Chapter 9 : Status Quo

Ella:

I learnt from Helen that the conference was a huge success. Everybody on our team got significant leads to give them the required headstart for December, the last month in this quarter as well as the new year.

“You missed one of the most fun nights we’ve ever had Ella” Victor, one of my colleagues complained at our coffee table.

“As usual” Joe looked at me pretending to be disappointed.

Before I could react...

“You might miss out on your targets again this month, Christmas holidays start in the next two weeks” Samantha, one of my frenemies gave in her unwarranted advice.

“Don’t you worry about my targets Samantha, at least my clients don’t drop out like yours!” I smiled politely putting her attitude in place.

“Did I tell you guys I got my first lead in only my first month ?” Alice turned excitedly towards Joe and gave him a tight lingering hug right in front me. 

Joe did not appear to mind the sudden affection even one bit! Although we had not made it official, literally everyone at the office including Jen had an inkling that we were dating. I’m pretty sure Alice knew as well, she seemed to be a smart cookie!

“It’s all because of you Joe, thank you so much for your help!” she praised him as he beamed from ear to ear. He always loved to be in the spotlight and Alice here had just perfectly massaged his ego!

I felt a bit let down by him but I did not want to create a scene hence I kept quiet and walked away bumping into Helen and Jane.

“You deserve better girl” Helen whispered in my ears, stirring the sugar in her coffee as I watched the camaraderie brewing between Alice and Joe.

I squint my eyes at her and pretend to be deaf as she continues, “You can choose to be in your own bubble but these two were all over each other on Saturday, they even left together”

“If you don’t trust me, ask Jane!?” Jane was our receptionist and partner in crime. She would join us for coffee every morning and supply us with ample gossip for a week.

“I’m sorry to break it to you honey, but it’s true!” she answered sympathetically looking at my state.

“Alice can try as hard as she wants, He’s mine and we’re going to celebrate our first anniversary this New Year’s Eve” I declare while loosening the first few buttons of my blouse. “Two can play this game, if not now, when will I learn?”

I looked over, waving my hand at him and catching his eye. Walking towards him I turn my back and remark, “You girls are plainly over-reacting, I’m sure it’s nothing” 

Hey baby, how are you? I kissed Joe on his lips in front of Alice to drive the message, “He’s mine” I watched as her lips tightened up; she gave me a twisted smile before glancing to see him and walking away.

Irrespective of who was around, I put my arms around him and said, “I am sorry baby to have missed the event, you know how Mary is! Anyways, the good news is that my family knows we’re dating now!!! 

I noticed how his eyes widened with surprise as I broke the news to him. He surely must have not expected me to be so bold and declare my love so openly.

“I was thinking if you would like to join us at our place for Christmas Dinner?” I suggested all excited at the thought of him meeting my extended family and shutting down all their notions about him.

“Hmmm, yeah of course, I will be dressed in my best suit” he replied smiling a bit hesitantly. Perhaps he was still upset with me.

“I know I have been missing in action lately but now that we’re official, I plan to make it all up to you on our first anniversary!” I lean in forward to show a bit of my cleavage and give him a hint of what’s in store.

His eyes gleamed with lust as he replied, “Oh I will be waiting to collect my present!”