She clicked on the icon as it popped up on her desk.
Meeting
Was the simple topic heading.
Opening it, Stephanie read the standard "thank you".
As she read the name at the bottom and looked at the sender's address again, she smiled as she made the connection.
It was the first time she'd ever actually seen him, although she'd heard his name before.
People had been talking for a while about how he was to head her department in this new project.
She'd listened attentively to his presentation.
Most of the group had seemed interested ... even impressed.
Things should run more smoothly than they had thought, Stephanie decided as she closed down the inbox and set about preparing her report.
He kept telling himself, 'it was just a courtesy email, no response was necessary.' Yet he checked throughout the day to see if she had replied.
He had sensed a connection, he was sure of it. But maybe he had been wrong. Could he just be wishing that she had shown interest? Maybe she was just being pleasant. Professional. But every time he thought of her there, tapping her pen on her notes, pushing that strand of hair behind her left year, catching her gaze for that moment...he was sure she was someone he wanted to learn more about.
He checked his email that night at home before bed. Still no response.
Stephanie clicked the "reply" icon and typed a response to Mathew Myers email.
Have forwarded all email sent to my address.
Good luck with your new placement.
S. Hudson
She looked at the note.
Short ... to the point.
She hit SEND.
Sitting back with a sigh, she decided that she was NOT going to get involved with "office politics".
It wasn't that Mr Myers had been moved out to allow this "newcomer", but he certainly felt ... "outsted".
She had done all that was necessary and would continue to forward any email he needed to see ... other than that ...
Not knowing why, Stephanie clicked on the email she had received the day before.
She hesitated.
Then she hit REPLY.
Found your presentation yesterday very interesting.
I hope you'll enjoy your time working with us.
If you need any assistance finding your way around the department and its quirks, please feel free to ask.