No relationship policy

The afternoon was fairly quiet compared to what happened this morning which made me breathe a sigh of relief. I feel like walking on egg shells when Ashton is around. Ericka also was quiet after lunch. She didn't want to talk. I let her be. I have a lot on my plate already to worry about her.

The afternoon went by without a hitch. I did not realize that it was time to get off work if Ericka did not tap me on my shoulders.

"Hey, that's enough already. You should continue that tomorrow. Ed and Jeff might start a man hunt for you if they don't see you in five minutes." she teased. I laughed.

I'm starting to like this new Ericka. It seems like she no longer has any hatred towards me.

"Man hunt? That too far fetch!" I said getting up from my table and walked with her to the elevator. Ms. Jennifer took the afternoon off while Ashton had a late meeting outside the company so we were left to our own devices.

"I don't think so. With the way lover boy is looking at you, there is a high chance that it might happen." she countered. "Maybe that was why he was so adamant in expressing himself on the no relationship policy." she winked at me.

The elevator opened and Mr. Larson came in. I saw him stiffen when he saw Ericka but visibly relaxed after seeing me. Hmmmm, I wonder why he would react that way.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Larson." I greeted him. While Ericka just politely smiled at him.

The elevator stopped again, this time it was Ed, Jeff and John who came in.

"Lena! I was just about to call you." Jeff greeted me. "Hello Mr. Larson, Ericka." he greeted them as if it was an afterthought.

"It seems like you are all close friends already." Mr. Larson commented.

"We get along just fine." John replied while sending a smile to Ericka which made Mr. Larson frown. Ericka was just expressionless.

"I see. But remember the no personal relationship policy of the company." Mr. Larson reminded us as we were about to get off the elevator.

His comment made Ericka look at him meaningfully. Why do I get this feeling that they were communicating indirectly. It was as if the entire time we were inside held a great wealth of information. My gut is telling me to pay close attention to Mr. Larson and Ericka.

The question is why? They have not done anything that would merit these baseless questions and doubts. I guess my mind is just on overdrive.

We said our goodbyes to Mr. Larson as he was going to pick up his wife Ms. Maureen.

"I wonder if they are happily married." Ericka asked while looking at the Larsons.

This question made me seriously look at her. Is that wistfulness in her voice? I feels like she is longing to he in one too.

"I don't think a married couple working for the same company is that happy. You see each other at home and you would still see each other at you work place? I would prefer to work at s different place if I will be married in the future." John said with unconcealed disgust in his voice as he look at the Larsons also.

"If it were me and I'll have Helena as my wife, I would want to work in the same room, I mean office with her." Ed mused and then winked at me.

I felt myself blush. What the heck? Why was I in the spotlight?

"Calm down, lover boy. No one is going to steal her from you. Everyone at the pantry during lunch time heard you, so I don't think anyone would dare approach Helena. Too bad. She can't mingle with other great guys anymore." Ericka teased.

"You were at the pantry earlier?" I asked.

"No. I just heard a bunch of guys talking about how a hot new guy was openly pursuing a pretty girl despite the company policy stating against it." she said while we were heading towards the parking area. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the protagonists in the gossips are. I agree with the hot new guy but I'm not really sure with the pretty girl description. I don't think you are pretty." she added being her true self again.

She really is a high class b****. She just doesn't let go of the opportunity to make my life a living hell. I wonder where the nice Ericka has gone to.

"Ed has some loose screw in his head that is why he finds me attractive." I said with a grimace. My comment made Jeff laugh really hard which earned him a slap at the back of his head from Ed.

"What?" Jeff asked. "She's right though. You do have some loose screws up there." pointing at his head.

"You do too," Ed countered, not wanting to loose in this teasing game. "You find Helena attractive to. As you explicitly pointed out the last time that we were talking."

"I am crazy. There is no point in denying it. And I do find Helena attractive. I really like her." Jeff said while smiling at me.

"Are you trying to compliment Helena or insult her? I'm confused. You tell her she is attractive but you also admit that you are nuts. So that would mean that what Helena said is true about guys finding her pretty are crazy." John said. He seemed to be talking to himself. He is holding an entire conversation in an audible and logical manner in front of us.

The four of us look at each other incredulously. It was not Jeff or Ed that's crazy. It was John Hale! When he did not get any response from us, he looked up and saw us looking at him with amusement.

"What? Why are staring at me like that?" John asked which sent us all laughing like buffoons.

"Whatever." he hissed marching off towards his car. "Do you want me to drop you off, Ericka?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be lovely." she responded. "See you guys tomorrow." and sauntered off.

When we were left alone, Jeff and Ed talked about where to have dinner. I felt the same creepy feeling I have when I was being watched. I looked around and saw no one.

Uggggh! This is frustrating. Maybe I have finally gone crazy.

Ed seemed to have noticed this since he cut off their conversation and told Jeff to get in his car. He said he will just call and tell him where they will meet.

"Shorty, let's go. I'll drop you off." Ed said which I am really grateful for. I just nodded my thanks and went inside the car.