after all.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as the evening approached. My phone rested in my pocket, and I found myself checking it more often than I cared to admit, hoping for a text or call from Nina.
Each tI glanced at the screen and found it empty, my worry deepened.
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At the bar, the team had gathered, and the atmosphere was lively. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and did my best to join in, despite my distraction. I sipped my drink, trying to focus on the present, but Nina's absence weighed heavily on my mind. Mila noticed my restlessness and leaned closer to me. She playfully reached for my phone, which was sitting on the edge of the table.
"You seem preoccupied, Enzo. Lettake that for a while," she said with a mischievous smile.
Before I could protest, she had my phone in her hand. She glanced at and then back at me! You the screen and can enjoy the evening without constantly checking your phone. Besides, you're heading back to the middle of nowhere after this, right?" I hesitated, torn between my desire to keep my phone close and the need to maintain a professional image. Mila's expression was a mixture of teasing and sincerity, and I finally relented, taking my phone back and placing it in my pocket.
"I'll try to check it less," I replied, forcing a smile. I couldn't deal with a confrontation tonight. Not before I had a chance to consider every option. And especially not before I found out what was going on with Nina.
Mila looked pleased with my response, and she leaned back in her chair. "Now," she said, folding her arms across her chest. "Let's get to know each other a little, Mr. Rivers."