It takes the both of us (PUBLISHED - WEBNOVEL)

FOUR: THIS IS WHERE WE STARTED [flashback]

[SHAIRA's POV]

"Pardon, sir. It's not registered in my capsule time chart."

"It's urgent. Don't worry. It needs no appointment since I arranged this meeting at the last minute," he replied, accompanied by the exaggerated sound of a coffee sip.

I simply nod my head and wait for the said arrangement. Later on, we left the office and arrived at Max's restaurant between three and five o'clock in the afternoon.

My boss held one chair for me, so I replied "thanks" to him. As a boss, Mr. Jhotam is quite a gentleman and generous to his employees, and I found this a lovely side to his personality.

My boss sat on the opposite side as he uttered, "My client is not coming today."

It's a rare sight for a client not to show up, but there's nothing we can do about it since we are not in control of the time.

But seriously?! What a waste of time! By this time, maybe I had already finished reviewing the expenditures.

"Might as well try their delicacy since we went this far," says Jhotam.

No thanks! I'm saving money. Thus, no way in hell I'd lay my salary to order in this expensive restaurant. Hence, I made no words but reciprocated by plastering an awkward smile on my face.

"Don't worry 'cause it won't affect your salary, so feel free to order. My treat."

What on earth? The boss... hmm treating his employee? Take note this is not just a humble restaurant. It is one of the most expensive places to eat.

"I beg your pardon, sir."

"Think of this as a token of my appreciation for your delicate service and seamless work," he replied. Then, hand me the black menu.

I heaved a sigh of relief as I ran my eyes on the menu.

'Do I have a choice? It's not always Thanksgiving Day. I better grab this chance.'

We waited about a couple of minutes before our order arrived at our classy table. My eyes glimmer at the sight of the food, but I keep reminding myself to act professionally and stop being a food monster.

It is hard to hide the excitement of attacking mouthwatering food when the truth is, you want to eat it with a bald hand.

It is a given that dead air will surely sit with us since our mouth we're busy with food, but there's something in the air that breathes awkward silence.

"So, do you have a boyfriend?" he suddenly asked while forking out lettuce in his bowl.

What's with that out-of-the-blue question?!

I almost swallowed the whole chicken legs upon hearing those words. I'm in a state of shock and shame. Why ask me such a personal question all of a sudden? Does he not know the ethics in the working place? However, come to think of it, we are not inside the office...

But, it's still part of the working hour, right? Moreover, he asked about a private matter, which is not the concern of our work.

I closed my eyes and had a brief contemplation. In the end, I thought it wouldn't hurt me if I responded. I just need to draw a boundary if my boss prolongs this personal matter, I guess?

"I have one before, but we broke up right after college graduation," I replied. Then, I noticed Mr. Jhotam nodding while stirring the canton strip on his pallet. I expect nothing will follow after my response, and I wasn't wrong. Maybe, it's just an icebreaker. In the first place, there's not much to talk about since we are not close to each other. It's like a business meeting without an agenda.

"May I excuse myself for a while? I'm going to the washroom, sir." I stood up as he nodded his head.

I walked past the mirror, but it pulled me back to glance at my reflection.

After ensuring I was decent enough to return to my seat, I left the washroom area. And on my way to our table, I found myself unconsciously studying my boss's appearance from a distance.

I wasn't expecting him to turn his gaze in my direction. Luckily, I was saved by the waiter who appeared before me. Such a chance was a perfect interruption as it gave me some lame excuse to deny that I'm staring at him.

"I see. You've finished your plate, sir---" He interrupted me just before I could finish my statement. Supposedly, I will ask him if we are heading back to the office because I have not finished mine. If he wishes to go back to the office, I cannot argue with that.

"Take your seat. We're not heading back to the office not until you finish your share as well," he said.

I wonder if he's also like this with his previous secretary. They're always together... Anyway, that's not where my nose should rest.

"Thank you, sir. I will finish this last dish as soon as possible," I replied, feeling shy about making my boss wait.

"Take your time. You'll get indigestion if you insist on not chewing the food properly," he replied.

Then, shortly after, at the corner of my eyes, there was a pair of eyes watching me– my boss. He is smiling as well. So, it made me wonder if there was a speck of dirt on my face. As far as I remember, I eat neatly and orderly.

"Don't worry because there's no dirt on your face," Mr. Jhotam uttered.

Is he a mind reader? How'd he know I was asking myself?

"I'm just amused. You know it is my first time eating together with my employee," he replied, crossing his arms next to his bosom.

There, his dimples are greeting me again. I have a soft spot for dimples, so please do not reveal them.

'Wait... did he just mention that today's his first time dining with his employee?'

I feel like he is looking through my inner core. On the other hand, maybe it is just my troublesome imagination. Despite feeling awkward and a bit sketchy with how he treats me lately, I remained calm as I replied, "I'm honored to hear it from you, sir. I'm beyond grateful for treating me today."

He cleared his throat and replied, "Can't you drop the formality?"

I looked at him, wearing my perplexed reaction. I asked myself, 'Why make such a request? Isn't it only natural to address him with utmost respect and formality because he's my employer?'