Just as Callie was preparing to leave, the door to the rest area swung open.
Nelson, freshly showered with damp hair and only half-dressed, revealing his finely sculpted collarbones, water dripping down his neck. Callie stared, unintentionally swallowing hard.
Nelson, pausing in drying his hair, narrowed his eyes, “Callie? What are you doing here?”
“I… uh, brought you breakfast…”
Caught between staying and fleeing, Callie clumsily pointed at the food on the table.
How could she explain that she hadn’t intended to intrude, especially since she hadn’t known Nelson could have a shower in his office?
His suspicion apparent, Nelson approached, inspecting the note, a smile curling the corners of his mouth, “Still some conscience, then.”
“But what’s with all this greasy food?”
Before Callie could respond, voices from outside indicated that the secretaries had started arriving for work. Panic set in-there was no way to explain this situation. Frantically, she gestured to Nelson for help.
Pressing his lips together, Nelson picked up the breakfast, and said, “Come with me.”
He locked the door behind them, sealing them inside the rest area.
Soon someone knocked; it was Cora’s voice from the other side, “Mr. Oconnor, are you in there? I saw water droplets on the office floor.”
Callie leaned against the door, her heart pounding, nearly forgetting to breathe.
Nelson settled on the couch, expressionless, “Yes, I’m resting for a bit. You can leave.”
Cora hesitated, “Did you work overtime last night? Why didn’t you let me help? I…”
“Leave.”
After a tense few seconds, Cora complied, “Alright,” then walked away.
Callie slid to the floor in front of Nelson, despair written all over her face, “What now? Your secretary is here; how can I leave without being seen?”
Nelson’s office and the secretary’s area were closely linked; anyone leaving would be immediately visible.
If she was discovered leaving Nelson’s private rest area… her reputation would be tarnished.
Nelson seemed to ignore her distress, instead opening the greasy takeout boxes and setting them out, his expression one of distaste. “What are these?” he asked, frowning.
“They’re really good!” Callie, growing more desperate, picked up a fork and pointed, “These
are breakfast sandwiches, filled with fresh bacon, egg, and cheese-absolutely tasty!”
“These are croissants, buttery and flaky, perfect for a light snack.”
“And this is coffee, brewed fresh this morning-rich and aromatic.”
Callie listed the items enthusiastically, trying to convey their appeal.
Nelson’s eyes narrowed; there she was, sitting in one of Ylosea’s highest buildings, surrounded by a sea of traffic and towering structures, yet describing a simple breakfast with such natural ease, without a hint of incongruity.
“I usually have black truffle scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, and freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast.”
Callie’s enthusiasm was instantly doused, though she knew her simple choices were insignificant to him. Somehow, she still hoped for his approval.
“Alright… for us working folks, this is quite a lavish breakfast. If you won’t eat, don’t regret it-I will!”
Trying to appear nonchalant, Callie grabbed a sandwich and was about to bite into it when Nelson snatched it from her, “Who said I wouldn’t eat?”