Chapter 2 - Better this Way

Everyone settled with NextGen Technologies COO welcoming the project team from First Consulting Firm. Pam was distracted for good few minutes. She stabilized as she prepares to present the high-level program framework and plan after their CTO finishes with his talk

She was caught off guard earlier thinking Tim was addressing her. They can pretend not to know each other. We are both professional. It is better this way.

She stood and held in her hand a remote to aid in the presentation as she moves away from her laptop. Her heart is in total chaos, but years of experience allowed her to control her facial expression.

"Good morning everyone. I am Pamela Cruz, the Program Manager for this engagement. It's a pleasure to meet each and every one of you. "She was looking around the room while delivering her lines when she met Tim's gaze. For some reason that gaze send her conflicting emotions. Was it nice seeing you again or i don't give a damn kind of look?

Tim is seated opposite side of their project team. Listening to her introduction, calm with stoic face but his eyes piercing on Pam. He is definitely a stood out in the room. He is half American half Asian. His complexion is in between white and fair giving the masculine look. Under that bespoke suit, one could guess is a body well-toned given how it fits him.

"Please feel free to interrupt if there is any question or clarification." Pam continued to speak for the next 15 minutes, explaining the framework and methodologies. She had one slide describing the architecture for the integration using the remote infrared pointer to highlight on projected screen, a familiar voice interrupted her flow.

"Sorry to cut you there Pamela." For some reasons, the way he called her was both sexy and indifferent. His low voice in his American accent reverberated in the room. "Do you happen to be the technology lead here to explain on the architecture?"

"No worries Mr. Connor."

"Timothy," his lips curved up a little, meaning his preference to be addressed first name.

"Tim…Timothy." She sounded like she called him intimately.

"I don't mind being called Tim though." There was a hint of sarcasm on his voice. There was small collective laugh in the room. It appears to be light moment but someone who is close to Tim would know that he is being himself, the king of sarcasm. He does it skillfully that sometimes the other party is clueless. Hearing her call him Tim warmed his heart but he deliberately mocked her.

"Thanks for raising that, Vince here" looking at Vince giving him 3-second sweet smile." will provide some more details about the solution." Clearly, he is sending that enough of the showoff message. It was unexpected. She projected a 'no worries' facial expression. This can be considered minor comment but coming from a senior leader, particularly from him, she felt like she is looking down at her. I was a programmer and architect once too.

Vince on the other hand is full of admiration to her delivery. This point is transitioning to his part as the Delivery Head for the project. He is responsible for the solution design which his team of systems analyst and programmers will work on to implement with the partner.

After her last slide on the timeline, Pam handed over the floor to Vince. Immediately after seating, Pam made a quick look towards Tim who was now listening intently to Vince.

"I can feel some tensions and I am excited." Ronna softly whispered to Pam's ear using her skills to speak with lip sealed. Pam gave her a dagger look before focusing on Vince who does look charming when explaining solutions.

This quick moment was captured by Tim. There is something going on here. 'Are they an item?' he thought to himself. Who f*cking cares, not me.

In the end Ronna had a mouthful of observations from the what transpired. "It appears to be true. I heard he is an ice king." Exclaiming with her animated gesture.

"Ronna…Ronna is this all you got from the meeting?" Jim retorted. "have you noted some highlights on your project stream?"

"Can we talk lightly here? We just had our kickoff, I had it all here. "pointing to her head, Ronna took notes on her mobile though in most cases she got good memories of what she needs to take note of. "There will be dinner later."

They were heading towards the project office. "I had some errands to do." Pam is unsure, she knows this kind of gathering is important for project success, but she is conflicted. Seeing Tim is bringing some emotions that until now she does not know how to handle.

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"Honey, i will pick you up later."

"Hey its fine, I can drop off the hotel lobby in time," the sweet voice resounded over the other line.

It was comforting for Tim. "Look I don't want you to stay up too late in the office. I will see you after the cocktails at 10PM, Fairmont." He is concerned about her. She is very important to him.

In a private hall at the Fairmont Hotel, Next Gen Technologies hosted a dinner and cocktail to welcome everyone and start the project right. It's a practice to have welcome party or event to get the project team from different companies gel together. Teamwork is key. Some employees within the company, partner and vendor side were invited. The crowd was just right to mingle freely.

There is no excuse for a Program Manager to be missing this unless there is something super urgent personal matters. Pam spent the rest of the day tinkering for an excuse. Her professionalism summoned the courage in her to go to the dinner. She is not fond of these gatherings. She just gets the work done.

She removed the jacket she wore this morning and arrived in the hall. She loosened her bun to let her hair flow. Her look transformed into a softer one without the coat. The off-white chiffon blouse with black ribbon accenting her neck is conservative yet sexy, mainly because of the soft fabric that gives an illusion of her petite body.

"I thought you were really skipping, thank God you are here." Ronna changed into emerald long dress that she quickly bought on a nearby boutique. She is definitely one party goer, wine glass in her hand, smiling brightly. She always makes her presence felt.

Ronna is about 2 inches taller than Pam. With her skinny bod, she looks like a model who looks good in anything she wears.

"I am staying for couple of minutes and will find my way out. I got some documentations to catch up with." It does sound logical but it was an excuse.

"You just returned in your home country, let's take this time to relax." Vince has taken off his coat as well and is sporting a fit light gray long sleeves minus the necktie. It was unbuttoned thus making him look sexy.

"You are a solution to a woman's problem." Ronna said it seductively emphasizing on solution knowing he is Solution Head in the company. Everyone chuckled at her remarks.

"I don't know, the target is not getting solved." He was hinting on something and the target has looked away in time to meet someone else's eyes.