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From: Francis Crozier
To: James Fitzjames
Thur. August 22, 16:17
Subj: Memory Lane
Dear James,
Had a thought today. I cornered one of the IT people and asked if Hickey had complete access to my Ross inbox, could he access my personal email? Thankfully the answer is no, for boring computer reasons I won’t explain. But that made me curious about our old email chains and I was feeling nostalgic enough to reread them.
Funny you told me there’d be ‘no need’ to keep emailing once I returned to work. It’s you who sent the bulk of these emails, you’ll notice. But I enjoyed revisiting them. Forgot how eloquent you can be when you’re trying to flirt.
Love,
Francis
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From: James Fitzjames
To: Francis Crozier
Thur. August 22, 16:26
Subj: RE: Memory Lane
Francis,
Well, I hope you’re certain he never had access—I wouldn’t put it past him to release sensitive emails in a bid to embarrass you, even if he has buggered off to parts unknown. I haven’t invested four years of my life into this company to watch it be scuppered by an embezzler and a thief (especially not one with such an appalling fake Irish accent). Nor do I particularly want to see some of my more embarrassing personal revelations to you splashed about on the Internet. You’d better explain the boring computer reasons to me over dinner.
How dare you—I’m always eloquent. And I was flirting with you for months, darling (months!), while you were very nobly pretending not to have feelings for me while also going about like my own personal Prince Charming. But you’re right, it was me sending most of those emails. Never let it be said I don’t go after what I want. And, you may remember, I wanted you very, very badly.
Speaking of which, are you almost done? If we hurry, we have time for a detour to the house (HINT HINT) before our reservation.
James xx
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From: Francis Crozier
To: James Fitzjames
Thur. August 22, 16:42
Subj: RE: Memory Lane
Dear James,
I’m on a call til 5:15. We can try, but most likely you will have to keep wanting me until after dinner.
In my defence I didn’t think you’d be interested. As you’ll recall I had nearly been sacked for assaulting you, and I was freshly out of rehab, and I’d been a bastard to you for years. Besides you’re beautiful, and I look like a bag of flour that’s been left in the rain.
Lucky for me that you have appalling taste.
Love,
Francis
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From: James Fitzjames
To: Francis Crozier
Thur. August 22, 16:50
Subj: RE: Memory Lane
Francis,
You know very well that you came back from rehab all serious and handsome and apologetic, and you’d come to my office with your sleeves rolled up and your hair pushed back from running your hands through it, and you’d sit there with your laptop, staring at me whenever you thought I wasn’t looking. And that was your idea of being subtle! Honestly, it’s a good thing I had a nervous breakdown and then invited myself to move into your house—we’d never have gotten anywhere otherwise. We’d probably still be confessing our deepest secrets via email til this day.
And for the record—I have impeccable taste.
Finish up when you can, and let’s go home.
James xx