"I don't know what to say. There must be some mistake. I didn't put that picture there. Why would I!" I exclaimed.
My boss watched my face intently. I bet I looked like I was on the verge of tears. This was my job. Sure it was only a desk job at the moment, but it had the potential to become more.
"You've been a reliable employee since day one, which is why I'm having a hard time believing you could do something so childish like this," he said.
"That's because I didn't do it!" I cried. "I would never jeopardize my career by doing this...prank," I said.
He nodded. "Alright. I'll let this go since I'm kind of responsible for not proof reading ahead of time. I suggest you investigate the matter and find out who did this. Just be warned for needy time."
"Yes sir!" I said immediately. Thank God for the second chance. I went straight to the security desk. Someone must've tampered with the laptop while I was away.
"Hey Jonathan, do you have a moment?" I asked him.
"What's the matter?" Jonathan asked.
"Did anyone suspicious come over to the office yesterday?" I asked him directly.
"Suspicious? I don't think so..." he said.
"Think hard, Jonathan. We were all at the party yesterday. Did anyone come in near my desk?" I prayed that he saw someone.
"I wouldn't know if someone went near your desk. I haven't moved from this desk. But..."
"But?" I asked.
"Ms. Sally brought some food down for me. She is so nice," Jonathan smiled. "Then she went inside because she forgot something, but I didn't think she looked suspicious," he laughed.
Sally? Why would she mess with my stuff? I didn't even know her that well!
"Anyone else?" I urged him.
It was Jonathan's turn to look at me suspiciously. "Did something happen?"
"Yes. Someone touched my things on my desk, and I need to know who," I said quickly.
"I see...well...um...I wasn't supposed to say anything because I didn't want to ruin the surprise," he chuckled nervously.
"What surprise?" I asked.
"Your girlfriend came by. Ms. Bella? She left something for you at your desk and told me to keep it a secret. You showed me her picture before, and I say you guys together on social media, so I thought it'd be okay to let her drop you a gift. Why, what's wrong? Was it something bad? Did you two break up?" Jonathan asked.
Bella...she was here. What if it was her? I shook my bad thoughts away. No fucking way.
"No, we are still together. It's nothing. Thanks Jon," I said and quickly walked away before he asked me more questions.
Jonathan mentioned a gift, so I searched my desk. I found a small box nicely wrapped in a bow with a little note attached.
To the love of my life. Happy anniversary, Aaron, the note said.
Happy anniversary? I must've forgotten it somehow. Did she pull that prank because I forgot? That sounded crazy even in my head.
I carefully unwrapped the box and opened it. It was a nice custom made one with my name on it. It looked like it cost her a fortune. I suddenly felt bad for suspecting her. So what if she happened to be at the office at that time? It doesn't mean she messed with my presentation.
I invited her to dinner at home and waited for her. Maybe talking to her will clear up my confusion, I thought.
"Hey baby," she smiled brightly and made me feel even worse for suspecting her. It wasn't her. It can't be.
"I'm sorry I forgot our anniversary," I said and handed her some flowers.
She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me on the lips. "It's no big deal. It's insignificant anyway."
"No, it's not. I've just been so busy at work, so it slipped my mind," I paused. "Speaking of which, thanks for dropping by with my present," I said.
"It's my pleasure," she smiled.
"Did you happen to see my laptop on the desk?" I asked her over dinner.
"Your laptop? What about it?" she asked, and absent mindedly picked at her potatoes.
"Did you happen to use it for something while you were there?" I said and looked at her intently.
"No. Why would I do that? I was in a hurry, so I just dropped off the present and left. Why did something happen to your laptop?" she looked into my eyes and waited for my answer.
"Nothing. Nothing happened," I said. For some reason, I didn't feel like telling her about the incident.
"Anyway, Jake's bachelor's party is tomorrow. You guys have big plans?" she raised her eyebrows.
"Nope. Just gonna be at the cabin, drink, and relax," I said. I was looking forward to it. This week has been way too stressful.
Hopefully, tomorrow there won't be any more conflict.