"You're overdue for a break, Jack," Martina said to Jack.
Jack had agreed to work at a party for the new part owners of the chocolate company he had been working for. His boss, Marta, was there. Along with Mr. Walton, new part owner and his daughter, Martina. The job this evening was ridiculously easy. Jack and a co-worker had a table set up at the party and handed out samples, along with cards for people who wanted to purchase retail orders and separate cards for those who were interested in wholesale orders and partnerships. Jack was supposed to work from 6:30 until 11 p.m., and it was now 10 p.m.
"I don't think I will need one," Jack said to Martina, who essentially his new boss.
"Well, you have to take one," Martina said with a smile. "For at least fifteen minutes. You know...labor laws."
"Right," Jack said. "Laws."
"Yes," Martina said and tilted her head. "We wouldn't want to get into any trouble."
Jack could tell that she was flirting with him. It was very obvious.
"I will be back in fifteen minutes," Jack said and turned to his co-worker, Ryan, who nodded.
Jack walked by Martina and out of the mansion where the party was being held. He guessed he could walk around outside for five minutes and make it back to the table in time.
"Jack!' Martina called to him as he went down the stairs to a large and well-manicured garden that was empty and lit with a few lamps.
"Yes?" he asked and turned to her. He had heard her following him.
She paused to catch her breath after trying to keep up with his strides.
"You walk so fast," she said. "Did you need to get out here for a smoke break?"
He looked at her. She was very pretty, with brown hair that had chunky blonde highlights. He could see a cherry tattoo peeking out by her collarbone, under the peachy colored dress she was wearing.
"I do not smoke," he said to her.
"Oh," she said. "Neither do I."
He said nothing in response.
"You're so quiet," Martina said and bit her lip. "Mysterious."
Jack knew that she had been watching him the entire evening and was likely waiting for a moment to speak with him alone. He was not sure how to handle this. He enjoyed his job. It was simple, easy, repetitive and calming. A new boss that seemed interested in him was an unwelcome stress. He did not want it.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" she asked, and before he could reply to tell her that he did not care to answer personal questions from her, she went on. "Are you seeing anyone?"
He paused and looked around.
"Hm?" he said.
"Are you seeing anyone?" she asked.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Are you single?" she asked him.
"No," he said.
"So, you are seeing someone," she clarified.
His facial expression remained neutral.
"So, have you been seeing her a long time?" Martina asked.
Jack put his hands into his pockets.
"No," he said clearly.
Martina smiled, clearly happy with the answer.
"And you're not wearing a ring," Martina said.
"No," he said again.
"So, I guess it must not be that serious yet," Martina assumed.
