Elizabeth's POV

I'm full of vim and vigour since I saw Paul's notification earlier in the skype meeting. It has taken the lion's share of my thoughts. He's not flirting. Who am I kidding? Unquestionably, Paul is supporting his fired friend from work. It's sympathy, not flirtation. Why would some handsome guy like Paul be interested in the stressed-out Elizabeth from his workplace? Even if he likes me, I shouldn't use him as a rebound for what had happened to me earlier. My best friend and boyfriend took me on a ride because I'm naive; once bitten, twice shy. Nevertheless, I'm in seventh heaven only by a mere notification.

Maybe Destiny noticed that I've been acting oddly since that notification popped up on my screen. Sitting on the couch, I try to calm myself before rushing to reply to his message. I don't want to run to conclusions or get the wrong end of the stick.

E: Aww! Thank you :)

That message is the cheesiest thing I've ever said. I don't even know why I'm overthinking like this. I make up my mind to delete this catshit message.

*Seen*

Immediately, I put the brakes on and exit the chat nearly dropping my cell. Further, to take things out of the frying pan into the fire, my finger slips and presses the video call button before I leave the chat. In situations like that, I'd call Laura and ask her what should I do, but with her being a fair-weather friend, I definitely can't. He picks up before I end the video call. Since I freaked out, the phone is at an awkward angle, with the front camera capturing the living room table, the flat TV screen, and a part of the ceiling as well. Looking as blind as a bat, I fix the camera haphazardly though I think this is an act of God.

Adjusting my front hair, I smile, "Hey!"

Paul is looking back at me confused yet pleased, "Hello, El," he glitters, "Lizabeth," he continues, feeling cumbersome.

After second thoughts, and after realising that I'm the one who was weird in the first place, I encourage, "El is fine."

He tensely touches his hair in relief. Out of the blue, I remember that I've to pack my stuff and book a ticket. Nonetheless, I decided to postpone this for a while. "To be honest, Paul, I called you by mistake."

That is the dumbest thing a person could say. His face dims, and the stiffness in it relaxes in dismay, he looks cute though. At the moment, I apologise; a stitch in time saves nine. "It's not that I don't want to call you."

His voice changes, and the glow in his eye vanishes, it makes me feel stupid. Why am I even acting like this? This guy didn't wrong me. I know that that glitters is not gold after my heart broke into smithereens, but he deserves a chance. "I understand, Elizabeth. If you don't want to talk, tell me. You can't give me false hopes."

"It's not really what you think, Paul," I assure, my voice cracking. "I've been through a hell lot lately. I'm trying to beat the heat, but it's not as easy as I thought; to move on, I mean."

Paul nods sympathetically, and I'm relieved that he understands. "I know what you're going through, Elizabeth. I've never liked Laura."

What? How does he know? I didn't tell anyone about it. I shift in my place, uncomfortably.