Forbidden Fruit (gxg)

Part 10

On Monday morning I got to my desk and learned two things: that Kori would be in Philadelphia all week for meetings, and that on Friday night there would be an annual fundraiser banquet for my company.

Grace mentioned it to me as I checked my emails.

"Are you going to the banquet on Friday?" she asked me.

I turned to her, "What banquet?"

"Oh, they must've announced the date before you started working here! It's an annual banquet to raise money for ovarian cancer research. Mr. Hollis, who owns the company, lost his first wife to ovarian cancer."

"That's awful," I said, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll definitely go to the banquet, does everyone in the company go?"

Grace nodded, "Typically we're expected there. It's usually hosted in a really nice hotel, this year it's at The Autumn Inn."

"Oh wow, that is a really nice hotel. Yes, I'll be sure to go."

I wonder if Kori will be here or if she will be in Philly still?

"I'll send you the email with all the details that was sent out a couple of months ago," Grace said to me, "Sorry you didn't know before!"

I looked at the email with all of the information for the banquet and saw that I would have to wear something nice, likely a dress.

I'm sure I'll find something in my closet.

The work week seemed to drag without Kori there. I hadn't realized how much I secretly looked forward to seeing her each day.

On Thursday night, my mom called me. She wanted to know if I wanted to have dinner with her and my dad that Sunday.

"I asked Addison as well, she said she would come. As a little belated birthday celebration for you. We will go somewhere nice."

I knew my mom was trying. I had to give her the benefit of the doubt.

"Sure," I said to my mom, "Sounds good. Will Alyssa be there as well?"

"She said she's busy, so it'll be just the four of us. I really look forward to it, honey."

"Me too," I somewhat lied.

On Friday at work, it seemed like the banquet was on everyone's mind.

"It's a lot of fun," Hassan said to me, "There is usually great music and even better food. The company really goes all out."

I had searched my closet for something to wear the night before and landed on a black dress that was long sleeved and short, but not too short. There was a thin white belt around the waist, and the skirt flared out a little bit. With a pair of heels, it would be perfect to wear.

As I sat at my vanity and did my makeup, I couldn't help but to hope that Kori would be there.

It'll give me something nice to look at, that's for sure.

I had never been into a woman of Kori's age. The oldest woman I've ever hooked up with was only a year older than me, when I was 25. Otherwise, it was mostly just women my age. But I was attracted to Kori, and I couldn't help it.

Whether something happened or not.

The Autumn Inn was about a half hour drive from my apartment, it was a beautiful building, I had been there for my cousin's wedding a couple of years ago.

I knew that I would be sitting with my department, so I was glad I didn't have to worry about who I would be with the whole time.

No matter what, these events can always be somewhat awkward.