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The next morning, Veronica couldn’t wait to see Annalise, but she didn’t want her anticipation to appear desperate. Deep down, Veronica wondered what might’ve happened if they had confessed their feelings to one another when they were young.
Veronica had hinted that she liked Annalise, but she never admitted it. Annalise was closeted, and she never told Veronica how she felt.
After Veronica finished her phone meeting, she heard a knock at the door.
“Come in,” she said.
Annalise was there; shoulders slumped over. She took sly glances at Veronica to avoid looking Veronica straight in the eyes.
“What’s up, Annalise?” she asked her.
“You wanted to see me?” Annalise said.
Veronica did, but not only because they worked together.
“Of course, have a seat,” she said.
Annalise did as she was told. Veronica leaned forward and smiled.
“You know, you don’t have to act like we weren’t best friends before. I’m not going to eat you,” Veronica reassured.
“True. Sorry. It’s just...it’s been years,” Annalise said.
"About eight to be exact. So, how have you been?"
Annalise looked tense, and Veronica could tell from her squirmy nature that there was a lot she wanted to say.
“I’m okay. What about you? How did you end up in management?” Annalise asked.
“It was quite the adventure if I do say so myself. I never expected to be the manager of the company you worked for,” Veronica admitted.
"I see. But like, how? I mean, I knew you'd go to college as I did."
"Well, it kind of happened by accident," Veronica said. "I got my major, worked with a couple of small businesses, and just met people. I've always been outgoing, and I guess it took me this far. This is my most prominent position to date, and frankly, I'm terrified. I don't know if I will do well with this or not."
Veronica didn’t like highlighting her vulnerability, but with Annalise, it was somehow okay. They were best friends for so long that to her, it was all right to tell the truth.
“I get that. I got my graphic design degree, only to find out that the field is over saturated. I took the first job I could get out of college that wasn’t retail, which was some shitty little t-shirt business. I tried to find more, but I only joined up here a year ago, and I like this company a lot.”
“It seems like Bob likes you a lot. You’ve done well,” Veronica said.
Annalise blushed once more, and Veronica melted. Her blush was the cutest thing. “Thanks.”
"You're welcome. I want to see you again, Anna. I feel like the last time we spoke wasn't the best," Veronica said. "We didn't leave it on good terms. I don't like asking people for personal things during business hours, but would you be down to say, get some dinner this Friday? I don't have anything planned."
"You want to see me again?" Annalise asked.
“Yeah. I feel like the last time wasn’t right. I think we both have a lot that needs to be said.”
That was putting it lightly. Veronica wasn't going to let Anna get away this time, especially not if Annalise still had any feelings left. Anna's innocent eyes from high school could still stop her in her tracks.
“You know, it’s weird, but I feel like time never passed,” Annalise said.
"Maybe it didn't," Veronica replied softly.
“I do want to spend time with you, so I’m down for hanging out and catching up,” Annalise replied.
“Good. Then it’s a date,” Veronica said with a wink.
Veronica watched as Annalise flushed crimson. Gosh, she was still cute after all these years.
“By the way, Veronica, if you want to check on me at any point, just let me know,” Annalise said.
“Fine by me. Here’s my number,” Veronica replied.
"I should get going. I have to finish a few projects," Annalise said.
“I should too. I have to plan for a meeting tomorrow,” Veronica said.
After Annalise left her office, Veronica thought she couldn’t help but be happy.
"I'm delighted to see Anna doing well for herself," she said out loud to no one.
Hopefully, their dinner would repair their relationship, and make it so that they could move forward, and hopefully, Veronica thought, become something more.
Veronica felt a small twinge of worry, but she didn’t want to think about it during office hours. Veronica would get her answer during their date. She would ask the one question that had been gnawing at her since she saw Anna again yesterday. Together they would figure out where their future stood.