TWO MONTH LATER
The office was buzzing with activity, keyboards clacking away as the team worked tirelessly on their various projects. I typed away at my desk, trying to meet the looming deadline for our latest campaign. The room was filled with the sound of murmured conversations and the occasional burst of laughter.
"Guys, I need the latest sales figures for the Smith account," Mrs. Rachel called out, her voice carrying across the room.
"I'm on it," Ethan replied, his fingers flying across his keyboard. "Just give me a minute."
"Sharon, can you review this draft and let me know if it looks good to you?" Samantha asked, walking over to my desk with a sheaf of papers in her hand.
I took the papers from her and scanned them quickly. "Looks good, Sam. Just a few minor tweaks and it'll be perfect."
Meanwhile, Alex was on the phone, deep in conversation with one of our developers. "Yes, I know it's a problem. We're working on a patch. Just...just give me a few more days, okay?"
Liam was typing away at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Come on, come on, come on," he muttered to himself.
Emily walked over to him, a cup of coffee in her hand. "Hey, Liam, need a refill?"
Liam looked up, startled. "Oh, yeah. Thanks, Emily. I'm running on fumes over here."
Just then, Ava shouted out from across the room. "Guys, it's time for lunch! Let's take a break!"
The room erupted into cheers and groans, with everyone stretching and getting up from their desks. "Oh, I'm so drained," I said, standing up and arching my back.
Ryan grinned at me. "You're telling me. I think I've been staring at this screen for too long."
As we all filed out of the office to grab some lunch, the conversation turned to plans for the weekend and what we were going to do with our free time.
"I'm so down for some brunch on Saturday," Ava said, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Count me in," Emily replied. "I need some carbs."
I smiled, feeling grateful for my team. We were all so different, but we worked well together. And with a break like this, we all deserved it.
Ava said, bouncing up and down. "We should totally make it a regular thing."
"Definitely," Emily agreed. "I'm already looking forward to it."
"What if we have it at my apartment?" I suggested, a smile spreading across my face.
The group turned to me, and Ryan's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea, Sharon. We can make it a potluck and have everyone bring something."
The others nodded enthusiastically, and soon everyone was chiming in with suggestions and ideas.
"I'm bringing my famous seven-layer lasagna," Emily said, grinning.
"And I'll bring the drinks," Liam offered.
Alex, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I'll bring my famous nothing burnt in the kitchen dish."
We all burst out laughing at that. "Oh man, Alex, that's a bold move," Ryan said, chuckling. "We're not sure if we can handle your cooking."
Alex playfully rolled his eyes. "Hey, my cooking is not that bad. I'm sure it'll be... edible."
We all laughed some more, and the tension was broken. As we continued walking, Ryan turned to me and smiled. "I'm looking forward to seeing your apartment, Sharon. And tasting your cooking, Alex."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "I'm not cooking, Ryan. We're having a potluck, remember?"
After lunch, we headed back to the office, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As we walked back, the conversation continued, with everyone joking and laughing together.
I settled into my chair, feeling refreshed after our lunch break. Ryan appeared at my desk a moment later, a casual smile on his face.
"Hey, Sharon," he said, leaning against the cubicle wall. "I'm really looking forward to Saturday's brunch."
I smiled back at him, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Me too. I'm excited to have everyone over."
Ryan's eyes locked onto mine, and his voice took on a more intimate tone. "Actually, I was thinking... after the brunch on Saturday, I'd love to have a special outing just the two of us on Sunday."
My heart skipped a beat as I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect of spending time alone with Ryan. "I'm... down for it," I stammered, trying to play it cool.
Ryan's smile grew wider, and he seemed about to say something more. But instead, he just nodded and said, "Great," before turning and walking back to his desk.
I watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions. I couldn't help but wonder what he had planned, and what this special outing might mean for us.
I quickly pulled out my phone and sent a text to Maxi, my fingers flying across the screen. "OMG, girl! Ryan just asked me out on a Sunday outing! I think I'm going to die!"
Maxie's response came almost immediately. "Shut up, you don't mean it! What's going on? Spill the tea!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her response. "I'm serious! He came to my desk and was all cute and charming. I'm totally feeling him," I typed back.
Maxie's next message was full of excitement. "Girl, I knew it! I've been telling you he had a thing for you. What's the plan for Sunday? Are you going to make him fall in love with you?"
I blushed at the thought, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Girl, I don't know. I just know I'm going to enjoy myself. I'll keep you posted, okay?"
Maxie's response was immediate. "You better! I want all the juicy details. Good luck, and don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Saturday morning arrived, and I was buzzing with excitement as I prepared for our brunch gathering. I had spent the previous day cooking up a storm, whipping up a delicious spread of dishes to share with my colleagues. As the doorbell rang, I smiled and made my way to the door to let everyone in.
The gang poured into my apartment, laughing and chatting, bearing their own contributions to the potluck. Just as we were settling in, the doorbell rang again. I wiped my hands on a towel and made my way to the door, expecting it to be someone who had forgotten something.
But to my surprise, it was Tia, Gabriel, and Beatrice. They were beaming with smiles, and I couldn't believe the coincidence.
"Surprise!" they chimed in unison, holding up a tray of pastries and a bottle of champagne.
I squealed with delight, thrilled to see my old friends. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We heard you were hosting a brunch and we just had to crash the party," Tia said, winking.
" I am suspecting you heard this information from Maxie"
I laughed and invited them in. The gang welcomed them with open arms, and soon we were all chatting and laughing together like old times.
Ryan was the last to arrive, and our eyes met as he walked in. He was dressed in a casual white shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. I felt a flutter in my chest as he smiled at me.
The brunch was a blast, with everyone digging into the food and sharing stories. Tia, Gabriel, and Beatrice fit right in, regaling us with stories of their adventures since I left my previous job.
As we sat around the living room, plates piled high with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon, the conversation flowed easily. Alex's attempt at making a joke fell flat, and we all burst out laughing at his misfortune.
Liam, ever the jokester, took it upon himself to roast Alex mercilessly, leaving us all in stitches. "Dude, that joke was older than our grandmas!" he exclaimed, chuckling.
The afternoon wore on, and as we lingered over our coffee and dessert, I realized that this was exactly what I needed, a fun, relaxed gathering with my favorite people, old and new.
I was arranging the drinks on the tray, lost in thought, when Beatrice walked into the kitchen...
"Hey, Sharon," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You're doing a fantastic job with this brunch. I'm sure everyone appreciates it."
I forced a smile, sensing the fact that she had more to say. "Thanks, Beatrice. Just trying to get everything ready, how is work."
She nodded, her eyes glinting with interest. "I heard the company is doing incredibly well. The stocks are through the roof, and that's serious work for we, the team while boss Ace is having a happy life with his family."
My heart skipped a beat as she mentioned Ace's name. I'd tried to move on, to put the past behind me, but the mention of him still stung. I kept my expression neutral, hoping to deflect any further conversation. "That's... great to hear," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
But Beatrice wasn't done yet. "And I heard his wife Diana is expecting a baby," she said, her eyes watching me like a hawk. "Can you imagine? Ace as a father."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the idea of him becoming a father... it was almost too much to bear. I forced myself to keep smiling, to pretend like it didn't affect me.
"Well, they can do whatever" I faked a laugh a walked out
As the last guest departed, Ryan lingered behind, helping me clean up the kitchen.
"Thanks for hosting this, Sharon," Ryan said, his voice low and sincere. "I had a great time."
I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of connection. "Anytime, Ryan. I'm glad you had fun."
As we finished up, Ryan glanced at his watch. "I should get going. But I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
I nodded, my heart skipping a beat. "Yeah, I'll be ready."
With a smile, Ryan leaned in and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I'm looking forward to it," he whispered, before turning and heading out the door.
I stood there, frozen in place, my heart racing with anticipation.