This series is a prequel to "Making Amends." It recounts the affair that led to the consequences in "Making Amends."
The Affair: Chapter 1 -- Flirtation
Walter stood up from his desk and stretched his lanky 6 feet tall frame. He needed to clear his mind for a few minutes so that he could finish the monthly report before tomorrow's deadline. He liked to walk over to the small conference room and gaze out the window at the view of the city whenever he felt that his brain was about to overload. The panoramic always helped to reduce his stress and focus his mind. As he approached the conference room, he noticed through the textured glass wall that someone was sitting there.
As he opened the door to the conference room, a beautiful woman looked up at him from her laptop computer. He did not recognize her. She had a gorgeous face with piercing blue eyes and a bright smile. Her dark brown hair was shoulder length and slightly curly. "Hello, I'm Walter. I do not believe we have met."
The woman rose from her chair and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Veronica, but everyone calls me Ronnie. I just started last week. I'm the new statistician." Veronica was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and petite. She appeared shapely, although it was hard to tell because of the loose floral print dress she was wearing.
"Oh great. It's nice to meet you. I was wondering if I could just sit here for a few minutes and relax. I find the view of the city from this vantage point captivating and it helps me focus my thoughts and recharge my brain."
"Of course. Feel free. I'm just finishing up the remainder of my new hire paperwork. I think the HR manger must have majored in tedium in college." Ronnie chuckled as she said that. "And I agree with you this view is magnificent."
"Thanks. And I agree with you. HR paperwork can be tiresome," Walter replied while stifling a laugh himself. "I'll just sit over here and let you finish up. I promise not to disturb you."
"Oh no, you're not disturbing me. I could use a break from trying to fill out these monotonous forms. Come sit next to me. I have so many questions about how this office functions."
They sat together and Walter explained the ins and outs of the office politics. The whole time rather than gazing out the window to take in the cityscape, Walter was staring at his newfound colleague. He was enchanted by her lilting voice and enthralled by her beauty.
"You seem to be enjoying the view," Ronnie said.
Walter realized he had been caught gawking at her and blushed. "Oh, sorry. My apologies. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you are quite lovely," Walter stood up and turned toward the door to leave. "I should really get back to work. I've taken up too much of your time already."