HappyNovelMonday morning, Charlene had just reached the lobby of her office building when she nearly bumped into Gaylord, who was arriving for work as well.
Gaylord greeted her with a smile. "Morning." "Morning," Charlene replied.
No sooner had she spoken than she spotted York across the lobby.
Seeing him, Charlene slowed her steps for a moment.
Gaylord noticed York too, and a frown creased his face.
York, seemingly unconcerned with Gaylord, walked directly toward Charlene. "I got back early yesterday morning. It's been a while since we've seen each other, so I wanted to stop by and say hello." He really did just want to see her-nothing more.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSensing her distance and not wanting to make things awkward or have her grow annoyed with him, York added quickly, "You look busy. Don't mind me. I'll be on my way in a minute." Charlene had said everything there was to say to York. Now that he'd shown up out of the blue, she honestly didn't know what to say anymore.
So when he gave her an out, she took it. She nodded briefly, then turned and headed for the stairs.
Gaylord shot York a glance, then hurried to catch up with Charlene.
York watched her retreating figure for a long moment before turning and heading back to his car.
Inside his car sat a bouquet of flowers. He'd intended to give them to Charlene, but seeing how things were, he realized that if he actually handed them over, she'd probably start avoiding him altogether.
The thought drew a self-deprecating smile from York's lips.
Upstairs, Gaylord pressed the elevator button, joining Charlene inside.
Noticing him watching her in silence, Charlene looked up. "What's on your mind?" "Nothing," Gaylord replied, shaking his head.
But after a pause, he couldn't help himself. "Does Mr. Watson ask to meet you often?" "No," Charlene said simply.
York's job was unusual-he didn't get many days off, so even if he wanted to see her, he rarely had the time.
Charlene's attitude toward York had been clear enough just now; Gaylord actually felt relieved. Still, he couldn't help worrying-if York ever grew more persistent, would Charlene eventually give in? That thought led him to remember Granger.
As far as he knew, Granger liked Charlene too. But Granger hadn't shown up for quite stime, and, like Gaylord, he'd never really made a move.
Why was that? Had he given up? Lost in thought, Gaylord glanced at Charlene, hesitated, and finally asked, "I'm just a little curious..." "Hm?" Charlene prompted.
"York's got a lot going for him, but you don't seem interested. Why is that?" Gaylord wanted to know if there was something about York that put her off-or if there was sred flag about relationships or marriage he should be aware of. If so, he'd want to be careful not to make the smistake himself.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCharlene had never thought of Gaylord as someone who pried into other people's business. It was the first the'd ever asked something so personal, but she didn't mind. "I'm not officially divorced yet. How could I consider anyone else? Besides, I'm just not interested in Mr. Watson."
Gaylord blinked, taken aback. All this time, he'd assumed Charlene was el already divorced. "You... you're not?" She shook her head. "Not yet." Just as she finished speaking, the elevator doors slid open.
Charlene stepped out and headed back to her office, ready to get to work.
Gaylord stared after her, his mind blank for a moment.
As he watched her go, a new thought struck him: Maybe Granger hadn't' pursued
Charlene because he knew she wasn't officially divorced, noto m ve because he'd given up.
Or... maybe Granger knew Charlene's husband?
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