Dandelion Lover

It had been a few days since I had started my new job and I was becoming accustomed to the work and colleagues. Thankfully I didn't really mess anything up, or at least not anything that couldn't be resolved, and my relationsh.i.p.s within the company were on the friendly side.

I was feeling lucky that I had managed to befriend Ann, as she was a great help, not only at work but also outside it. We had already gone shopping for the office outing but I couldn't find anything that I liked. It was a rare occurrence that I found clothes that looked good on me as I was not really top model material.

Adrian repaired a small problem on my computer and showed me all kinds of cool tricks to help me with my work, while Rob always came by to ask how I was doing and if I needed anything. I noticed I had become quite happy and accustomed to how things were at the office.

The only time I felt uncomfortable was when we had those long meetings in Gray's office, as he wanted me to call him. He had such a strong presence that it made me feel like I was invisible when staying in the same room as him. I realized he was the core of the company and I could tell he was really talented, not only in web designing but also at managing the business. The fact that his looks were close to that of a male lingerie model didn't really help me relax when he was around.

Luckily for me at those meetings, I was required to just be present there and try to comprehend what they were talking about, no pressure whatsoever.

As my daily routine started, I walked into the office and placed my bag on my chair then headed directly to the kitchen. Ann was already there preparing her coffee and chatting with Rob.

"Good morning Kat!" Ann shouted making me almost trip on my own two legs on the way in. "Great day outside isn't it? We could go shopping later if you have time", she continued after I reached the coffee machine and started preparing my own cup.

"I have to go for now girls, now behave while I'm gone," said Rob jokingly after placing his empty mug in the sink and making his way to the door.

"When are we ever bad?" Ann shouted back giggling and throwing me a sneaky look.

"You know..." she started leaning closer to me until her curly black hair was resting on my shoulders. "Rob is such a nice man..." she continued while childishly playing with her hands on my back. Her touch made me flinch and I backed off a bit. I always felt a bit awkward when dealing with people who invaded my personal space. I just wasn't the type to get all touchy-feely.

"What? Who does?" I replied still a bit out of it.

"Robert of course, didn't you hear what I just said?" A pouting expression appeared on her face and I started paying more attention to her before she got all whiny.

"Ah yes, I'm listening. But why do you say that?"

"Well it's obvious." she began to explain. "Didn't you notice how he always pats your back or rests his hand on your shoulder? He even talks about you fairly often."

"Yeah, I did notice that." My voice was barely loud enough to be heard as I remembered how awkward it had always been when his hand touched me randomly or our shoulders were brought close together when he was explaining this and that. "But he's just like that, isn't he?"

"Not with everyone." Ann gleamed while saying this and grabbed my hands. "Oh, it would be so nice if you two got together, we could like go on double dates and stuff." Then she started rambling on and making plans for marriage, kids, and the likes. Sometimes Ann was a bit hyper which made me feel suffocated and tired, but she was a nice girl so I just left her to talk and nod from time to time.

The end of the workday came in fast and Ann suggested we made plans to go look through the stores for some more outfits, saying you could never have enough. I personally didn't really like to dress up or go shopping but spending money from time to time was relaxing and rewarding. If only it was my own money I was spending and not my grandma's, I would feel a lot better about it.

Going through the stores on the way to the city center I stopped at a green dress that came to my attention. The dress was similar to what Vivian had been wearing the other day, a kind of dress that wouldn't fit with my body type as I was way too skinny and my forms were similar to that of a pubescent child... Ann seeing that my attention was captured by the dress in the store, dragged me in to see some other models.

The shop itself exuded an air of elegance and all of the dresses were the type that had to be worn with 10-inch heels and a ton of makeup. As much as I liked some of the outfits, they were not my usual style so I quickly became bored of browsing through them.

Ann, however, found a tight sleeveless dress that showed her generous cleavage and was a bit too short for my taste. It was unlike what she usually wore but it suited her for some reason. She tried it on with a pair of red heels and she made numerous faces in the mirror while putting her hair high in a loose bun.

After what seemed like hours, she finally paid for the dress and shoes and we headed out of the store. It was already quite late and I knew my grandma was waiting for me with hot food on the plate, so I said my goodbyes and hurried towards the bus station.

Just as I was about to pass the street, I noticed a new shop that had recently opened and which had all kinds of dresses, shirts, skirts and even shoes, that were less common than what you could find in this town. I glanced at my watch and noticed there were another 20 minutes before my bus would be here, so I decided I might as well go in to take a quick look.

As I entered the little shop, a small chime made my presence known and a wonderful scent of fresh flowers enveloped my whole being. It was similar to being transported in a serene scene where flowers bloomed around me and the sun shined its warmth on my face, which managed to relax me, as cheesy as that might sound. It gave me a comfortable feeling and I was quickly at ease in the small shop.

Seeing the many types of clothes they had on display, I moved around the store while curiously looking through some dresses that were more for a c.o.c.ktail party rather than weddings and such. I suddenly found myself holding a light and simple white dress that urged me to try it on. I hurried to the changing booth and as soon as I managed to put the dress on, I stepped out to admire it in a better light.

The dress was only knee-high, the top was shaped like a corset and decorated with small silver buttons at the front. It had black lace spread around the top and the base of it. The material was thin and soft to the touch, similar to the feel of satin, and it allowed me to breathe and feel comfortable in it, while at the same time looking absolutely gorgeous.

I was amazed at how much I liked that dress, that was simple yet beautiful, perfectly satisfying my taste for overly girly style. I became positive then and there that this was going to be the dress I would wear to the office party.

Not long after I decided to buy it, I looked in the mirror and suddenly my breath was stuck in my throat, I froze not wanting to believe what I saw.

My intimidating boss, Mr. Gray, was standing at the entrance of the store, looking at me, while a smile made its way upon his lips. I felt petrified by his fixed stare on me. I then realized that he had been watching me while I was in Lala Land over my dress, making curtsies and pirouetting in front of the mirror.

I quickly tried to regain my breath and dodged into the changing booth, with my eyes big and gasping for air as I felt hot waves reaching my cheeks.

"Oh God, why me?" I whimpered and felt a real d.e.s.i.r.e to just dig a hole and jump into it, anything to escape this embarrassment...