𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙

i

Making my way out of the office building, I realised it was snowing. I didn't even realise it was that time of year again.

Everything just seemed to blur over. I didn't need to really focus on anything else besides my work.

"Dude, me and the guys are heading out for a drink. Wanna come?"

His name was Eric.

He stood away from two other guys.

"It'll be fun! Listen, you spend all that time in your office and never go out. Relax a little."

From what I understood, he wasn't a bad guy. He seemed to be the sensible one.

Yet drinking sounds like something that easily gets anyone in trouble.

I only raised an eyebrow; how was I meant to respond?

"I'll Pay?"

All I did was keep my eyebrow raised,

"Fine, I'll make sure all my reports are in on time." He released a defeated sigh.

"Deal."

He perked up after I finally made my decision.

He gave himself a small smile, just slightly nodding his head like he was congratulating himself.

If getting reports to in on time requires me to get a drink, I wasn't going to refuse. Eric never did anything wrong by me, he was just a little slack on getting things to in on time.

He turned to make his way to the other two guys standing a little far away, both I remember as Alek and Grayson.

One always showed up with hickies on his skin, and one would constantly flirt with any female employees.

Pretty boys.

I never understood the appeal to have a female on you every second of the day. I guess I haven't been around women enough to crave one.

Maybe I'll get to witness how they actually manage to get women to sleep with them. It impressed me they had all that energy to pick a girl up, sleep with them, then throw them aside.

Had the women not talked to each other about them?

Didn't girls tell other girls everything?

"Dude, you brought the boss?" one hushed,

"It kind of looks like you're kissing his ass."

Eric just glared at them both.

"Grayson, Alek. Shut up."

I never realised how Eric really acted with these two, he was care free, yet strict. The others however, I don't think they possess a sensible bone in their body. It was only fun and games for them both.

I don't blame them for having fun, they seem to have all the time in the world.

It was just an inconvenience to me when girls showed up in the lobby demanding answers from both of them.

"Alright, I say we head to the small pub on the corner?"

Eric seemed to only want a quiet night.

I don't blame him, these two were already giving me a headache.

"When you said drink, I didn't think you meant get a loser drink."

Grayson was irritated. He wouldn't be going out to a club tonight.

"When I said drink, I meant 3 to get through the rest of the week. It is only Tuesday."  Eric just shrugged off Grayson attitude and continued to make his way to the corner pub.

Not deciding to stand around with these two, I took off towards Eric.

He didn't give me as bad of headache like the other two did.

"Only 3 drinks? You didn't strike to me to be that type of guy." I spoke. I felt awkward just walking in silence.

"What type of guy do I seem like?" It was Eric's' turn to raise his brow at me.

I assumed he was someone who would have a drink while you work, then reward yourself with another after you finished.

Then again, I don't really know him outside of his work personality.

I could only sigh. I probably should've just gone home.

"You just- didn't seem like that type."

I turned to face his direction, all that shown on his face was a small smile.

"Eric! To make it up to me, you have to shout me a drink." Grayson gave Eric back hug, dropping his weight so Eric was practically dragging him.

"Wait, me too! I want a free drink." Alek whined.

He seemed to wedge his way in between Eric and I.

They both got over their episode quickly.

After walking a little while longer, we reached the corner bar.

"This place? It looks like a 50's diner." The scowl on Aleks face made Grayson laugh.

"Dude calm down, you don't have to wear the pretty pink skirt."

Now both Eric and Grayson were laughing, but Alek just seemed annoyed.

Without waiting for them, I decided to go ahead.

I just want my drink so I can leave.

"Welcome darlin, here to eat?"

A woman, a little older than 50 stood behind the counter. She had the old styled curls with a typical kitchen apron on.  The colours being pink and white.

She also wore a badge.

'Maranda'

"A table for 4 if possible." I mustered up the kindest small smile I was capable of making.

Being nice and carefree wasn't easy.

I didn't have to be nice to anybody at home.

"Course darlin, any booth you like can be yours." She gave a kind smile.

My mood didn't hinder hers.

I'm glad. Although I'm not a fan of other people, I wouldn't go out of my way to make someone's day miserable.

Well, only if they didn't make my day miserable.

I took a quick glance behind me, wondering if the guys followed me or not.

Eric seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Grayson and Alek were bantering behind him.

Without a word, I turned away, finding an empty booth furthest away.

The diner was retro themed. Pictures of old cartoons and celebrities hung on the wall, all in black and white. Actually, most stuff in here was black and white, with the occasional pink or red object like a bar stool.

Definitely not a corner pub.

"Cosy."

Alek appeared across from me. Grayson took the side next to him, while Eric took the side next to me.

"Anything to start ya'll off with?"

"4 glasses of your strongest liquor please."