When we got off of the elevator, we saw John standing outside of the conference room where the orientation is going to be held. I almost let out a loud laugh when I saw what he was wearing. Another pinstriped suit!
"Mr. 75% is gone. Mr. Pinstriped replaced him." I mumbled. Not knowing I actually said it out loud. I did not even notice Ed and Jeff giving me an amused glance.
"So it is not just Ed who has a penchant for giving people nicknames." Jeff whispered loud enough for Ed to hear making him smirk.
I can feel myself blushing. I can't believe I actually said it out loud. My and my big mouth. I should have knocked myself with a club if I had one.
"So Shorty has a weird sense of humor." I heard Ed whispered. And I saw him wearing his poker face again which made me think that John might be looking at us. When I turned I did see him looking at us. But what was written in his face was unflattering. He looked like he could not believe his eyes.
"Why are all of you here?" he asked incredulously.
"Ah, maybe because of the same reason why you are here?" I said. My voice was laced with sarcasm. He really thought that only he will make the cut. What an obnoxious, conceited jerk!
I can hear Ed's rumbling laugh. John still looked incredulous but his face changed when he heard a set of heels walking towards us.
"Ericka! You made it too! I'm soooo happy. Congratulations!" he exclaimed joyfully.
So only Ericka deserves to be congratulated. Hmmmph. I walked past both of them and went into the room. Ed and Jeff quickly followed suit.
"Walking out?" Ed teased.
"No. I just do not want to breathe the same air they breathe. It is polluted with evil." I said with a voice dripping with disgust and dislike.
I heard his laughter again for the second time this morning.
"Someone seemed to be in a better mood now." I mocked him in a friendly manner.
"You were mistaken earlier. I ate breakfast." he simply said.
"So you hold grudges." which made me laugh. I like this version of Ed. It makes it easy to get along with him. I suddenly turned serious.
"I am being watched again." I whispered. I looked around but saw no one except the three of us. This feeling is really starting to creep me out. I notice Ed looking at me with concern in his face and was about to say something but whatever he intended to say was cut because of the door opening.
John and Ericka came in so we had to stop talking. They might laugh at me when they find out about what I felt in the parking space and here inside the room. We took our seats in the round table. I was seated in between Ed and Jeff. Ericka immediately took the seat beside Ed leaving John with no choice but to set on Ericka's left side.
Ericka totally ignored John and sent Ed a sly smile. She is looking at Ed like he is an oasis in the middle of the desert. Ed's body was slightly angled towards me.
"Hi Ed, how was your weekend." Ericka inquired. Ed did not respond immediately and I saw Ericka's face becoming dejected. She was being ignored in front of us and it was totally humiliating.
"Uneventful." came Ed's belated response. Ericka looked so surprise that he answered that I almost laughed out loud. Wow! I am starting to believe Ed's claim of having women drop at his feet. Well, judging from some of the reactions my body has towards him, I can definitely say that there is a grain of truth to his claims.
"Mine was loaded with activities. I went shopping. I have to make sure that I have enough clothes to wear to the office. I bought like fifteen blouses from C & K boutique. That made the sales lady really happy. I also went to get some purse from CaryMe. And I got my hair done." fluffing her hair in the intention of making Ed look at her. Which she miserably failed.
"Hmmm" was Ed's monosyllabic response. I really pity Ericka but when I looked at John I felt my sympathy spiking up. Ericka was talking to Ed but it was John who was hang up on every word that she said.
"You look great with you new hairstyle, Ericka." John said trying to get her attention.
"Thanks." Ericka said. She was about to turn back to Ed when John asked another question.
"I heard about C & K. They never go on sale. That is how confident they are with the quality of their goods." he said which surprised me because of his knowledge of fashion.
"Points for Mr. Pinstriped." I mumbled. Jeff elbowed me and when I looked up, he was making a hushing sound.
"Ooops! I will try my best to restrain myself." I promised. He held out his pinky. So we did the childish pinky swear which was stamped and sealed. He winked at me before he returned his attention back to his phone.
"Children." Ed muttered under his breath. I stuck my tongue out at him. This made him smile and shook his head. I saw Ericka's eyes widened when she saw Ed's smile. I can relate to how she feels. I felt it to, girl, I wanted to say. When she noticed that Ed's attention was on me, she looked at me with angrily.
I think, it will not be easy for me to gain girl friends because of both of these men. Some will approach me but only because they would want to get closer to these men too.
I never had any girl friends. It seems like they just hate me at the get go. I really do not know what turns them off. I know I do not normally behave like most girls do.
I have a natural aversion to fashion and make up. I only dated one man. It was only Bryanna who made friends with me. I guess I am not likable.