Chapter ２

When I arrive at the company, the place is already bustling; with everyone scurrying around making the last minute preparations for the new CEO's arrival.

I've been employed at the Sikkim Group … a mid-sized real estate development corporation … ever since graduating college. Several years ago, upper management decided to diversify the company's interests, and expand into other industries … so, along with the real estate aspect; it's now also in the import/export trade … and; dabbles in securities and investments, a few clothing retail outlets, and the arts and culture markets.

However; because of the corporation's poor misjudgment and mishandling in its business strategy … chiefly due to upper management allowing their greed to get the best of them; and, blind them from properly handling company operations more sensibly … the Sikkim Group was gradually losing money every year. And, once the worldwide pandemic broke out … affecting the economy on a global scale … the company started suffering from heavy losses.

I luckily managed to survive last year's corporate-wide layoffs … or, as they like to 'sugarcoat' it; the corporation's 'restructuring' … which I'm truly thankful for. Because … besides other than the obvious fact that it would suck to be unemployed … I truly do love my job; and, have deep affection for this company. And; I want to make sure that I also survive the next 'cut round'.

This is why … despite the prevailing bleak aura of gloom and doom abound throughout the company … I enthusiastically show up at the company; ready to earnestly work hard, and prove myself to be … not so much indispensable; because, truth is, there's no such thing as being indispensable in the workplace … but, a diligent and dependable employee; who can be considered as an asset to the company.

Hopefully there won't be any more 'restructuring'; but instead, the company will be able to rebound, and start making money to recover from its losses … at the very least, stop losing money … and perhaps, even become profitable, again; as the Sikkim Group once was, during its earlier days. And; that's where this new CEO comes into play … with everyone's hopes and futures riding on his shoulders.

Word has it, that despite the fact that he's only in his early 30's; he's super capable, and seemingly more experienced and competent than just about all of his veteran colleagues in the field … viewed as some sort of a 'financial wizard', who's become somewhat of a legend in the industry. He's a professional corporate business strategist and financial analyst; with an outstanding proven track record for assisting struggling companies to 'make a turnaround', and recover from their losses … and; is renown for having already saved several large corporations that found themselves on the verge of bankruptcy.

Aside from his professional business accolades, the new CEO is also said to be super handsome; which has most of my female colleagues eagerly excited to see him. Truth is … I have to admit … that my curiosity is also piqued just as much as theirs.

And, of course; amid all the of the anxious excitement permeating the atmosphere, the company was all abuzz with gossipy chatting...

“Have you heard … rumor has it that the Board of Directors had negotiated with all of the company's shareholders to contribute a small number of their shares over to the new CEO, to convince him agree to join and manage the company?”

“No way … really?”

“Yeah. And, not only that … I also heard that besides being offered a six-figure salary; they're also giving him a hefty sign on bonus, as well.”

“Whoa … is this guy really that good?”

“They say he is; but, who knows. Only time will tell; I guess.”

“Still, if you ask me; that's a hell of a lot money to be gambling on a stranger to hold our lives in his hands. … Then again, if you think about it; those dumb ass executives always had the habit of throwing away and wasting money … which is why we're in the predicament that we're in, now.”

“Yeah; and, when also you think about it … who's to say that the new CEO is really gonna give that much of a damn, anyway. Fact is; whether this guy actually saves the company, or not … he's still gonna be walking away from here with a 'nice, fat bank in his wallet'.”

At first, I think my coworkers might be right for feeling that way; and, I myself begin to feel nervously uneasy about this whole arrangement … and, start worrying about my future in the company; or, if the company will even have a future. … Okay; so maybe I am needlessly freaking out, right now … but, shit; I really don't want to lose this job! But, then I start to think...

True; they may have offered him a 'shitload' of money to help out our company … he's still a well-known, reputable professional in the field; and, willingly accepted the job. Essentially, his reputation is equivalent to his livelihood; so, I'm certain that he wouldn't want to tarnish it by failing this task. Surely he'll do everything in his power to see through and accomplish what he was hired to do … and, that is; to help our company get back up running on its feet.

Everyone continued to toil about over the next few hours, in preparation of the new CEO's arrival; eagerly awaiting to see him. But now, it's almost time for a lunch break; and, there's still no sign of him. We're all 'on pins and needles', at this time; and, many of the employees are now beginning to grumble among themselves … carrying pretty much the same sentiment...

“We're almost near halfway through the work day; and, the new CEO still hasn't shown up yet. It's his first official day at the Sikkim Group ... is this really the first impression he wants to make on all of his subordinates? What kind of example does he think he's setting here for everyone?”

Suddenly … our department's notoriously famous 'Queen of Gossip', Andie Taylor … who has a virtual 'pipeline' established throughout the entire company to tap into the entire proverbial 'grapevine', in order to readily be in the know … receives a phone call; and, as soon as she hangs up, she boisterously cries out...

“Heads up; everyone … man your battle stations! He's here … the new CEO just pulled into the parking garage! Calvin Smith's going to be on his way up here, soon!”

I'm instantly taken aback and stunned … totally flabbergasted.

Calvin Smith? … There's no way this could be the same person; could it? That gorgeously handsome guy from last night who held me in his arms at the restaurant; gave me a ride back; and, loaned me his coat to wear for my walk home … who had essentially enamored me; and, had me swooning over him most of the night … that Calvin Smith? … No way; it couldn't be … I'm not that lucky … it has to be somebody else with the same name … right?

“Looks like 'Miss Busybody' keeping her nose up in everyone's business is finally starting to pay off...” Tom Jackson … our department manager … snidely remarks; before announcing in an official capacity...

“Alright, everyone; let's keep our chins and spirits up. The new CEO is finally here; and, he's going to help us see our way through this. I'm sure under his direction the company will once again become stable … possibly becoming more prosperous than ever before ... and; there will no longer be any need for any of us to worry about our job security, anymore.”

I suppose this was his 'Rah Rah', motivational speech to us. Quite frankly; I surprised he didn't wait to give it until the CEO was in earshot to hear him deliver it. Tom's notoriously famous for being a 'brown nosing suck up'; so, I'm sure he's just dying to stand out in the eye of the new CEO, and gain some favor.

Once again; Andie's phone rings … and; calls out, when she's done with the call...

“Calvin Smith and his entourage are waiting for an elevator, in the front lobby. They're planning on stopping off on every floor to conduct a quick walk through of each department; so, we have some time before they're here. … Guess we can all 'chillax' a little more.”

Tom reproachfully stares at Andie; then, once again speaking in a snide manner, says to her...

“'Chillax'? What are you in a grade school? … And; since when were you promoted to Department Manager … what gives you the right to tell everyone here what to do?...”

He lowly murmurs under his breath...

“Sometimes I wish she would get promoted; and, be transferred out of my department. Man, I can't stand looking at this ugly bitch's face.”

Andie briefly glares at Tom; while conveying an expression of contemptuous disdain. Then, she smirks; and, goads him...

“Shouldn't you be using this time to apply some lip balm? I wouldn't want you to chaff your lips while you're kissing the new CEO's ass.”

I quickly throw my hands over my mouth to conceal the huge smile on my face; while fighting to keep from laughing out loud. I can't help it; I always find their spats amusingly entertaining … especially when I hear Andie's saucily flip remarks … which usually render Tom momentarily speechless; while pissing him off to the point where his face rapidly turns beet-red.

Andie and I joined the company around the same time; and, I could tell right off the bat that the two of them despised one another … it was like a seething hatred mutually felt between the two of them; making them some kind of sworn mortal enemies. Andie soon revealed to me something that very few people at the company know about til this day … and; that was that she and Tom were former lovers … but, had eventually broken up a bad terms after she found out he was cheating on her.

Another unfaithful boyfriend … big surprise there. Men … they should all be neutered! … Actually; that's not being totally fair to the male species … after all; 'it takes two to Tango'. So, to be fair; all those bitches who sleep with other women's boyfriends should be spayed, as well.

Needless to say; Andie was deeply hurt and mortified … thus, resulting in Tom falling victim to a brunt of her jokes; and, frequent 'rumor fodder' for her to vindictively spread around the company.

It's not long before I hear some of my fellow female colleagues excitedly chattering about like giddy, teenage girls...

“Here he comes! God, he's so handsome!”

“Really handsome … like a movie star!”

“Hot … absolutely hot!”

“Oh, yeah; that's what I'm talking about. Gimme some of that!”

Obviously, my attention is quickly drawn in by their 'adolescent blathering'; and, my curiosity is rapidly rising … anxiously wanting to find out if 'this Calvin Smith' was really 'my Calvin Smith' from last night. So; I slowly raise my head up and peek over my cubicle's partition to catch a glimpse of my new boss.

Shit … it really is him! Now what do I do?!

I'm suddenly nervous and self-conscious … once again ready to find myself a shovel, and dig a hole to bury myself in … wondering what's going to happen when he finds out that I work here.

I don't have too long to wait … because, before I can duck my head back down, Calvin spots me gazing over the cubicle partition; and, our eyes lock. In an instant; that amicably mischievous grin of his emerges upon his countenance. He starts to walk over towards me; and, I quickly avert my eyes downward, and lower my head.

I'm watching Calvin approach out of the corner of my eye. I see Tom step in his path, extending out his hand to greet him … but, is brusquely brushed aside, and totally ignored by the CEO; who continues heading my way.

Before I know it … the CEO is standing beside me; 'hovering over me', while looking down upon me. I can feel the stare of those 'dreamy bedroom eyes' fall on the bare nape of my neck; as my skin starts becoming heatedly flushed. Now, as if being put on the spot; I'm feeling increasingly embarrassed … and yet; slightly aroused, at the same time.

Shortly … I hear that deep, hypnotically magnetic voice of his ordering me...

“You … raise your head, and look at me.”

I slowly raise my head, and hesitantly look his way. Once again; our eyes lock. He stares directly into my eyes for a moment; and, I can feel my face rapidly becoming flush … virtually feeling my complexion redden; as it steadily darkens to each next shade of red. … Suddenly; a subtly brief gasp escapes from my mouth.

His amicably mischievous grin widens; and, he gradually leans in and reaches his hand out towards my head. I instantly become frozen; like 'a deer trapped in headlights'. … Then; I feel him removing the hairpin from my hair. He briefly glances over it; then, looks back at me...

“This hairpin doesn't suit you.”

He leans in closer; and, softly whispers aloud, “Unlike the coat that I lent you, last night.”

My heart begins to race; as he leans in even closer … merely an inch or two from my head … and, softly whispers in my ear...

“Speaking of which … I think we should set a time aside for us to meet again, so you can return it to me. What do you think?”

My racing heart is now pounding in my chest; as I feel a moistening heat slowly rising down in my crotch.

I'm currently speechless … so; I respond with a simple nod.

He stands back upright … continuing to look down upon me; while displaying that amicably mischievous grin … and, slowly twirls my hairpin between his fingers...

“I'll just hold onto this as collateral, until I receive my property back.”

And, having said that; he spins around, and heads back towards the elevator … with his entourage in close tow behind him.

Once the group was out of site, an excitedly frantic Andie rushed over to my cubicle; already in the “Queen of Gossip” mode...

“Jeez, Alexia; how could you be so cruel … what; are you holding out on us?! How come you didn't tell us you two already knew each other?! … Wait … just how do you two know each other exactly? Come on, Alexia; spill!”

In an instant, the rest of the room swarms in around us; with everyone's curiosity aroused, and wanting to know about the 'relationship' between me and the new CEO … although, they're still not as adamant about it as Andie; who's 'chomping at the bit' to find out every 'sordid little detail'.

I immediately go on the defensive, and deny Andie's accusation...

“I don't know him … I swear.”

Okay; so maybe I shouldn't have sworn … but, when I think about; we only just met last night for a short amount of time … so, technically; I really don't know him. Anyway … I don't feel like having to explain what happened; so, it's best to just flat out deny knowing him.”

Of course; the 'Queen of Gossip' isn't going to let it go that easily … she's relentless. She's got the 'nose of a bloodhound' when it comes to 'sniffing out' potential gossip; and, once she finds it, she'll 'sink her teeth into it like a pit bull' … refusing to let go of her grasp.

Andie takes a moment to look over me with discerningly scrutinizing eyes, and a doubting expression etched on her countenance. Suddenly, a huge impish grin stretches across her mouth; and then, she begins to mimic the CEO's previous actions … as Andie leans close into me; and, whispers in my ear...

“Really … then, what was all this about; hmm?”

Andie stands back upright; still displaying that huge impish grin...

“Time to fess up. Tell me, Alexia; what's going on between you and 'hottie CEO'?”

I once again deny Andie's accusation … although; I'm probably not sounding very convincing...

“Nothing … nothing's going on. I … I don't even know him.”

Luckily, I receive a brief reprieve; as Tom curtly announces...

“That's enough yammering; people … it's almost time for a lunch break; so, hurry up and finish up what you've been working on so we can break on time. … Unless you don't want to eat lunch today; then, by all means, keep on 'flapping your gums'.”

A sudden silence befalls the room; and, the surrounding crowd quickly dissipates from around my cubicle … leaving only the 'Queen of Gossip' lingering behind. … I did say that it was a 'brief reprieve'.

“Yeah … I'm not buying it. You two obviously know each other; there's no doubt about it, in my mind.”

Damn she's persistent … no; like I said before … she's relentless.

“And; don't tell me that there's nothing going on between you two, either. Seriously; what was that all about … no CEO would ever just go up to one of his female employees and take her hairpin away, like that.”

Shit … she was right! Oh my God; how could he do something like that? … And; in front of the entire department, to boot! What was he thinking? What's the purpose of taking away my hairpin … saying it's collateral for his coat … it doesn't make any sense. I really don't get him.

Andie displays that impish grin of hers, again...

“Still; if I have to be totally honest with you … I did find that hairpin you were wearing to work today kind of gaudy, and on the tacky side … so; I can understand where he was coming from. I suppose 'hottie CEO' … besides be a magnificent hunk of 'eye candy' … has a surprisingly good fashion-sense, too. … And; he wasn't wrong when he said it didn't suit you. That gaudily tacky hair ornament isn't worthy to be worn by this delicate bell flower...”

Andie stares closely at my face, while impishly grinning; then, playfully squeezes my cheeks in, while teasingly goading...

“Awe … what a precious pretty little thing, you are.”

My complexion rapidly turns to a light, rosy-pink shade; as I instantly blush from the embarrassment. I quickly pull Andie's hands from my cheeks; and, emphatically say...

“Knock it off … and; cut the crap, 'Queen of Gossip'! Like I said... there's nothing going on between me and the new CEO.”

I can tell by the softened expression on her face, that Andie realizes that she's gone a little too far; and, she decides to back down off, for now. She gently rests her hands on my shoulders; and, shoots me a friendly smile...

“Fine; I'll let this slide … for the time being, anyway.”

I really can't stay mad at Andie for long … and; I feel myself quickly calming down. And; once I fully regain my composure … now it's my turn to impishly grin at Andie; as I jocosely remark...

“You better go and get back to work, now; or else 'Master Tom' won't let you go to lunch. … I'm sure you don't want to miss out on your lunch break; right … I thought that's your favorite part of the work day.”

Andie sprightly replies...

“Heck, yeah; it is … and, there's no way in Hell I'll be missing out on it. Especially not today, I won't … I hear that they're serving fish sticks and mac and cheese in the cafeteria, today … and, you know how this gal loves her some fish sticks and mac and cheese.”

I bust out laughing; then, advise her...

“Well, then; you better get back to your desk, and at least pretend to look busy … otherwise 'Master Tom' will hold you back up here during lunch.”

Andie laughs, “Yeah; you're right … I better get going.”

Suddenly … we notice Tom peering out of his office; sternly staring at us. His lips are tightly pursed; and, his eyebrows are furrowed.

Andie shoots him back her 'stink eye'; then, heads back to her cubicle.

********

When the time for our lunch break finally arrived, my mood still wasn't the greatest; so, I asked Andie if she could just grab me a cup of coffee, and bring it to my desk before she went down to the cafeteria … but, I suppose the 'mouthwatering' temptation of those fish sticks and mac and cheese was just too strong for her to resist; because, she never did come back with my coffee.

Sadly enough, instead; seeing that I stayed behind all by myself in the office ... since no one else was around; Tom took the opportunity to approach me...

“Here's a cup of water, for you.”

I've been working in this department for a little over three years now; and, that was the first time that Tom has shown even a shred of kindness towards me … which had me wondering what he was really up to; because, I knew he had an ulterior motive for giving me a cup of water out of the blue.

I stared at him with leery eyes for a moment; then, slowly took a sip.

“I suppose … I should say thanks.”

Tom gave me a fake-looking 'Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire Cat' smile...

“No need to thank me; it's only water.”

I thought to myself … 'So; what do you want?'. … Then; he said...

“I can see by the look on your face that you're a bit puzzled over the fact that I brought you a cup of water. That's understandable … and; I guess that's my fault. I never have really done anything before; have I? I'm sorry about that.”

I was starting to feel a bit uneasy; while still waiting for him to get to the point.

“Oh, and Alexia; I was probably a little too strict with you before, too … wasn't I? I shouldn't have been like that with you...” He patted me on my shoulder. “I apologize. I hope you don't hold that against me … I was merely trying to act in the capacity that any competent supervisor would.”

I went from being a bit uneasy to totally 'creeped out'.

After a brief pause; he said...

“By the way … I had no idea that you and the new CEO knew each other. You two seemed kind of chummy before … so; I take it you guys are pretty close; huh? … If that's the case: I hope you wouldn't mind putting in a good word or two on my behalf for me. … I promise that if you do; I'll be sure to be more mindful to treat you a little better … and; look out for you, on the job.”

And; there it was … he revealed his true colors. … I softly chuckled under my breath; then, told him...

“Mr. Jackson; I'm afraid that you've misunderstood the situation before. And; you're mistaken … I didn't know the CEO, before; and, we aren't in any type of relationship … close, or otherwise.”

Again; he displayed that fake-looking 'Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire Cat' smile...

“I totally understand … trust me; I get it … you want to keep your relation on the down-low; so, people don't start talking. Relax … 'mum's the word' … I won't say anything about it, again. Your secret's safe with me. … And, besides; I'm not the one you need to worry about … it's that 'busybody' friend of yours that you should keep an eye on.”

Then; he leaned in towards my ear … which really made my feel uncomfortable; and, turned my stomach a bit … and; quietly uttered...

“Just make sure to keep this favor I'm doing for you and mind; and, please be so kind as to reciprocate by talking me up to the CEO. Thanks.”

And, as he walked away; I thought to myself about what he said about Andie … and, softly chuckled; as I thought about it...

Sure; Andie may be infamously known as the 'Queen of Gossip', in the company … but, at least when she gossips; she 'proudly struts out in the open like a peacock' while doing so … whereas, Tom is more like 'a snake that likes to sneakily slither about in the tall grass to conceal itself'.

Now … there's just a little over an hour to go before this workday ends; and, it can't come fast enough.

I've been feeling uncomfortable during most of the afternoon … or, more precisely to say, ever since he took my hairpin … and, unable to focus on my work; as I mulled over, and struggled to figure out why he did that. Calvin was so kind to me last night … a true gentleman ... so; why would he put me in such an embarrassing predicament?

Forget about just my department's office … it wasn't long before word of it spread like wildfire throughout the entire building; and, the incessant gossiping commenced. I'm not really surprised by this … in fact; I was already expecting this kind of response … so, all I can do now is try to ignore it the best I can; and, force myself to not let it bother me.

But; that's easier said than done … especially when I catch glimpses of judgmental stares out of the corners of my eyes, and overhear the murmured whispers of my fellow coworkers, as I pass by them while walking through the building.

And; now … the 'icing on the cake' … I hear my cellphone 'chirp'; alerting me that I'm being messaged on my WhatsApp. …

Andie: Yo, Alexia; congrats! You've become the most popular topic of discussion in our company.

Alexia: ?

Andie: And … just about everyone's referring to you now as 'Mrs. Smith'.

Alexia: ?!?!?!

Andie: That's right … and; they're also saying that he purposely came to the company because of you.

Alexia: That's bullshit! What the hell … don't tell me they actually believe that load of crap?! I'm telling

you … I really don't know him!

Andie: Whatever … Just enjoy the fanfare; and, enjoy the ride. Besides; you should be feeling proud of

yourself, right now … so, come on; laugh it up and smile!

Alexia: ???

Andie: You've got all those Botox-injected, Silicon-enhanced, lift-and-tucked, 'gold digging' bimbos

'green with envy' and pissed off. Ha!!! Way to go; girl!

I'm sure Andie meant these messages to be words of encouragement; but, quite frankly, they're making me feel worse than before. I think it's time for me to take action, and 'nip this thing in the bud'; before the rumors get way out of control.

After taking a few moments to muster up my courage … I'm in the elevator, on my way up to the Executive Floor; wholeheartedly determined … yet still; admittedly nervous … to speak with Calvin, in the privacy of his office; and, ask him to clear up the misconceptions the employees have of us … and; put an end to all the gossip buzzing around the company.

The elevator stops; the doors open; and, I step out onto the Executive Floor … and; the first thing I notice...

There isn't anybody around … the place looks deserted. Don't tell me that all the executives have left for the day? Is this why the company is in such the dire financial situation that it is … because, there's 'no one at the helm steering this ship'? Has 'the captain already abandoned this sinking ship'; leaving us 'crew members behind to be drug down, and flounder and drown in the turbulent waters'?

I soon forget about the reason why I went up here in the first place; as I become angry just thinking about it … and; I fume, while scoffing in mind...

'Huh … this is some 'top shelf' management we have; isn't it? They screwed up, and made a mess of the company; and, expect us to clean it up. And; not only that … they don't even have the decency to stick around until the end of the work day; like the rest of us underlings have to.'

I'm suddenly jarred from my seething thoughts; when I hear an unfamiliar voice calling out to me from down the hallway...

“Hello; Alexia … what brings you up here?”

He heads over my way. He looks vaguely familiar; so, I try to recall where I've seen him before.

“Is there something I can do for you; Alexia?”

This is the second time he's called me by my name; but, I still can't 'place his face'. I'm starting to feel a bit uneasy … just who is this guy; and, how does he know my name?

“I'm sorry; but, you are...?”

He displays a charmingly elegant smile … which, if I'm being honest, is almost as bedazzling as Calvin's amicably mischievous grin … and; informs me...

“That's right … I haven't properly introduced myself to you; have I? Sorry; that's an oversight on my part … my apologies. I'm Warren Wilson … Mr. Calvin Smith's personal assistant.”

Oh, right; now I remember … that's where I saw him … he was in Calvin's entourage, when they stopped by our department. That explains why he looked familiar. But, still … it doesn't explain why he knew my name.

“Hello; it's nice to meet you … Mr. Wilson; was it?”

He nods.

“If you don't mind me asking; I'm curious … how is it that you know my name?”

He's briefly quiet; displaying that charmingly elegant smile … then; smoothly avoids my question, by quickly changing the subject...

“By the way; what did you need, Alexia? Surely you didn't come up here for nothing … so; how can I help you?”

I start to hesitantly reply, “Oh, yeah; right … about that...”

The former courage that I managed to muster up to come here is wavering; and, gradually waning. I'm feeling slightly uneasy and embarrassed again to bring it up … even though I'm sure he's aware of what had transpired earlier today; and, has probably also 'gotten wind' of some of the ongoing gossip spreading about the building as a result of it.

“You were there with that group before; so, I'm sure you saw it too, yourself … that is; when the CEO took my hairpin from my head … right?”

He nods.

“Well … I've been thinking about it ever since he did that; and, I still haven't figured out why he would do that … and, truthfully; it's been kind of bothering me. So … I decided to come up here to ask him directly why he did that.”

I pause briefly before adding...

“Also … there have been rumors spreading because of that. … I'm sure by now even you guys up here on the Executive Floor must have heard some of the gossip about us previously knowing each other … and; even saying that we're in some sort of a relationship … haven't you?”

Again; he nods.

“Right … so; I was hoping … that is ... I wanted to ask him if he could possibly help me put an end to all of the rumors and gossip.”

“I see. … Well; I can certainly sympathize for you over the situation you're in now … as I'm sure Calvin can, as well … and; I'm certain he'll be more than willing to clarify matters, and set the record straight.”

He briefly pauses before informing me...

“But; I'm afraid you may have to wait on that, for now. … Currently; the CEO isn't here, at the moment. But, as soon as he returns; I'll be sure let him know that you came up here to see him … and, of course; relay your message to him.”

Needless to say I'm a bit disappointed … I wanted to resolve all this as quickly as possible … but, what can I do. I let out a subtle sigh under my breath; then, resignedly utter...

“Oh well, if that's the case; I suppose I'll be on my way then. I guess I'll have to meet up with him some other time … thanks anyway.”

I start to head back to the elevator; when Warren calls out to me...

“Wait a second; Alexia...”

He slowly approaches me; once again displaying his charmingly elegant smile...

“I was wondering … if you don't have any plans, already; and, are free … would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner, this evening?”

Hold up … did I just hear him correctly; is he actually asking me out to dinner? But; we just met … why would he want to take me out to dinner, all of a sudden? I don't get it. … Oh, well; at least it's not like he asked me to marry him like that 'train wreck of a blind date' from last night did.

Still; it does make me feel rather uncomfortably uneasy. And; I suppose he notices the demonstratively awkward expression that I can feel etched into my countenance, at the moment … because; Warren immediately explains...

“Forgive me if I appear to be too forward; or, presumptuous … believe me; that isn't my intention. The thing is; you possess a striking resemblance to an old, school friend of mine … and, for some strange reason; I'm feeling this familiarly warm, nostalgic vibe emanating from you.”

I can't help myself … and; let out a brief chuckle. ... Warren follows with a chuckle of his own...

“What … too corny?”

Starting to feel a little more relaxed; I jocosely quip...

“No … it was just the right amount of corny.”

“Good … glad to hear it.” Then he tells me, “Besides; today is my first day in the company … and, other than Calvin; I really don't know anyone else, here. It's always nice to meet someone new, and make another friend; don't you agree?”

“Yeah … I suppose so.”

“I'll tell you what...” Warren offers a conciliation, “I realize that we've just met … so, if the idea of dining with me alone makes you feel uncomfortable; why don't we do this … feel free to go ahead and invite a friend, or two, of yours to join us. How does that sound?”

Actually … it doesn't sound that bad at all; and, I'm feeling even more relaxed. It's true; it really isn't that big of a deal to get together with a colleague … even one that you've just met for the first time … and, go out for dinner. And, now that Warren suggested that I bring along a friend, I'm rather relieved; and, assured that he's probably not harboring any sexual intentions … well; at least not now, anyway.

“Sure; why not. Besides … a girl's gotta eat; right?”

He laughs...

“Right.” And; after a brief pause, “So … I'll pick up you and friend out front, after work; then?”

“Okay … we'll be there.”

“Alright; then, I'll see you a little later.”

“Yeah; see you later. Bye.”

I give him a big, friendly smile; then, head back down to my department.