Say Please

I Dare You

"Are company parties always like this?" I asked, wide eyed as Bri led me into the rooftop Voss had rented out for the company anniversary party. I had managed to come out for this work event. It had been a couple weeks since I'd last talked to Mark, and I wanted to forget my entire past with him. Tonight I would have fun.

"Sometimes," she grinned brightly, "but this is a special occasion. The company has been around for a decade. Voss wanted to do it big."

Big was an understatement. This was grand. The rooftop he had rented out had a three-sixty view of Seattle. On this clear summer night you could look out one way and see the Puget Sound glimmering in the setting sun. On the other, the waning sunlight danced along the towering buildings. Rainier's shadow sat to the south—hues of oranges and yellows painted on the forever snow.

At one end of the rooftop, a full bar glimmered next to a modest dance floor. A few coworkers I had yet to have full conversations with were swaying with colorful drinks in hand. Cocktail tables ran along the edge of the dance floor. People chatted casually or took photos of our striking views. At the other end of the party, tables were set up with different drinking games that reminded of my time in college. Interesting, I thought. I didn't expect to see people tossing ping pong balls into cups at a work party. But—as I was learning—this company wasn't traditional at all. And it didn't bother me one bit.

"Do you want to grab a drink?" Bri nudged me in the direction of the bar.

"Absolutely," I responded, knowing that a bit of alcohol would ease whatever anxieties I felt about seeing my coworkers at night.

We squeezed past our colleagues and found ourselves facing a "open bar" sign. Voss really loves us if he gave us an all-you-can-drink option.

"What'll it be, ladies?" The caramel-skinned man from across the barrier asked, his eyes trailing down my chest as he asked.

"I'll take a vodka cran," Bri cooed. Our bartender didn't so much as glance her way.

"And what are you having?" He smiled, flashing perfectly white teeth.

"Er," I stumbled at his intensity, "a vodka lemonade please?" He nodded and winked, sending a wave of blush to my cheeks. Bri eyed me with excitement, raising her eyebrows as if to say "he's totally into you." After a quick shake, both our drinks were ready. His fingers brushed mine as I took the glass—his hand lingering longer than I expected it to.

"Girl," Bri gawked as we wandered to a table, "that gorgeous man was totally into all of this." She waved her hand dramatically over the front of my low cut mini dress. The simple, black ensemble was sexy yet classy. A perfect fit for tonight's party.

"Me?" I shrank slightly, glancing behind me at the man behind the bar. "I'm sure he flirts with every woman."

She rolled her eyes at my shyness. "What so he can get an even better tip? Even though we're already paying him a shitload of money, and all of us had to leave our wallets at the door?" She had me there.

"I don't know," I thought to myself out loud, "he's gorgeous, but not really my type." I failed to mention the one type I had here: Chan. I failed to mention that he was the only person that had been on my mind these last few weeks. I failed to mention that he was the one I wore this dress for—hoping he would notice me.

"How is he not everyone's type?" Her eyes had not left the spot he stood since we had started this conversation.

"You should go for him, Bri. How could he not be into you?"

"Girl I might if you don't." She winked at me.

—

Bri offered to grab a second drink for me—no doubt going to flirt with our bartender. As I savored the liquid of the second lemonade, I allowed the warmth of the liquor to calm my veins.