Chapter 2: lunch invitation

As the sun began to rise, its gentle rays peeking through my window, I woke up to embrace my second day at work. I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up, and just as I was about to leave, my phone started ringing incessantly. I assumed it might be my brother or father, as they were the only ones I kept in close contact with since the passing of my mother last year. Having sought solace in a new city, I rented my current apartment but still cherished my family connections.

To my surprise, when I checked my phone, it displayed an unknown number. Curiosity piqued, I answered the call with a greeting, and a familiar voice responded, "Hello, Ema. It's Marcus. I got your phone number from Mr. Ruth, our boss. We were planning to invite you to lunch since you just joined us. I'm calling to ask about your preferences."

I chuckled softly, amused by Marcus's eagerness to cover all the details. Suppressing my laughter, I replied, "That's very kind of you guys. However, I don't have any specific preferences when it comes to food. You can choose whatever you'd like for me."

Although Marcus seemed a bit dissatisfied with my response, he couldn't argue further. "Alright then, see you at the office," he said before ending the call.

Leaving my phone aside, I continued getting ready for the day. As I drove to work in my beloved car, I decided to call my family to catch up. Even though they were doing well in my absence, I couldn't help but worry about them. Ensuring their happiness and well-being was always on my mind, and hearing their voices alleviated my concerns.

Arriving at the office, I gradually acclimated to the work environment and began immersing myself in my tasks. Determined to make a positive impact, I applied my skills and knowledge to deliver the best results. As I delved into my work, I suddenly felt a presence beside me. Raising my eyes, I discovered Mr. Ruth standing there, a smile gracing his face.

"You're a quick learner, Ema. I have no doubt I made the right decision in hiring you," he complimented me, his words warming my heart.

I returned his smile, expressing gratitude. "Thank you, sir. I hope to contribute significantly to the company's success."

"Has Marcus informed you about the team lunch?" he asked, his gaze shifting to the vicinity where Marcus stood, a few steps away.

Marcus perked up, aware that I had caught their conversation. With an expectant smile, he awaited my confirmation. "Yes, sir. He called me this morning. Thank you so much for the kind invitation. It's very considerate of you," I replied, acknowledging their thoughtfulness.

Mr. Ruth seemed proud as he walked away, stating, "It's no big deal. We simply want you to feel comfortable with us, Mrs. Gwindlen."

Having settled into my work routine, I approached Mia, whose desk was behind mine, and asked her about the location of the coffee machine. She kindly guided me, and upon reaching the machine, I found Romain standing in front of it, seemingly undecided about his coffee choice. Mia and I patiently waited for our turns, and when Romain noticed our presence, he turned towards us, surprised by my voice.

"Good morning. I apologize for not noticing you earlier. Please go ahead and order," he said, his tone friendly and polite.

I smiled warmly at him before stepping beside him and suggesting, "I think you should start your day with a medium coffee to avoid any stomach discomfort." I pointed out the specific type he should choose.

Blushing slightly, he followed my recommendation without a second thought and thanked me gratefully. As Romain made his decision, it was finally our turn, and I gave Mia a glance, silently asking about her coffee preferences. To my surprise, she seemed shocked and stared at me as if I had tamed a wild beast.

"What's wrong?" I asked, unable to contain my laughter.

"I envy you, Ema. You have such an easy way of approaching people. I mean, Romain is like a Rubik's cube, and you effortlessly solved it by suggesting his coffee. It's as if you've been friends for ages," she remarked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"He's not an enigma, Mia. He's just like any of us. If you try talking to him, he would respond just as well," I assured her, not revealing my own initial reservations about Romain's reserved nature.

As lunchtime approached, we gathered in the break room, where a table filled with various meals awaited us. Among the faces were colleagues from different departments, but as an introvert, I didn't feel compelled to socialize extensively. I stood by Mia and Haizel, engaging in light conversation. Mia recounted our coffee encounter, which seemed to intrigue her greatly. I dismissed her lingering curiosity and made an effort to connect with them.

To my surprise, Romain was nowhere to be found in the room. My mind began to wander, questioning the reason behind his absence. I decided to visit his office, where I found him completely engrossed in his work, seemingly unapproachable. A mischievous challenge played in my mind as I approached him and cleared my throat to announce my presence.

"Why aren't you in the break room?" I initiated the conversation, breaking the silence.

"I have some unfinished work that needs to be completed today. I can't even take a five-minute break," he replied without lifting his eyes from his tasks.

I couldn't resist remarking, "You should take care of yourself. Nourishing your body is essential for concentration."

A smile formed on his face as he acknowledged my words. "You're right, but I really have to finish this. Thank you for the reminder, though."

Feeling compelled to help him, I returned to the break room, picked up two dishes, and made my way back to his office. Ignoring any protests, I cleared a space on his desk and made room for the food. Romain didn't say a word, allowing me to take charge. I knew he would appreciate the gesture later, as there was no benefit in working on an empty stomach. Together, we ate in silence, and as the moment passed, I broke it by saying, "Would you mind explaining the project you're working on?"

He began explaining, and as I listened intently, I couldn't help but notice the subtle details of his face. His eyes were captivating, with a depth that drew me in. His dark, slightly messy hair added a touch of uniqueness to his appearance. Engrossed in his explanation, I found myself lost in the moment, appreciating the calmness of his voice. At some point, he realized he had finished his meal and stared at me guiltily for initially rejecting my offer. With a reassuring smile, I told him, "You should take care of yourself if you want to make progress." Together, we cleaned up the table.

At the end of the day, we successfully completed Romain's work. While we had only gotten to know each other on a professional level, a few jokes here and there allowed us to laugh comfortably.

"You were a great help, Ema. I appreciate it," Romain expressed his gratitude.

"I'm glad you accepted my assistance. I would never let someone work without eating. My mom always emphasized the importance of taking care of oneself," I replied, a happy expression adorning my face, before returning to my desk to prepare for my departure.

As I arrived home, a familiar car stood in front of the building—it was my brother's. Joy overwhelmed me as I realized that my family had come to visit. The warmth of their presence brought a sense of comfort and contentment, reminding me of the love and support that surrounded me.

With my family by my side and newfound connections at work, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Each day presented new opportunities for growth and friendship, and I eagerly looked forward to the chapters that lay ahead, knowing that the journey was just beginning.

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