Hours flew by and it was finally time to go on dinner with my new boss.
I was starving and couldn’t wait to eat, so I wasn’t really focusing on how strange the situation was.. at least not yet.
I had agreed to have dinner with him since I'd be going straight home afterwards.. didn't want to deal with any potential awkwardness at work if we had lunch instead.
At least I'd be fresh the next day.
It was a quiet drive to the restaurant, neither of us said a word, allowing the soft hum of R&B playing in his car to fill the silence.
I took the opportunity to admire the city lights of London, forming a warm glow against the evening sky, while he remained focused on the road.
Within a few minutes, we arrived at the restaurant.
It was a fancy one, like something out of a dream. Had big, shiny lights hanging from the ceiling, fancy velvet cushions on the chairs, and lots of shiny silver forks and knives.
Wasn't really something new to me though, Tyler and I used to go on dinner dates a lot during the early months of our marriage, even if it was for show..
Somehow, being here with a man pulled some kind of nostalgic feelings in me but I quickly waved them off.. It's all in the past now.
Tyler is my past now.
I sat across from my boss at a table away from the other people, the table he had chosen for us was kind of secluded from the rest of the diners.
I was fine with it.. never been the type who enjoys being in the spotlight anyway.
Just as we were settling in, a waiter arrived at our table and in minutes, our order arrived.
As we accepted our plates of food, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between the warmth of the meal and the awkwardness in the air.
I was glad, I now at least have something to invest my attention in, diverting my attention from the tension that had been building between us.
The sight of the food was mouth watering, I felt like devouring it immediately.. I was so famished, it's the first time I'd be having real food since my arrival in London.
Despite my heavy hunger, I tried as much as I could to eat slowly and with grace.. as it should be huh. Winks.
"Are you enjoying your meal?" He asked, sipping from his wine glass, his voice suddenly cut through the silence.
I gazed up almost immediately and put a smile on.. nah, not really forced.
I wasn't comfortable, yeah, because I still couldn't place what TF was happening right now.
Who takes his new employee out for dinner on her first day at work but then again, he might be just… a nice person? Or trying to make up for our encounter earlier, staining my blouse.
Anyone it was, I was kinda enjoying it.. or was it because I was finally satisfying my hunger with such delicious food?
Feeling his gaze still on me, I expanded my smile trying to recall what he had just said.
Sam, please pull yourself together, what the heck is wrong with you?, you keep getting lost!
“Thank you so much for this opportunity sir,” I said, trying to sound as professional as possible. “It's really an honor.”
I hoped what I had just said made sense and resonated with whatever it was he said.
He scoffed.
"Sir? Please, call me Caleb," he said with a friendly smile on his lisp. "We're going to be colleagues after all.”
The warm smile lingered, making me wonder if this whole situation was just some weird prank.
But the restaurant was real, and the food was delicious.
Was he really being serious? I should call him.. Caleb??
I let my fork and knife clink against my plate as I once again raised my gaze to meet his. I didn't know what to say at first, the whole thing was becoming more weird and uncomfortable with each passing second.
“I..I don't seem to understand…”
“Shhh..” He interrupted me. “Samantha, I am your boss right?”
“Yes, you are.” My voice was low.
“Good. So it's an order.. call me Caleb” He said, his voice firm and at the same time, soft. After a brief pause, he added, “At least when we ain't at work.”
My brows were furrowed with confusion with my mind reeling hard, trying to make sense of what was going on.
Was he being nice, friendly or is it… is this something else?
"It's just that...this is so...unusual," I finally managed to say, my voice shaking slightly. "I've never had a boss like this before."
He leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine.
"And that's what makes me different, Samantha. I want my employees to feel comfortable, to be themselves." He paused, a warm smirk playing on his lips. "Even if that means getting to know them over dinner.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Okay, sure…” I hesitated for a moment before locking eyes with him. “Caleb?”
"Good girl," Caleb purred as he took a sip of wine. "Finish up quickly so I can drop you off at your apartment."
My stomach churned. He's gon' give me a ride home too?
Before I could protest, my phone buzzed in my bag.
"Excuse me," I murmured as I fished it out.
I turned to see who the caller was but it was a ‘NO CALLER ID’.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I answered it.
"Hello?" I said, my voice low.
"Hey Sam...It's me."
My heart skipped a beat, blood rushing to my face.
The voice was unmistakable.
Tyler?