Not exactly the ugly duckling

 

Helga snatched the ringing phone from its hook, and it promptly flew from her fingers. Swearing, she grasped at the curled cord and pulled it up so she could grab the phone with her other hand.

"Helga speaking" she chirped, putting on her phone voice.

There was a laugh on the other end of the line. "It's just me. There's a delivery down here for you. You gotta come sign."

Helga groaned… stupid deliveries. "It's gotta be me?"

Suzie, the front desk receptionist just laughed again. "Yup, 'fraid so. It's got your name on it. You're due lunch now anyways, aren't ya?"

12.48pm. "Close enough. Alright, I'll be down in a second. Thanks Suze."

"He looks impatient, hurry up." Suzie whispered conspiratorially before she hung up.

Great, a grumpy delivery guy… just what she needed. She pulled her jacket on and grabbed her bag. She stared blankly at the wall in the elevator - Sushi or a burger? Wonder what the parcel is. Hope Arnold's online when I get home. Maybe I'll just grab a roast chicken for dinner, Bob'll like that. Gotta remember to check that auction on Ebay. Need more bubble bath…

She scanned her eyes around the foyer as she stepped out of the elevator. She couldn't see a delivery guy. Some guy was talking to Suzie though… a tall, skinny dude with messy blonde hair… she walked closer, her heart leaping around in her chest. It couldn't be… Suzie spied her walking up, and pointed, the guy turned around.

"Hey." He grinned, smoothing his hair out of his face.

"Arnold?" She felt like pinching herself. What the hell?

He just opened his arms "Hi."

She stepped into his hug, wrapping her arms around his waist. She felt like she was in a dream, what the hell was he doing here?

"What the hell are you doing here?" she mumbled against his throat as his arms encircled her, his cheek pressed against her hair. She felt the rumble of his laugh.

"Surprising you." He said softly.

"Surprise!" She giggled. Feeling suddenly woozy. She pulled back, looked into his face. God, his eyes were amazing. "Are you the delivery?"

He laughed again, and again she felt it, she could have melted.

"Yeah." His eyes searched her face. "Hi." He said again, his voice soft.

"Wanna go for lunch with me?" Helga asked, slowly realizing that she was in the middle of a busy building foyer at lunchtime. Oops.

His arms released her, but somewhat reluctantly. He turned to the receptionist, who was blatantly watching them, her mouth open in shock. "Nice to meet you Suzie… and thanks."

"Uh-huh." She stared as Helga and Arnold left, walking close enough for their arms to bump up against each other at each step.

"How long are you here for?" Helga asked. Please, please let it be for the whole weekend.

"Two weeks." He said simply, glancing at her, smiling when she turned to look at him, her eyes wide. "Mid-semester break. I figure I'll do uni stuff while you're at work."

Her hand came up to her throat. "But… what about your job?"

He shrugged. "Meh, I think they're sick of me mooning around the office anyways. I got that valve project thing finished before I left." He paused to step aside for a lady with a pram. "Seriously, don't worry about that shit. I just… wanted to be here."

Oh god. Helga was blushing, she could feel the heat creeping up her neck. "I'm glad you're here."