Before going to his office, Alex stopped to think when he should take the next step. He decided to call Melissa and tell her to come and talk about the plan. He went to the front desk and handed her phone number to the receptionist, "Call this number and tell her that her article has passed and can be posted. Her appointment is four hours later from now and she shouldn't be late at any cost."
Receptionist dialed her right away, "Hello Miss Davis, I am Laura from M&A. Our Chief editor has passed your article and wants to see you".
Melissa faked her excitement, "Wow! Really!? OMG! I'll be there right away! Thank you so much for informing me".
Laura: we'll be looking forward to it.
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'It's been just few minutes, she is probably still on her way to his office! If I run, I can reach her!!' Cindy gulped in rest of the hot coffee and burned her mouth, "damn it!", she quickly ran out of the room to catch up to the waiter. 'She will go to his office first, I'll have to get there fast!' Cindy ran swiftly dodging all the people on her way, 'I can't believe I didn't tell her to not disclose who sent it!!' The cafeteria was situated in the 7th floor, when she got to the elevator, it was already going down. She hurried down the stairs to catch up but her attempts kept failing. Her face got more anxious, the closer she got to his office. Finally she reached his office but there was no sign of the waitress on her way. 'Should I knock on the door?'
She took a deep breath and went for it but there was no answer. She knocked again still no answer. She twisted the door knob slowly and walked in, her heart was beating so loudly as if it will burst out from her chest. Soon as she looked in, she was surprised. No one was in there, not even the parcel she sent. Cindy was wondering where the waitress was when Alex called her out from behind, "Do you need anything?" Cindy jumped up and turned instantly, her face turned pale when she saw the parcel in his hand.
Cindy pointed at the packet in his hand and the tea, "That...".
Alex: Thank you for the snacks, it—
Cindy: AUNT CARLA TOLD ME!
Cindy looked down and breathed heavily shutting her eyes tightly.
Alex:??
Cindy: She told me to get you snacks as you won't eat properly for too much work...
Alex seemed disappointed, "I see... well... thank you for this. How much did it cost?"
Cindy: no need to pay me back.
After a small pause, "Take care of yourself! I'll leave now!" Cindy rushed out of the room.
Seeing her all flustered, Alex broke into a soft laugh.
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Cindy ran back to her desk without looking around catching unwanted attentions. She dropped on her chair and buried her face in the table, 'This is so embarrassing...'
The colleague who sits beside her looked at her worriedly. They never talked much for which she was hesitating to ask what's wrong. She mustered some courage and went for it, "Miss Anderson, Are you ok?"
***