One day, I arrived at work with my coffee and bag, only to freeze at my desk.
A big arrangement of flowers sat there, vibrant and overwhelming. A note was included.
My pulse raced as I unfolded it, hoping for a name. But it only said, “Your smile brightens my days.”
“Did anyone see who brought this bouquet?” I inquired, holding up the note.
Robert glanced up from his computer.”No. I was the first one here. It was already on your desk when I arrived.” His pleasant smile made me trust him.
Robert was my favorite coworker. He was considerate, caring, and always had my back.
“Wow,” Brian exclaimed from across the room. “Someone actually noticed you exist.”
Brian was my least favorite coworker. Brian never missed an opportunity to annoy me.
I smiled, pushed the flowers aside, and started my computer. Work needed to come first.
The trouble was, that Robert, Brian, and I were all working on projects for the company, but only one of us would get funding.
I couldn’t allow him (or Robert) to win.
I was one of the few women in the company, and I had worked hard to get there.
Then there came the gifts. The gifts from my secret admirer continued to arrive practically every day.
I did not swoon over unknown admirers. I analyzed, questioned, and doubted. How could this person know so much about me?
Someone was watching. Someone knows my routines and interests. I was not flattered. I was afraid.
I returned to my job, pushing aside the worrisome thoughts. My mind was already spinning from this project.
I just wanted to get this over with. The presentation wasn’t until February 14th. Wasn’t it ironic?
I sighed and reached for my paper cup, which was empty. “I really need to buy a water bottle. I’m tired of constantly running to the cooler,” I said to myself.
When I got to work the next morning, I found a sleek new water bottle on my desk.
A note was included. “So you don’t have to keep running to the cooler.” I froze.
“Nice bottle,” Robert commented, pointing to it.
I nodded, but my thoughts kept racing. Something did not feel right. Then it clicked. It was Robert. Robert was my hidden admirer.
I wanted to ask him about it to validate my theory, but the presentation was too crucial.
On February 14th, we finally gave our presentation. The conference room was full, with stress in the air.
As the discussion began, I listened intently. Robert’s project came up first.
Then Brian’s. Executives asked questions and discussed ideas. But nobody mentioned mine.
Brian sat up taller. “It’s obvious Leslie’s project is the best.”
I struggled to prevent my jaw from falling. Brian, of all people, defended me?
“I don’t think so,” Robert cut in. “I still believe mine is the best, or at the very least, Brian’s. Men are better architects than women.”
I felt like I was slapped. Robert, who I assumed was supportive, had said that?
One of the executives eventually looked into my project. He glanced over the pages and nodded slowly. “Actually, I think Brian is right. Leslie’s project is the strongest.”
We left the conference room over an hour later.
I’d won.
“I know you like me. You’re my secret admirer,” I said to Robert, crossing my arms.
Robert sighed. “I’m just polite. I have a girlfriend.”
If not Robert, who was it?
When I went out and saw a figure standing by the entrance, my heart stopped. I shouted and panicked.
“Oh my God, Brian! You scared me!” I yelled, my pulse racing.
I froze. My mind put it together. “Wait… it’s you?”
Only then did I notice the huge bouquet he held. Tulips. My favorite.
So… you like me?” I inquired.
“…Yeah. I do,” he finally replied, avoiding eye contact.
I approached him and took his arm. “Well, I do need to get to know this other Brian,” I said.
