New Friends

Diana gasped in shock as she looked at the man in front of her. He was still staring down at his phone as if waiting for a call or a text. He didn't see the young woman staring at him. Ethan cleared his throat, stopping the elevator's door from closing by pressing the button. "Miss? Are you getting in?"

"Ah! Yes. Sorry. Umm--Thank you." Diana said, trying to get herself together. "Good day. Mr. Ingram, Mr. Taylor."

At the sound of her voice, Lucas finally looked up. His eyes widened at the sight of her. "Diana" his voice sounded breathless.

Diana nodded. "Hi." she said, waving her phone. As if that was her reply to his message.

Lucas's eyes blinked. He chuckled. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. How about you?" Diana smiled kindly. She had to admit that even if she was a little disappointed that he didn't contact her before even after initiating the exchange in contact details, she's still thankful that she got the job.

"Good. How's your first day?" Lucas grinned.

If she had any confusion before, now she can say that Lucas definitely played a hand in hiring her. After all, why would a President of the company care whether it's their employee's first day or not?

Diana wrinkled her nose. "It has been smooth, so far. The facilities are really remarkable."

"That's good." Lucas smiled.

"Yeah."

"Are you headed to the cafeteria now?"

"Yes. My colleagues are waiting for me there."

"I see. If you have the taste for sushi, their fish is always fresh."

"Oh. I'll take note of that. Thanks." Her smile was easy. She didn't feel the awkwardness that she expected. It was like that night again. He was a stranger to her and yet she felt comfortable. It should have struck her as weird. But it didn't. 'What would have happened if I messaged him that time? I could have initiated the conversation by saying my thanks for his cooperation.'

Needless to say, that was all in the past now. At the moment the two smiled comfortably with each other.

His hand reached out, her eyes widened in surprise. She stood frozen.

He gazed at her heatedly. He would have pulled her for an embrace if it weren't for Ethan riding the elevator with them. He was not in a relationship with her but he had dreamed of her every night. She made him wonder if she was interested in him. For the first time, he became a coward. He couldn't stomach the thought of her rejection. So he could only settle for the next best thing. To have her get to know him more.

The elevator doors opened and it's time for Diana to get out.

"Have a good day for both of you," Diana said, nodding at them.

Before the doors closed, Lucas hurriedly made one more reminder. "Let me know if you need anything." He said, waving his phone.

Diana nodded, blushing.

She felt strange. They clearly haven't known each other that well even before that incident with Chantal and her friends. And after that, they haven't communicated after exchanging contact details. But for some reason, she could feel a degree of closeness towards him. It's like the period of no communication didn't occur. Just like meeting a long-time friend once again.

The cafeteria was spacious. It has a variety of cuisine and there was even a section for desserts and beverages.

Diana took a tray and picked up a bowl of noodle soup, a plate of sushi rolls and sashimi and a bottle of water. She paid for it at the counter and picked up some utensils, looking around the cafeteria. She saw Kate and Miriam waving their hands at her. They sat only a few tables from where she was standing.

"What did you get?" Miriam asked as soon as Diana sat on the chair. "Oohh..that looks de-licious!" Miriam was having spaghetti and meatballs while Kate has beef spare ribs over steamed rice.

"Those look appetizing." Diana looked over at Kate and Miriam's trays. "I'll get those next time."

"Uh-hmm.. You should. It's yummy!" Kate said, licking her spoon.

Diana and Miriam chuckled.

They ate as they talked about random topics.

After they had their fill, they disposed of their trash and placed the tray, plates and utensils in the designated containers.

They headed their way back to the laboratory, and added each other in Chatify.

"Hmm.. you know your surname looks familiar." Kate said, her brow furrowed. "Winchester. Isn't there a new Fashion designer? Chantal Winchester. I think that's her name. Are you related?"

"Are you a fan?" Miriam asked.

"Eh? No. I'm not a hater either. I just saw a section of a magazine yesterday. My roommate showed it to me. She's into fashion. So I also kind of know about these things coz of her." Kate explained.

Diana nodded. "Hmm. She's my sister." She didn't elaborate further.

She cleared her throat. "Is your roommate also a fashion designer?"

"Oh--yeah she is. She's currently working at a small fashion house. But she told me she's aiming to get into the biggest company for fashion designers." Kate said.

"Ah! The one the Hargreaves family owns? The House of Florence." Miriam exclaimed.

"Yeah that one. Armie is really talented. I know she'll be famous someday." Kate said proudly. "Her fashion style is really different from Chantal though."

"Really? How so?" Miriam asked, intrigued.

"Well--Chantal mainly designs using animal prints, leather, and whatever glitters. Whereas for Armie, her style doesn't really use animal prints. Rather, she uses patterns, which she mostly creates herself. She also makes formal, and casual outfits. I've actually worn some of her designs." Kate said, smiling.

"Ohhh! Wait, I remember! Last week when we met up to watch a movie, you were wearing a very stylish outfit. I told you I've never seen one like it." Miriam said, slapping her thigh.

"Yup. She made that one." Kate said proudly.

"Wow.. that's awesome. You should have seen it Diana. It was really unique." Miriam told Diana. "Any chance she can let me wear one of her works? hehe"

Kate chuckled. "I'll tell her. She'll be happy to have more people wear her designs. Plus it'll help her check the functionality of the clothes too." The topic about Chantal was forgotten.

"What about you Diana?" Miriam asked. She knows Diana would look stunning in any clothes.

"Me? Oh.. I'm game. I'd love to wear her design as well." Diana smiled.

"Great! I'll let her know later!" Kate was excited at the thought of her two friends wearing her roommate's designs.