I am a couple months into this new single life and ready to get back into the dating scene far earlier than I thought. After my one-time affair with my neighbor, my life started to come back into balance. It's easier to wake up every morning and go to work.
Last Friday night, after I was able to finalize my first quarter numbers at work, I was thrilled and decided to take my employees and their significant others out for happy hour and dinner. They did great and really stepped up at a time where my focus wasn't entirely at work so they deserved a night full of fun.
My office manager, Kaycee, made all the arrangements. Kaycee is even younger than me. I hired her two years ago straight out of college with the thought that she'd eventually take an accounting or controller job in my firm. She's so good at being the office manager, though, that I asked her to stay in that role and increased her pay to incentivise her.
Towards the end of the day, she came to my office and said, "Hey, would you mind giving me a ride to JJ's (the restaurant) tonight? I took an uber to work today knowing we were going out."
I said, "Yeah, not a problem. I have a phone call at 4:45 and then we'll go over. It starts at 5, right?"
She said, "Yeah, the restaurant already has our info and everyone has their wristbands already so we're set."
I said, "Good job. I'll come get you when I am ready."
I took my call, walked out of my office and saw Kaycee sitting at her desk patiently waiting for me. I noticed she had done her hair, freshened her makeup and I think she changed her shirt too. When she stood up to walk out with me, I also noticed that she put on different shoes. She had a pair of black stilettos on now and she looked great.
I said, "I don't want to cross a boundary, but you look great."
She got this huge smile on her face and said, "Thanks. I was really looking forward to going out tonight and wanted to look nice."
We got in my car and went to JJ's. We talked the whole time and had a lot of fun together. My entire team was already there when I got there so I introduced myself to the family members I hadn't met and caught up with those that I had. About a half hour into my arrival, I realized I hadn't even had a chance to get a drink yet. I caught Kaycee's eyes and tipped my hand for a drink and then pointed her to the bartender who would know what to make me.
She came back with my drink and said, "Excuse us, I need to borrow him."
I looked at her and said, "Thanks. I couldn't find a way to politely excuse myself."
She said, "That's what I'm here for," with an adorably cute smile on her face. Then she said, "I already saved your seat too at one of the tables so when you're ready to take everyone to the back room, you're all set."
I said, "You're the best. You're sitting next to me, right? Need you on my side."
She playfully slapped my arm and said, "Of course."
I knew I was in trouble. I could tell she was flirting and knew I was too.
The entire night was great.