Alessia had been on a lucky streaktely. She just became a new mom and now she had been promoted. It was like good news just kepting in waves. As a woman, she had juggled family and career perfectly and it was truly admirable.
The private dining room they booked was huge, and could fit about thirty to forty people. Co-workers started to trickle in and the waiters started serving the dishes. Anastasia and Christine were sitting off to one side, chitchatting about their ideas and concepts on jewelry design.
Just as everyone was getting ready to dig in, another co-worker showed up. It was Harmon, whom they had met before at the office. Alessia was a sweetheart, and she didn''t differentiate people based on their positions. Even if they were in a lower position like Harmon, she gave a warm wee if they were willing toe.
Alessia greeted Harmon with a smile, "Harmon,e on in and have a seat. We''ve been waiting for you."
Harmon was a bit shy, he lowered his head and wished Alessia well before sitting down and keeping quiet. He mainly took care of equipment maintenance at thepany; he was not a threat to others nor did he carry much value. He kept to himself, so he was easily overlooked. Everyone was having a st chatting, while Harmon seemed out of ce, quietly eating his food. Anastasia nced at him a couple of times, but with people in between them, she didn''t strike up a conversation. Plus, Harmon was a male co-worker, as a married woman, she needed to keep a certain distance.
Anastasia didn''t pay much attention to Harmon originally. But because his name sounded like Herman, and they had crossed paths on a dating site, she had some extra attention for Harmon.
During the meal, Anastasia identally dropped her purse. Before she could pick it up, Harmon already did. "Here you go." Harmon said and handed Anastasia her purse, carefully wiped off the dust.
"Thank you." Anastasia replied with a surprised smile.
"You''re wee." Harmon answered and lowered his head, then returned to his seat. He was over the moon at the moment, because he just had an interaction with Anastasia, she spoke to him. Since theirst encounter at the office, Harmon had had her in his thoughts. Alessia, went around the table toasting each person. When it was Anastasia''s turn, Alessia said, "You should stick to juice, you just got
out of the hospital. Listen to
your doctor."
Anastasia didn''t dare drink alcohol casually, as she couldn''t hold her liquor. Sheughed and said, "Then I''ll toast with juice. Here''s to your sess."
"Thanks for your blessing." Alessia said.
They clunk their sses and downed their drinks.
Alessia suddenly remembered something, saying, "Anastasia, why did youe alone today? Didn''t I say you can bring your spouse? Where''s your husband? Why didn''t you bring him to meet us?"
Anastasia smiled and answered, "He''s on a business trip. I''ll bring him next time we have the chance."
Upon hearing he was on a business trip, Alessia didn''t press further. Harmon''s face changed slightly upon hearing Anastasia was married, a sense of indescribable jealousy arose within him..
Alessia and Christine finished their drinks and turned to Harmon, "Harmon,e on. Let''s have a drink." Alessia had had a bit too much.
Harmon stood up and raised his ss, "Thank you, Alessia. Here''s to your sess."
Alessiaughed and responded, "I wish you find your partner soon and settle down."
Harmon had tried blind dates multiple times, but they didn''t work out. The co-workers had heard some rumors. Harmon felt a bit awkward, he gulped down the drink in a shy and clumsy manner. But he choked on it due to the haste.
A male co-worker next to him mocked him without any hesitation, "Who would want a man like you? You can''t even drink properly. There must be a reason to be single at thirty,"
This made Harmon extremely embarrassed, but he didn''t retort due to his introverted personality.