Page 40 of Zimyra

I place my phone on the coffee table, stand up and stretch. After a quick trip to the bathroom, I walk to the kitchen to get a bottle of water. While I’m chugging, I hear my phone buzz. I walk over and pick it up to see another message from Zimyra:

Zimyra: That’s odd.

Axel: What’s that?

Zimyra: Is that what you typically do on Saturday evenings? Hang out on the sofa like an old man.

I grin. This girl is funny when she’s not at work. I guess we all have different non-work versions of ourselves. Seeing her with her nephew this morning was like looking at and talking to a different person. Without those power suits she wears to work, she’s a chill person. At least that’s what I think.

Axel: Is that your roundabout way of trying to find out how old I am?

Zimyra: I know how old you are, Axel. You filled out an application, remember?

Axel: Right…

Zimyra: I’m just curious why you’re home and not out kicking it

Axel: Because you haven’t asked me out yet.

Zimyra: wow…the audacity

Axel: meaning?

Zimyra: you don’t know if I’m in a relationship

Axel: are you?

She goes dark. The messages were flying back and forth, but as soon as I inquired about her relationship status, she stopped typing.

Axel: your silence is telling.

Zimyra: My bad. I was distracted. I’m out right now.

Axel: that still doesn’t answer my question.

Zimyra: why does it matter if I’m in a relationship or not? I don’t date coworkers, no matter how handsome they are.

Axel: You think I’m handsome?

Zimyra: ugh…leave me alone

Axel: and who said anything about dating?

Zimyra: you just implied that I should ask you out

Axel: and I’m still waiting. Oh, and I never mentioned the word ‘date’.

Zimyra: bye, Axel. I hope you enjoy your evening.

Axel: ask me out, boss lady

Zimyra: stop

Axel: no

Zimyra: yes

Axel: ask me

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