94 She is not there yet

Sarah and Aiden met Fox, Daniel and Evalina in a Thai restaurant. Three of them enjoyed appetizers sitting in a half-circle shaped booth. Daniel on one side, next to him seated is Fox and then Evalina. Next to Evalina was space, obviously left for Sarah and Aiden. Aiden gestured to Sarah to sit first, placing her between him and Evalina. Evalina was not very happy, but besides one quick frown, nothing else showed that.

During lunch, few times Evalina leaned on Sarah and tried holding her hand. Sarah didn't like people touching her, so she reflexively moved away and avoided her. Once Evalina managed to hold Sarah's hand. Sarah used her other hand to remove Evalina's in an exaggerated manner, because she wanted to make a point. "Sorry, I'm not used to people touching me."

Evalina didn't think much about it. After that she was more cautious to keep distance from Sarah.

Sarah forgot that she didn't like people touching her. She never did. This incident with Evalina reminded her of that. Other than her family, she would be extremely uncomfortable if someone comes too close. But with Aiden… it was different. From the start, with him, it was different. Everything. She never minded his touch, she welcomed him. Even when she barely knew him, when he held her hand… she didn't mind. Sarah smiled as she moved her chopsticks over her food.

After lunch they went back to work. Sarah spent an afternoon comparing the tools, and had a report done by end of day. She showed it to Aiden, and he suggested that next morning she does the presentation to the team, so that it can be discussed.

...

In the morning, Sarah presented her findings of comparing tools, their features, effectiveness and performance. Fox, Daniel and Evalina listened carefully, because it related to their area of work. Daniel was in charge of hardware, Evalina scripting, and Fox was creating and maintaining tools. Jeff was also present and listened carefully. He didn't understand most of it, but he saw that Sarah got everyone's attention and he was pleased that she joined the team. Jeff has great expectations of Sarah.

Evalina noticed that Aiden's eyes didn't leave Sarah. At first, she thought it was normal because Sarah was presenting, but as the time passed and they got to questions and answers, Evalina was getting an unsettling feeling. Aiden was still focused on Sarah, and the way he looked at her... it was not as usual... his expression was much warmer. 'He is only happy that she is doing well because he scouted her.' Evalina told herself many reasons why he is looking at Sarah. They all knew that Aiden approached Sarah to join the team, Jeff sent that in the email as soon as Sarah signed the contract.

At the end of the meeting, Fox enthusiastically asked Sarah to help review code of his tools and to help analyze how improvements can be done. Daniel wanted to meet with Sarah to discuss how changes in hardware can improve performance of tools... and Evalina was quiet.

When everyone left the room, and only Sarah and Aiden stayed behind, Sarah asked excitedly: "How was it?"

"You did great." He praised her.

"Hmm." She approved with a nod. "When do I get to do some real work?"

"You don't think this is real work?"

Sarah tilted her head. "You know what I mean."

"Yes. Anytime you want."

"How about now?" Sarah was impatient.

Aiden sighed and helplessly shook his head. "Come to my office, and we can pick one for you."

...

In Aiden's office he selected few projects and shortly explained each of them. Sarah picked one to find out more. Aiden shared project information with Sarah, and she sat on the sofa in his office. She reviewed project information on a laptop, while he worked on his PC. Once in a while she would ask him something, and he would respond before going back to each other's tasks.

Sarah didn't take long to get a grasp on what needs to be accomplished and to devise a strategy how to do it.

Aiden sat on the sofa next to her and listened to her analysis on what needs to be done and how she will do it. He was interested to hear more when she said that she will use some of their tools.

"They will perform better in this case..." She provided detailed explanation why she will use each tool.

Aiden enjoyed listening to her, and he hoped that she keeps on talking longer. However, her explanations went straight to the point and she didn't waste any words.

When she finished, Sarah looked at him expectantly. "What do you think?"

"I think you covered it all." He said dotingly.

"You don't have anything to add?"

Aiden laughed. "What is there to add. You are amazing, as usual."

At that time, Evalina was in front of the door of his office, about to knock. She heard him laughing, and she lowered her hand which was about to knock and placed it on the doorknob opening the door quickly. She looked at Aiden and Sarah sitting on the sofa, Sarah's lips lightly curved up when she saw Evalina's face which scrutinized them.

Aiden frowned at Evalina. "Since when you don't knock?"

"Sorry, I didn't realize you are busy. I will come back later." Evalina took a step back and closed the door while ignoring his question.

"Do you think she will give up now?" Aiden asked Sarah with hesitation. He was worried that Sarah might get upset again.

"She is not there yet." Sarah shook her head. "Is there any other process I should follow, or can I start working on this?" Sarah pointed at the project information on her laptop.

"You can start working." Aiden lowered his voice. "Whatever you collect put on the share I mentioned and let those three start processing data and creating the report. Keep in mind not to disclose project details to them. They are following a specific process when creating a report so that neither of them knows too much."

Sarah nodded in understanding and stood up.

Aiden grabbed her hand. "You will leave just like that?" He was expecting a hug and a kiss, at least.

Sarah glanced toward the door and spoke in a quiet voice. "I'm pretty sure that she is right behind this door."

Aiden looked at Sarah in disbelief. Sarah walked to the door and pulled it to open.

Just as Sarah said, Evalina was on the other side of the door. Luckily for Evalina, the door opens toward inside of the office, otherwise she would get slammed by the door. "Uhm, I remembered something...". Evalina was all flustered and quickly walked away.

Sarah glanced at Aiden victoriously, before leaving his office.