Promotion

13. Hypnotized

Raja instantly stood up when she noticed President walking toward Ash's office. He smiled at her. "Good evening, Raja."

"Good evening, sir."

"I see the door is closed. Is Ash with someone?"

Raja looked down. "He left, sir."

"He left?"

"He got home, sir..."

"Oh, really?" President looked very surprised. Indeed, the shift ended at six but Ash stayed always past the working time. President would come to him and they'd discuss without anyone bothering them. "Everything is fine, I hope."

Raja kept looking down.

"Go home, Raja." He patted her on the shoulder. "Have a good evening!"

"You too, sir!" She bent down and quickly pulled herself up when President was out of sight. She sat on her chair and called May.

I was just about to leave!

"One last question: where is Misty?"

How would I know? I'm not her assistant!

"You know where she is."

She's out with Ash! Go tell everyone about it!

"It's not like I didn't know."

Curiosity killed the cat.

"Go!" Raja hung up the call. She cocked her head. "This fake relationship is going too far."

-

"No! You did not!"

"Yes! I did!"

Misty gasped. She leaned forward in a quick manner and flicked Ash's nose. "You!"

"Aie!" Ash cupped his nose and leaned back. "That hurt!"

"You just said you were telling everyone at work if my office door is closed it means I'm painting my nails!" Misty chuckled. "And that's not true, by the way!"

"It is." Ash tapped his hand against the table. "You have different colors on your hands during the day!"

"Well, excuse me, I can't keep working nonstop. I'm a human being, not a robot." Misty shrugged and ate some of the sautéed vegetables she ordered. They picked up a Kalosian restaurant this time. "And I'm sure you do weird things in your office when the door is closed."

"No weird things. I just sleep."

"I knew it."

"I tell Raja to wake me up if she hears snoring." Ash put his arms on the table. He leaned forward. "I'm a human being, not a robot."

"Your assistant is in this game too! I see."

Ash chuckled. "Are you jealous?"

"No, of course not." Misty sat straight. "As long as she stays away from you, she's safe."

"She calls me all the time. Do I have to worry about her?"

"Probably, but I guess you're technically not mine so her and I can come to an agreement."

"Sharing is caring."

"I don't share my men."

"How many have you had? Twenty? Thirty?"

"Before you or after you?"

"Well, I'm technically not your man." Ash poured himself some wine. "... not yet."

Misty blushed. She grabbed her glass after Ash filled it for her.

"Not yet."

"I had a wonderful night."

"Me too."

Misty and Ash were in his car. Silence...

"Well, Misty..." Ash turned slightly to the side, facing Misty. "This is our third date and I really need to know what you think."

"What I think of what?"

"Of..." Ash held his hands up. "This thing between us."

Misty cocked her head.

"Because I like it." Ash smiled. "I don't know. I like being with you. I used to hate being with you but now I like being with you."

"That's very confusing, Ash." Misty giggled.

"Maybe I never hated you in the first place." Ash shrugged. "I just had an impression and I kept judging everything you do according to that impression I had of you."

Misty rubbed her hands together. She looked at Ash. "I used to despise you but now I can't seem to do so."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Maybe I'm just hypnotized."

"By...?"

Misty put her hand on the door handle, feeling a hot rush through her body and face. "Bye Ash. Goodnight."

"Bye Misty. I'll see you tomorrow."

The redhead watched him as he drove away from her residence. She headed quickly to the entrance, all giggling and blushing.