On second thought, I should check on Renee.

Maybe I had been a little too harsh with Renee. She obviously cared about me in her own way and I just turned down any advances. Maybe I should have heard her out? Or at least talked with her about it. I picked up my phone and called Renee, asking her to come back to the office. She sounded meek and worried, but I assured her that she wasn't in any trouble. Turns out, she had only gone to the bar a few minutes up the road. I was a bit worried about her driving here, but she made it safely.

The minute she walked in, she ran to me, falling into my arms crying and apologizing. I was a little confused, but I just held her. Renee began to talk about how lonely she had been lately and just wanted someone to love her. She'd always held some sort of feelings for me, it seemed. But more than that, she'd noticed that lately I'd been in the office even when there was no work to do, as if I was avoiding being at home. I suppose she would be able to read me after the length of time we'd worked together and known each other.

I sat her down on the desk and got a good look at her. Her face was stained with runny makeup from her crying, her cheeks red as well. "Hey now, it's okay. Let's get you cleaned up." I smiled gently as I walked into the adjoining bathroom and got her a washcloth. I came out and began to dab at her cheeks and eyes, helping clean her off. Even without her makeup; even with her red, puffy cheeks; she was adorable.