Chapter 3 - To Each Their Own

Pam's eye fell into that statuesque figure. Other than giving out a little more mature vibe, he is 32 after all, Tim's clothes fell into the right places of his toned body. He got his coat off, and the sleeves of his white polo has been rolled up. 'What am I thinking…' Pam muttered to herself imagining the veins in those arms. For a moment, she did not realize she is tracing his waist down to his hips appreciating how those pants fits him perfectly.

"Is our Program Manager captivated by the eye candy?!" Donna squirmed at the thought of Pam staring at Tim.

"I was looking at them in general, Ray (their CTO) and Jim is there." The rebuttal is quick, putting back her usual uninterested mask on.

"He is like an Asian version of a Greek God," giggling with the title she just gave Tim, "how can he be tall, handsome, smart and sexy all at the same time." Donna continued to giggle; the wine has made her bubbly.

Those pair of almond eyes sets his light brown eye color that looks hazel at times. Skin color in between, molato and fair. Trimmed hair that is naturally soft and a little wavy. A well-defined jawline accented by that nose bridge overall creating a drop gorgeous look in him. When Pam thinks about it, were we truly in a relationship? 'I can't believe I was played…'

Tim is used to this kind of socialization business and personal wise. He certainly felt that gaze from his peripheral vision. A slight smirk appeared in his face.

"Young man, you are at prime. Are you dating someone?" Ray asked like a father wanting to know from his son.

"Certainly! Never been happier now. I guess I am heading there." Tim retorted smiling.

"I have known you dated like crazy Tim. It's good to know you finally find the one. Maybe we will soon be hearing wedding bells." Their COO teased him.

"Soon…maybe." Tim just laughed it out and took a sip of his wine. Although it was not like some big news around the technology circle. Close people to Tim can now joke around how he dated like crazy before. Like he had a kept woman he never shown to anyone, afraid someone will snatch her away. No one really talks about it in detail but it was known that he dated for more than a year but the girl left him. He is a complete package. Everyone sympathizes with him. Even someone a dashing as Tim has been dumped by girl.

Later as Jim re-joined the group," so what were you chit chatting with the big guys?" Donna quickly asked Jim.

"Nosy as ever." Jim said indifferently. He hates it when Donna gossips particularly when men are involved.

"Come on. Where you talking about business even at this time?" She rolled her eyes.

"I know you are interested with Timothy. Your eyes tell me. In fact, you can wipe that drool in your face. Just so you know he is in a happy relationship. He is thinking about marriage, probably with a gorgeous woman not within your level." Jim in his expressionless face enunciated each of the words he said.

"You… never mind!"

Wiping her face, 'Who should I be interested with? Someone as boring as you? You probably like men 'Donna almost spitted these words with how frank Jim was.

Jim is always serious, the type who observes around. He seldom jokes or tells nonsense. In a project he is the type who gets things done without the fun.

"I was thinking, he is a good match to our dear Program Manager here." Winking at Pam. "Well I don't think we need to look around right Vince." She continued chuckling.

"How did it end with me?" Pam mindlessly swirling her wine glass like it will take the entire night to finish one cup.

"Ahem! Why not consider me the 'if then else'…" Vince hinted being the else. It's a running joke of being the other option for IT.

"Did you not get a NULL response." Pam enjoying the word play.

"This is compatibility, you are the software..." Donna pointing to Pam then ending with Vince continuing "and here is the hardware."

This put the team laughter, the mood is light with the wine consumed. Pam and Vince were sitting comfortably together in the round table. Vince arms extending to Pam's chair as if holding her on her shoulders. On Vince's mind, sooner Pam will open to him. For now, it's good to be friends.

Not very far away someone is observing the joyous table. Without expression on his face, Tim now understood. They must be together.

"I feel lonely now." Donna muttered as she sighed.

"You are destined to be single and lonely." Jim quickly replied.

"How dare you curse me of being single forever." Donna was about to slap Jim's arms when she was taken aback with arrival of new company in the table.

"Looks like the cream of the crop from First Consulting is having a good time here." The COO of Next Gen commented with a smile on his face. He was joined by Tim, Ray their CTO and Tim's next in line guy.

The four stood up to show respect. "It's a pleasure if you can join us in this table." Vince has immediately said.

The four spread out to get a good balance on the seating arrangement in the round table. They settled with Pam who ended seating next to Tim.

"I am excited with this project collaboration." Ray exclaimed.

NextGen COO quickly responded," same here. This is one big integration that will put NextGen into readiness for better client management."

"We will do our best to get this delivered on time and on budget." Pam smiled as she made this statement. She tried not to feel stiff with Tim seating beside her. She should be angry with him. He played her. Why does it feel like she owe him something.

"I am looking forward to see you deliver this to the end Ms. Cruz." It was supposedly a kind gesture, but it does have an underlying tone. To Tim, Pam is one unreasonable woman who left with out a word.

"Cheers!" everyone clinked their glasses.

That toast with Tim gave Pam a chill. His expressionless face and smile that looks like a smirk made her feel uncomfortable. What is even worse is when in a gentleman's fashion he helped her be seated. He supported her through a gesture of holding her elbow and it sent a million bolts all over her body. She quickly stretched her arms forward to place the wine glass in front, avoiding the current.

This did not escape Tim. Is she disgusted by his touch? He is confused. What is with this reaction. These thoughts running in his head was quickly dispersed by buzzing sound of his phone. A call from Lissy flashing.

"Hey." Tim sweetly said as he picked up the phone. "Are you in the lobby now? Alright I'll be there."

Tim slowly stood up and announced, "guys thank you for the wonderful night. I need to excuse myself. Some equally wonderful is already waiting for me outside." It sounded like minced words, but it was sweet.

Pam still felt a little bitter, but it doesn't matter, we has moved on. He seems to be happy with his new love and I am happy with my life.