Page 6 of Decoding Emma

“The entire floor?”

“Yes.There are sitting areas, some vending machines, plus lots of games to play.”

“Games?”

“Foosball, a pool table, puzzles, and lots of table games.”

“Interesting.”

“It helps with productivity.We also don’t have set lunch times.Sometimes, taking extra time playing games can help stimulate ideas.”I paused.“Did you drive in today?”I was curious how far her place was from the office.

“Yes.I live in Memorial.Not much in the way of public transportation.”

“True.I live in Zenith, just a little bit south of you.”Maybe once she was more comfortable, I’d ask her to commute with me.It would be nice to have company and save on gas.Right.That’s the reason.Wanting to get to know her better had nothing to do with it.

“That’s a nice area.”

I nodded.It was almost ten-thirty.“Did you park in the garage?”They had temporary parking spots for vendors and visitors.

“Yes, in visitor parking.Do I need to move?”

“You’ll be fine for today, but tomorrow, park on one of the other floors.Be sure to pick up your parking pass before you leave today.”I stood.Perfect time for a pause and coffee, and maybe a chance to talk about things other than work.“I don’t know about you, but I could use some coffee and a snack.Why don’t we go downstairs, and I can show you the café and coffee shop area.”

Emma didn’t answer for a moment, and I thought she was about to decline and insist we get to work.

“Sounds good.”Yes!No way was I going to reveal any reaction other than calm and professional.

She slipped the lanyard with her keycards over her head and stood.“I could use some food.I was a little rushed this morning.”

“Let’s do it.”

In the elevator, I risked a couple of glances at Emma.She kept her gaze locked on the elevator doors.Her hands were in her pants pockets, and her shoulders weren’t as hunched and tight as when she first arrived.Progress.

When the doors slid open at the first floor, there were more people in the main area than had been earlier.Even with the number of people in the area, the sound of conversation was muted as staff and visitors made their way to elevators, the café and coffee shop, or to the various meeting areas.

“It’s a busy place,” Emma commented.

“Yes.Since it’s on the first floor, it’s open to the public, plus employees from our other two buildings come over here.”As I guided her toward Daily Perks, I noticed that she seemed to shrink into herself, just as she had when I first saw her at the party all those months ago.Did crowds bug her?

We got in line, and when we arrived at the front, Amelia smiled.“Hi, and welcome to Daily Perks.Asher, your usual?”

“Yes, please.Emma, what would you like?”

She looked startled that I’d asked her.There it was again, now maybe more evident.That look of discomfort, like she wasn’t used to being noticed.

“A vanilla latte and a blueberry muffin, please.”Her voice was soft.

“You got it.”Amelia glanced between me and Emma.

I almost laughed at Amelia’s inquisitive glance.“Amelia, this is Emma; she’s on contract here.Emma, Amelia.She runs Daily Perks.”

“Cute name,” Emma said.

“I like it.Welcome to the company, Emma.”Amelia said, placed my black coffee on the counter in front of us and then a blueberry muffin, a chocolate donut, and a vanilla scone.

I scanned my card as Emma’s latte was set on the counter.

“Should I scan mine?”Emma asked quietly.