It's Sad to Belong

It's Sad to Belong || Knowing her more

Chapter Three

James and Nadine have been working together closely for 6 months now.

For the past months they have been spending all day and all night together, and sometimes they even work on weekends and holidays.

Ever since that night Nadine kissed James, things between them have been a bit awkward, or at least for James they were.

He wouldn't look at Nadine unless it was necessary and he kept their relationship strictly professional.

He stopped calling her by her first name and instead referred to her as "Ms. Lustre".

Nadine, on the other hand, has been completely the opposite. She's been acting like as if the kiss never even happened.

She did, however, pay more attention to her looks, more than she did any other times before. She made sure that she always looked beautiful, and carried herself with such confidence. She made sure that she was hotter than ever!

***

It's now December and the firm is having its annual Christmas party. Everyone looks forward to this party because it is the only time where they could just forget about their cases and clients, and just unwind.

Yearly, employees would bring their families along. The party is usually held at a fancy hotel. It is well-planned and well-organized. There's always great music, great food and of course, great booze.

***

"So Nadine, who will be accompanying you this year to the christmas party?" asks Yassi.

"Uhm. I haven't really thought about that," she replies, pursing her lips.

"Are you serious? You can't go alone.

"You'll ruin your plan if you did."

"My plan?" she asks, raising one of her eyebrows.

"Oh, come on, Nadine. I know what you're doing okay. I've seen this before. And it worked every single time!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me. Do you think I don't know what you're doing?"

"I have no clue what you're talking about," she says, turning her back on Yassi and heading straight to the kitchen to grab some drink.

"Oh, please. You're ignoring James and pretending like you're not interested in him, then you'll show up with a guy and start doing your magic until James dies from jealousy. Am I right? Or did I leave anything out?"

Nadine laughs hysterically. "Oh, Yassi. You really do know me so well. And yes, you are right. I will bring a date. I just don't know who yet," she says, winking playfully at Yassi.

***

James and his family enters the hotel. He and Ericka are instanly mesmerized by how beautiful the place is set up. It is obvious that the firm had spent a fortune on this party.

James finds a table for them. He chose the one closest to the dance floor. He should be enjoying this night with his family but instead, he finds himself scanning the huge room for Nadine.

He can't quite figure out what it is but the more Nadine ignores him, the more he becomes interested in her.

He hates himself for it and even disgusts himself sometimes, but there is something about her that he cannot resist.

The party started almost an hour ago and there still no sign of Nadine. James is becoming anxious and Ericka is noticing.

"Honey, what's the matter? You've been extremely quiet. Is everything okay?" Ericka asks.