Nice

Work had gone better than expected.

Emails answered. A few minor fires put out before they had a chance to flare. Even her department lead had complimented her response time on the proposal revisions. No friction. No hiccups.

And she’d noticed something else, too.

More smiles.

A few coworkers held her eye just a second longer than usual when they passed her in the hallway. She chalked it up to her mood—she’d felt good this morning. Confident. Light.

It had to be that.

Well, except for Martin from HR.

She caught him staring during her mid-morning walk to the copier. Not just glancing—leering, like he thought she wouldn’t notice. Or worse, that no one else would.

But Angela from Accounting—seventy, sharp as a hawk—had looked up from her crossword and fixed him with a stare so fierce it practically sent him scampering.

Emily had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

Still, the rest of the day moved quickly. Efficiently.

Before she knew it, the clock blinked 12:06, and she stood up to stretch, her stomach lightly growling.

Lunch.

She walked to the door, turned the lock with a casual flick of her wrist, and returned to her desk.

It wasn’t until she sat back down that she paused.

Her fingers hovered over her keyboard.

Her brow furrowed.

Why did I do that?

There hadn’t been anyone hovering in the hall. No loud voices. No looming meeting.

And yet she’d locked the door without a second thought.

The gesture had been smooth. Practiced.

As if she expected to need the privacy.

As if her body knew something her mind hadn’t admitted yet.

Emily leaned back slightly in her chair, lips parting.

Was she planning to do something… she wouldn’t want someone walking in on?

Her eyes flicked toward her phone.

Then to the mirror on the wall.

Then back to her lap.

God.

Maybe.