Chapter 21 – The Calm Before the Storm

The physical set up of for NextGen Technologies is reaching its end. The installation of the first module of the application package will be next. Once this is done Pam's Project will close and soon Jim's project work stream will be busy.

Things were running like any projects would. Issues are getting raised here and there but they were ready to resolve and close. On the day of the go live for the application, the whole team was present in the office for support. Preparation for the cut over started a week ago and work plan is getting executed now starting 8:00 pm. If things would go as planned and there is no need to roll back, the system will be up and running on pilot by 12:30 am of the following day.

Everyone was there but the one who is going to be particularly busy is Vince who is managing the delivery along with the counterpart from NextGen. The scripts are running to move the codes to the new server, and they are just waiting until…

"Yes!" Vince clapped his hands, an applause resounded in the room. It was successfully moved to production. Now they must look if the processes are running for good few minutes and have the IT operations team monitor for post-production processing.

"Congratulations team for a job well done!" Vince likewise called the data center operations to confirm the successful cut over.

Everyone in the room was in celebratory mood. An announcement has been made the NextGen COO relayed through the secretary that the company will arrange for cocktails for R&R and kick off the next Project Phase.

"Thank you everyone. Let's enjoy the coffee for now and celebrate later." Pam announced on behalf of the project management team.

"I need something more than coffee!" Vince teased.

An unexpected voice resounded, "What is it Mr. Jose? My team on behalf of NextGen will ensure you get it." Tim said this with thoughts that it's probably a day off, drink or dinner. He is also in celebration mood.

"Nothing Fancy Mr. Connor." He was laughing.

"Common Vince! Money is not an issue."

Everybody was cheering thinking they would benefit to whatever Vince is requesting.

"It's not fancy but it's priceless." The group roared into laughter.

"I will look forward the cocktails but right now I only want a hug from…" Vince paused looking at Pam who was also in all smiles cheering. When Vince gaze landed at her, Pam had the alarmed look.

"I was just joking I simply wanted our Program Manager to give me a small heart for the team's effort."

"She can give you a hug to Vince!" Ronna suggested.

Because of the mood, Pam just went ahead with the fun and act cutely in front of Vince throwing him a small heart like those Korean Pop Idols would do. She walked forward and took the courage to say, "thank you for a job well done," before giving Vince a warm hug.

The room roared into cheers and teasing. They seldom see Pam in this light and game mood. She is poker face most of the time that people unnoticed the charm in her face.

While everyone was having fun, someone who initiated the offer is now gritting his teeth while smiling outside. 'Shameless bitch!' It suddenly made his blood boil. Must be his pride. This lady had the audacity to leave him after he showered her with all the love and attention.

The crowd was slowly dispersing. Since most were there to provide moral support to the team, they went home one by one. Jim volunteered to take Ronna with him as he is driving. He also asked Pam if he wants him to drop her off her condo.

"No, thanks, you go! My place is walking distance, I am suddenly wide awake from that silly moment. It's better to walk and tire myself so I can have a good sleep."

"Alright, take care." Jim is not worried at all this is the business district. "What about you Vince?"

"I'd stay for couple more minutes just to ensure things are running smoothly. I have car too. Take care on your driving!"

The three of them left the floor together. Pam parted with Jim and Ronna as she takes the ground floor. She still had the smile on her face. 'I still can act silly.' Earlier she saw that earnest gaze from Vince. His team did a good job, it was not a big deal to perform some 'act' as pat on the back for him. She decided to go with the flow rather than act indifferently with a simple request.

Everyone in the project know who are single and married in the team, so they are not an exception to this common knowledge.

Pam was walking in 2 ½ inches nude suede pumps. Although she is used to high heeled shoes, it's almost 1:00 am. She been wearing this for the past 16 hours, standing and walking with it. On her way the 10-minute walk turned 15 or so. She was stopping to massage her legs. She is even tempted to take the shoes out and walk barefooted especially when she passed by the mini part along the way.

She is suddenly alerted by a sound of another set of heavy footsteps behind her. She is about 150 meters away from her condo. If anything happens, she would be near and could ask help. She kept walking without looking back, the sound of the footsteps is getting nearer though, she is now paranoid.

She made a stop to allow the person to overtake her. The footsteps stopped too.

"Stop! Don't come near me! I will scream!" She said this her eyes closed. It was silent, nothing happened. She opened her eyes and stunned by the person standing just about 3 feet away from her.

"Ah its you…" she was still scared but relieved at the same time.

"You're funny." He said sarcastically.

"Who knows…its late I thought you are some bad guy following me." She murmured.

"And you're stupid too walking this late. Following you? In your dreams!" With that, Tim continued to walk.

Pam was unable to move for few seconds. That was harsh. He is one bad guy. She snapped back and continued to walk looking at his back slowly becoming smaller. She crossed the street to where Garden Suites is when he noticed Tim entering the Peak.

'How can this man be this cold…. Wait, does he live at the Peak? '

She was contemplating on renting a unit from this posh building but ended up getting a unit with balcony from the Gardens Suite. This is a blessing in disguise. She can't imagine bumping into him daily. How uncomfortable. Come to think of it, probably doesn't matter anymore. She thought he would at least treat her courteously just like the past weeks.