Chapter 11 Convincing William
Monday morning felt heavier than usual. The alarm rang, and I dragged myself out of bed, already thinking about work and the week ahead. I needed a mental boost, something to carry me through the monotony.
By the time I arrived at the office, the usual hum of keyboards and printer noise filled the air. I settled into my desk, noticing Nora across the room, already typing fiercely. She glanced up and waved.
"You survived the weekend?" she asked with a smile.
"Barely," I replied, setting down my bag. "But at least Monday isn't dragging yet."
She laughed. "True. Mr. Harlan hasn't jumped on anyone yet."
I groaned quietly, opening my emails. Sure enough, the first ping was from him:
Olivia, the Montclair report needs adjustments. Pay attention to the formatting this time.
"Of course," I muttered under my breath, sighing. Nora raised an eyebrow.
"You okay?" she asked.
"I'll survive," I said, typing a quick reply and diving into the corrections.
Half an hour later, my phone buzzed. A message from William.
William: Want to talk?
I hesitated. Fingers hovering over the keyboard, I typed back:
Me: Not much. Just buried in work.
William: That's not much. Spill.
I smiled faintly. Me: Maybe later.
William: Okay. Just know I'm here.
I exhaled slowly. He didn't push. He just waited. And somehow, that made the day feel lighter.
By mid-morning, I was drowning in spreadsheet edits, tables that refused to align, and notes from Mr. Harlan that read more like riddles than instructions. I pinched the bridge of my nose and groaned. Nora leaned over.
"You're deep in it today," she observed.
"Mr. Harlan's special instructions, as always," I replied. "I swear, half the time I think he wants me to mess up just to see my reaction."
She laughed softly. "Don't let him get to you. You're good at this."
I smiled faintly, appreciating the support. My phone buzzed again. Another message from William:
William: You've got this. And… Saturday?
I froze, heart skipping. Time to start planting the idea.
I quickly FaceTimed Zara during lunch, keeping the camera on as I grabbed a quick salad.
"Hey, Liv!" she said, her smile bright and infectious.
"Hey, Zee. Guess what I'm thinking?" I asked, grinning.
"Hmm… spill," she said, leaning closer to the screen.
"Well…" I lowered my voice conspiratorially. "You remember the double date we talked about? I think this weekend would be perfect for it.
She gasped dramatically. "Oh my goodness! Can you believe that it slipped my mind. I totally forgot. But no issues as you said this weekend will be perfect. Very perfect. Convincing my man won't be a problem.
"I know," I said. "And that's why I called you because we need to plan it right. It's going to be fun, and I also know that I can convince him."
We spent the next twenty minutes brainstorming:
"Mini golf," she suggested. "Casual, easy to laugh, no pressure."
"Bowling too," I added, excitement rising. "Or trivia night?"
Zara laughed. "Yes! And maybe a cooking class. Hands-on, interactive. Your man might hate it, but we'll see."
"What about an escape room?" I asked, daring.
She snorted. "Oh, he'll protest, but it could be hilarious to watch him survive."
We rattled off a list: board games at a café, pizza-making challenge, ice cream tasting. The ideas grew wilder as we joked, teased, and exaggerated each other's reactions.
"Zee," I said finally, "you'll have to convince your man. Mine's… he's never done this before. Might be shy."
"Don't worry," Zara grinned. "I've got mine under control. We'll coordinate. Saturday will be epic."
By the afternoon, the office chaos had dimmed. Mr. Harlan's urgent emails slowed to a trickle, and I felt relief wash over me. It was time to call William. My heart beat fast.
"Hey," he answered.
"Hi," I said, trying to sound casual. "So… I have an idea for Saturday."
He was quiet. "Yes?"
"I… I was thinking," I said, fumbling slightly, "maybe a double date with Zara and her boyfriend. Just a few hours, nothing serious. Fun activities, games, something casual."
He exhaled softly. "I've… never really done that before."
"Exactly!" I said, smiling. "Which is why we should. It'll be easy, fun. You'll meet my friend and her man. You'll have a good time. I promise."
"I don't know…" he said, hesitation clear even through the phone.
"William," I said softly, "I just want us to enjoy ourselves. You don't have to do anything you don't want. But I think you'll like it."
There was a pause. Then, a laugh deep and warm. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is," I teased. "And you know me. I'm persuasive."
"I can tell," he said, amusement in his voice. "Fine. I'll do it. But only for you."
I grinned so hard my cheeks hurt. "That's all I ask."
We spent the next several minutes coordinating: pick-up time, outfit ideas, locations, how casual or fancy the activities should be. He teased me over choices, but it was light, playful, and easy.
Finally, I laughed. "So… you're in?"
"Yes," he said. "And Olivia?"
"Yes?"
"Just enjoy it. Don't overthink."
"I will," I said, feeling warmth spread through me.
After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling. My phone buzzed with a message from Zara:
Zara: So… we're really doing this. I'm excited!
Me: Yes! And don't worry, William's in. Yours next!
She laughed. "Deal. Saturday is going to be amazing. I can't wait to see your man!"
I spent the rest of the afternoon completing minor work tasks, my mind drifting to the double date: what we'd wear, which games to pick, how the boys would react. But mostly, I thought about William. The way he'd agreed, the teasing in his voice, the warmth I felt just knowing he'd be there.
By the time I left the office, my phone buzzed again.
William: Can't wait for Saturday.
Me: Me neither.
Walking to my car, I felt lighter than I had all week. This wasn't just about a double date. It was about being with someone who truly noticed me, who valued time together, and who wanted to make even small things feel special.
That night, I laid out my outfits on the bed. Soft blouse with jeans, slightly dressier top for later. I imagined William's smile, the way he'd glance at me, the gentle teasing tone of his voice. I couldn't help but grin.
I grabbed my phone and FaceTimed Zara again, showing her the choices.
Me: Which one for the first meeting?
Zara: Both. You'll look amazing. Can't wait for Saturday!
I laughed quietly, feeling my heart swell. It wasn't just about clothes or plans. It was about being seen, understood, and cherished. And with William, I was.
Before falling asleep, I whispered into the quiet room, thinking of him: He's so patient. So willing to just… be here. I really have the most wonderful man.