A Mob Of Troubles

After a few lovely seconds of more kissing, we let go of each other. Parker was the first to talk again. “There is, believe it or not, another reason why I wanted to see you alone. I wanted to talk to you about friday.” “Oh, no.” I thought to myself. My heart sank into my stomach, but I tried to not show that to Parker. “Ok, what about it? I had a great time.” “So did I, but that’s not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about us and our co-workers. I wanted to know if we should tell the others that we’re dating or not. I, personally, think we should keep this between ourselves for now, but I’m not sure how you feel.” “I appreciate you asking. I was wondering the same thing this morning. To be honest with you, I would prefer not to say anything as well. At least not yet. Let’s just enjoy this secret we have for now.” I winked when I said ‘secret’. “I agree, but I’m just curious as to why you don’t want to tell. Are you embarrassed in some way?” “Are you kidding? Of course not! It’s just . . . ” I wasn’t sure how to bring Collin up– or how Parker will take it. I paused for a few seconds before answering. “It’s just what?” “Well, it’s just that there are some people who feel that I, or any other girls for that matter, shouldn’t date you.” “By some people you mean Collin, right?” “I’m sorry.” I hoped that I hadn’t upset him. “Collin’s a punk. I could care less what he thinks or says. And you shouldn’t care either. Besides, you’re a big girl. You don’t have to get his permission. It’s not like he’s your boyfriend or anything like that.” “Parker, I know that. It’s just that if he knew, he’d hound me about it and I just prefer not to venture there yet. Ok?” “Well, that’s your decision, but you know that if he bothered you I could take care of him, or it, for you.” “I know. But that won’t be necessary. Besides, I’m not ready to share our wonderful date with anyone else yet. I mean, whom I had a date with. It keeps them guessing, which is definitely more entertaining for us.” I winked at Parker again and we both laughed. I grabbed his hands, put them on my waist and hugged him. It was so nice to know that I worried for nothing. He was just as happy as I was. We stood there hugging each other for about a minute or two with neither of us saying anything. “Well, sweetie. Not that I don’t love standing here with you, but I’m hungry! Wanna join me in the break room for lunch?” I asked, hoping he’d take me up on the offer. “Thanks, I wish I could, but I had my lunch earlier today. I really should get back before they wonder where I went.” “Ok, that’s all right. Maybe some other time then.” He opened the door and we walked out into the hallway. We were just about to part ways when around the corner came Collin and Mrs. Swank. Collin stopped in his tracks when he saw us and just looked at the two of us standing together. He put his head down and began to shake it back and forth. Mrs. Swank, on the other hand, couldn’t care less. She just continued to walk by without saying a word to any of us. “Hi, Collin. Are you on lunch? If you are, can I join you? I was just going to the break room when I ran into Parker here.” Collin was staring at Parker with his usual intensity when he began to answer me. But just as he was going to speak, Parker cut him off. “He’s always on lunch. He never works, so his whole day is one long lunch.” Parker gave Collin a look that sent shivers down my spine. “Wow! Parker! Impressive! Really! Is that the best you could come up with? Probably, since anything involving more thought would really hurt, huh?” “Hate to tell you little man, but I was just warming up. You haven’t seen anything yet. As a matter of fa . . . ” “Parker was just leaving. Right, Parker?” I stood in front of him with my back to Collin as I interrupted Parker from saying anymore. I gave him a look that pleaded for him to leave. “Saved by the redhead, Collin.” Parker grabbed me and pulled me to the side. “I don’t like you being alone with him.” “Oh please, Parker. You know Collin isn’t going to do anything to hurt me. He’s been nothing but wonderful to me!” “That’s not what I’m worried about!” “Then what?” “He likes to start crap without checking the facts first. All I ask is that you don’t automatically believe whatever he tells you ok?” “I think you worry too much. And, you need to give me more credit than that. I think I know what to believe and what not to. Besides, he’s already said things to me and I still went out with you, right?” “True. Well, just be careful. If you need me, you know where to find me.” “Ok. See ya later.” Parker waived goodbye and walked down the hallway back to the office desks. I turned around and met back with Collin who was leaning against the wall with a glare on his face. “You know what Collin? Don’t start. I don’t want to hear any more about how terrible a person Parker is and all that.” Collin raised his hands in the air like he was being held up. “I didn’t say a word.” “You didn’t have to.” “I know. Trust me. All in due time. Parker will speak for me. He’ll do something to take himself down.”