Pretend it is a normal day

I see her.

Even from across the sea of cubicles, she stands out. So tall and proud. Chin up, shoulders back, chest out. She moves regally, demanding to be noticed. Her sheer black hair reflects the overhead lights as she moves. Her asymmetric bangs would look like a silly experiment on someone else, but she surely paid an extravagant price for it and owns it like a fashion model. Heads turn all around the office, some cringe inwardly at the chance of getting ridiculed, others simply can't look away. Even I feel compelled to watch her everyday. The reveal of her outfit is a highlight of the morning.

I make myself look busy by opening a few programs and getting useful-looking web tabs open. mm-hmm... yes-yes, I am so very busy. I peek over my monitor.

She is wearing one of my favorite outfits. Her white button up shirt is just tight enough to hint at her toned shoulders and it is tailored to taper with her lean waist. The cuffs and collar are stylishly oversized and have a rich pink inner lining, revealing a bold flash of color when folded back. Her black skirt looks simple, but I have noticed that it moves in a curious way. It hugs and stretches in a way is always form fitting without ever creasing or folding, just perfectly molded to her. The skirt ends above her sexy knees. I haven't thought much about any woman's knees before, but something about Victoria's just does something for me. I think about her knees a lot. Her long, faintly tanned legs look bare, but I would have to touch them to be sure. The tight muscles of her calves have pleasing angularity, as if carved from clay with a sharp tool. Her black high heels put her height well above most men. I **** myself to look up at her, noticing her minimalist gym headphones dangling inside of her open collar. A few delicate beads of perspiration cling to her collarbone.

"Good morning, Ms. Hartley. Coffee this morning?" I say in my usual tone as she reaches the alcove.

"Good morning, Warren. Maybe later, thank you," she says crisply and walks to her door, taking the printout I extend to her. She reads it while taking the last few long, graceful strides to the door. She unlocks it and steps inside. "No phone calls this morning." She closes the door.

I let out my breath. {if victoria_birthday = true}Happy birthday to me...{else}Good luck on that presentation...{endif}