Trapped in his paroxysm

Chapter |08|

The office finally emptied, leaving me with a mix of relief and anticipation. I packed my things, trying to push thoughts of the evening aside, but the prospect of dinner with Ajax lingered like a pleasant undercurrent. When I reached the parking lot, the sleek, black car with tinted windows appeared as if on cue.

The window rolled down, and Ajax's familiar smile greeted me. "Need a lift?" His tone was casual but with a hint of eagerness.

I hesitated for a split second before sliding into the passenger seat. "Sure, I'm game."

As we drove through the city streets, the hum of the engine and the glow of streetlights created a comforting backdrop. Ajax was easy to talk to, his conversation flowing naturally. "So, what's your favorite part of working here?" he asked, glancing over with genuine interest.

I thought for a moment. "Honestly, it's the creative freedom. I've always loved finding new ways to solve problems. It's like a puzzle I get to piece together every day."

Ajax nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that. It's clear you're passionate about what you do. What about outside of work? Any hidden talents or hobbies?"

I smiled, a little shy but eager to share. "Well, I love writing. It's my escape. I've been working on a novel for a while now. It's not something I talk about much, but it's a big part of who I am."

Ajax's eyes widened with genuine curiosity. "Writing? That's intriguing. What's your novel about?"

I hesitated, then took a breath. "It's a historical fiction piece, set in the early 20th century. It's a story about resilience and finding hope amidst uncertainty. It's inspired by the stories my grandmother used to tell me."

Ajax looked impressed. "That sounds compelling. It's amazing how personal experiences can shape creative work. What draws you to that particular era?"

"There's something about the struggle and the resilience of that time that resonates with me," I said. "I think it's important to remember how far we've come and the strength it took to get here."

Ajax nodded appreciatively. "I completely understand. Writing must be a wonderful outlet for you. It's similar to how I find balance in my work by exploring different perspectives and ideas."

The conversation continued, weaving through favorite books and writing tips. Ajax's stories about his travels and experiences enriched the dialogue, and I felt myself opening up more than I had anticipated.

When we arrived at the restaurant—a quaint, dimly lit spot with a warm, intimate atmosphere—I felt a surprising closeness to Ajax. The soft glow of candles on each table and the gentle murmur of conversations created a welcoming cocoon.

Ajax opened the door for me with a graceful gesture. "After you."

Inside, the ambiance was cozy, and the scent of delicious food teased my senses. We settled into a corner table, away from the bustling crowd. As we perused the menu, Ajax's attentiveness was evident. "Have you been here before?" I asked, trying to break the slight tension that lingered.

"Not quite," Ajax said with a smile. "I've heard great things, though. I hope it lives up to the hype."

Our conversation flowed easily through the meal. We talked about work, and Ajax asked insightful questions about my role and ambitions. His genuine curiosity made me feel appreciated. When the conversation shifted to more personal topics, such as childhood memories and future dreams, I found myself opening up in ways I hadn't expected.

As dessert arrived—a rich chocolate mousse that looked almost too good to eat—Ajax leaned in slightly. "I hope this evening has been everything you hoped for."

"It's been more than I expected," I replied, my smile sincere. "You've made it quite memorable."

Ajax's gaze held a mix of satisfaction and something deeper, though he didn't elaborate. "I'm glad to hear that. There's something important I'd like to discuss with you, but perhaps that's for another time. For now, let's just enjoy the evening."

I nodded, feeling a sense of both contentment and curiosity about what the future might hold. As the night unfolded, it became clear that this dinner was more than just a pleasant diversion—it was the beginning of something intriguing.