I guess the concept of WFH must have been foreign to Rebecca, despite her having WFH for so long.
Sunday night she had texted to say that she would be seeing me at 830am.
I initially didn’t want to drive, as I didn’t know what time she was going to arrange the session, otherwise I would have to pay for the day license. But seeing as it was first thing in the morning, I suppose I could just go early, and then chill somewhere then find an excuse to be in the office the entire day. $20 wasn’t a huge sum to pay for the convenience.
I had a super long breakfast at the hawker center before heading to the office. As I walked past the entrance into the main lobby, a sports car stopped at the drop off point and Rebecca alighted. It wasn’t the same sports car as the other night, but the windows were so tinted that I couldn’t tell if it was the same guy or not.
Rebecca was wearing a top that totally exposed her shoulders, and a super short and tight skirt. Definitely not office wear, she looked more like she was going clubbing.
She saw me waiting for the lift and hurried over.
R: That’s my husband.
Me: Huh. I didn’t ask anything.
R: I know you saw me.
So I guess she had a type? Guys who drove expensive sports cars. I wondered why she actually needed to work, considering it appeared as though her husband was well-off, being able to afford such a car.
R: Glad you’re early today.
Me: You said 830 right?
R: Well, I didn’t expect you to come so early.
Me: I didn’t think it would be wise to go against my manager’s request.
R: Ah. So you’re acknowledging me as your manager now?
Me: You are going to be the manager right?
R: I guess so.
We reached our floor and headed towards the office. The split team for this week was only Ken and Rebecca in the office, as seeing that Joan was the only person in marketing at the moment, and she and Cheryl were with me. Would that mean that Jasmine would eventually be placed on the same team as Rebecca? That seemed like a recipe for disaster.
I went straight into Shirlyn’s office and sat at the table while Rebecca took the seat beside me, not taking Shirlyn’s chair as perhaps, she recognized that she was not a full manager yet?
Me: You locked the door again?
R: Yeah. I don’t want to be disturbed.
Me: There’s really no need to lock the door.
She ignored me, and swivelled her chair to face me, her legs spreading wide, before crossing them, something like what Sharon Stone did in Basic Instinct. I swear I caught sight of something white between her legs.
R: So. How’s everything?
Me: I’m good. Work’s fine.
To her credit again, she really just discussed work issues. I was just waiting for her to bring up Jasmine as a topic, or perhaps even me sleeping with the girls in the office.
R: So Jasmine is coming back. Marketing will have two.
Me: I know.
R: I do not wish to be in the same split team arrangement as her. So I’ll put her in your team.
Me: You know whatever issues you two have probably should be worked out professionally right?
R: I am being professional. I know you work well with her. And I’m assuming when you’re on the same team, work will get done faster.
Me: I guess?
R: Any problems with that?
Me: Don’t think so.
R: Now seriously…
There it was. The question she’d always been asking.
R: Did anything happen between you two that I should know about?
Me: Nope.
R: I do not wish for any personal issues to affect your work.
Me: I know. It won’t.
R: Honestly, I don’t give a shit if you slept with her or not. Or anyone else for that matter.
Me: Errr.
R: Look, maybe I came across as this gossipy bitch. But work is work. You can do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t affect work.
Me: I know.
R: But when Jasmine suddenly resigned, it’s obvious that the marketing department’s output suffered.
Me: I suppose it did.
R: In any case, I don’t think you’re the type who will sleep around. You seem too nice and honest.
I tried hard not to snigger. She was a really bad judge of character.
R: But other than the boss, you’re the only guy here who I haven’t slept with yet.
Me: Thanks for the unwanted information.
R: You’re shocked?
Me: I don’t have an opinion.
R: When you have issues at home, and you spend so much time in the office. These things happen.
Me: Really?
R: It’s normal la. Everybody does it.
Me: I’m not so sure about that.
R: Then it’s just me lor. Any problem with that?
Me: Nope. No problem.
R: Ok good. If you face any issues with your work or colleagues, be sure to look for me.
Me: Alright.
R: If you face any other issues, you’re welcome to look for me as well.
Me: I’m not so sure what you mean, but ok.
R: Don’t act innocent la.
Me: I’m not. I just don’t really do these things.
R: It’s human behaviour. Didn’t you learn about this during your diploma?
Me: I don’t think my diploma said anything about sleeping with my entire office.
R: You won’t understand. Go read up on Maslow’s Hierarchy. Anyway I have nothing further for you. You may leave after the virtual meeting with the rest of the team.
Me: Ok.
After the morning meeting I just stayed at my desk to clear whatever emails were unread and to see if any of the sites had any unresolved issues. It was a rather quiet day.
Around lunchtime, Rebecca finally came out of her office.
R: Why are you still here?
Me: Red plate car.
R: It’s only $20 right? Just go home?
Me: I can clear my work here.
R: Do you have anything left to do?
Me: Not really.
R: Would you like me to give you something to do then?
Me: Does it involve sleeping with my colleagues?
R: HAHAHAHA! You have around 6 hours to go. I doubt you can last that long.
Me: Yeah I was being sarcastic.
R: I’m not stupid.
Me: I’m sure you aren’t.
R: Now I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic.
Me: I read up on Maslow then. Would you like a report?
R: Sure. Maybe you can tell me what you manage to learn before you leave today.
Suddenly Ken appeared.
K: Oh. Didn’t know you were here.
I didn’t really respond to him.
R: Ken and I have a lunch appointment with an external vendor, we should be back in a couple of hours.
Somehow I wondered how true that was.
Me: Ok.
R: You’re in charge here. Remember to lock the door if you’re going for lunch.
Me: Ok.
They left the office. Some part of me was really curious and wanted to follow them against better judgement, since I had nothing to do anyway. But I guess that would be stupid.
Instead, I opened Chrome and googled for Maslow to see what the fuss was all about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Neoguri
No worries about the points. - I had benefited from your Chinese stories.
Although the traditional Chinese is more difficult for me, I could still read and understand 80% of the words.
At least you guys can read and write Chinese. I can only read hanyu pinyin these days…
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Neoguri
No worries about the points. - I had benefited from your Chinese stories.
Although the traditional Chinese is more difficult for me, I could still read and understand 80% of the words.
At least you guys can read and write Chinese. I can only read hanyu pinyin these days…
So I guess Rebecca was stuck at fulfilling her physiological needs.
Based on what I read, I tried to figure out where everyone else was at in terms of their motivations, but I gave up halfway as it seemed like they were all, me included, still at the physiological stage.
Working from home the rest of the week was really boring, and I ended up just watching Netflix or playing games on my desktop.
Felicia actually texted me on Wednesday morning to see if I was at the office as she had to go in to clear some stuff, and wanted to see if I was around so she could get a ride home as she had some stuff to carry. And also, hinting to me that I should go over to Jasmine’s place after I dropped her off. Unfortunately, I was technically working from home the entire week so I asked if I could give her a ride on CNY eve instead, since I would be at the office anyway. She said it was fine, she’d take a Grab home.
The day passed by without much incident, until around 3pm when there was an issue with one of our client sites. I tried to remote troubleshoot with the onsite supervisor but somehow nothing was working. The boss of the client company ended up asking if I could head down to assist.
I texted Rebecca and Helen informing them of this, and as expected, I was given the go ahead. I bought the day license to drive my off peak car and headed down to the site, which was a couple of lanes away from my office.
I settled the issue within an hour or so to the appreciation of the boss and onsite supervisor before heading back to the office since I was nearby to fill up the incident report.
As usual, the office was empty, with only Ken and Rebecca supposedly working. Rebecca wasn’t at her table. I texted Felicia to let her know what I was in the building due to unforeseen circumstances and would be able to send her home.
I heard laughter coming from Shirlyn’s office. No doubt it was Rebecca and Ken. I ignored it and continued with my incident report. After 5 minutes the door opened.
R: Wah. Why did you come back? I thought you went off-site?
Me: Incident report.
R: So hardworking. Bonus has already been disbursed, it’s not going to increase you know?
Me: Don’t worry, I’ll fill up the form that says I came back to the office on a non-scheduled day for work matters.
R: Please do. I don’t want MOM or MTI coming for a spot check.
Me: You probably wouldn’t know if they did considering the amount of time you spend in Shirlyn’s office.
I wonder why I said that.
K: You jealous?
Me: Of what?
K: Nothing.
They went off somewhere, I didn’t care where, and simply finished up my report.
I don’t know why I was feeling irritable/angry that day. If I was a woman, I probably could say it was hormones.
Since I was officially WFH, I texted Felicia to see if she could leave early.
F: You wanna come to my office and help me pack?
Me: Sure.
I clocked out and headed to her office. Somehow her company didn’t seem very concerned about visitors. In any case, only me and her were in her office.
Her cubicle was bare, except for the laptop, some stationery and what looked like her unfinished lunch.
Me: What’s going on?
F: Oh, I got reassigned to another office.
Me: Ah. Where?
F: XXXX.
Me: Isn’t that place… pretty close to Jasmine’s house?
F: And Alicia’s current house, and my own place.
Me: Oh. Why the sudden change?
F: There was an opening, so I decided to take it. Imagine taking less than 15 minutes to travel to work. Maybe 25 minutes if I walk.
Me: So for convenience?
F: Of course. Also, nearer to Alicia. Hahaha.
Me: You two are a couple now?
She came up to me, pressing against me.
F: You jealous?
Me: Strangely that’s the second time someone said that to me today.
F: Really?
Me: Why should I be jealous?
F: Just kidding la. I mean it’s fun and all that, but I’m sure we’re both just having fun now. But wah, her tongue, is almost as good as yours.
Me: Right.
F: Wonder why she doesn’t really want cocks now. What did you do to her?
Me: Wah lau. Why does everything link back to me?
F: Who knows. You’re the only guy I know that’s been with her. Maybe your dick too small. Hahahahaha.
Me: Maybe.
F: Anyway… I can’t shift to my new office yet, so can you help me bring these to my place later?
I looked at the 3 A4 sized cartons of stuff and another 2 still empty cartons. I made a mental note not to keep so much crap in the office in case I had to leave.
Me: Sure.
After packing everything it was nearly time to leave so I helped her carry the boxes over to the car in two trips as she didn’t have a trolley.
Traffic was strangely light so the drive back to her place was smooth.
F: Are you still sleeping with Jasmine?
Me: Huh?
F: I mean, are you getting into a relationship with her?
Me: When she’s ready I guess.
F: How are you ok just having sex with women?
Me: What do you mean?
F: Don’t you want a proper relationship?
Me: I guess so.
F: With us before, it’s clear all we wanted was sex. So it’s straightforward. But you seriously can’t be doing this forever right?
Me: Have you heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
F: Eh sounds familiar.
Me: I don’t know where I’m at in life.
F: You have a house, car, job etc. You have occasional sex with different women. I think you should be heading towards the love or belonging stage?
Me: Maybe.
F: Maybe stop fucking every pussy you meet. Even if they want to.
Me: I’m trying.
F: Are you really trying?
Me: I guess?
F: I hope you know what you’re doing. From what I remember, you still have unresolved issues with the old lady, and now maybe your manager. You need to stop living for others and live for yourself.
I helped her to carry her boxes back to her place.
F: Maybe you should go hang out with Jasmine more often. Like right now since you’re nearby anyway. I think you’re happy when you’re with her.
Me: So we’ll stop our arrangement?
F: Yeah. If she doesn’t mind of course I wanna continue. But you need to think for yourself.
Me: You wanna go over with me?
F: Nah. I’m meeting Alicia for dinner later. Give you some time with Jasmine.
Me: Right.
F: You have the key, just go and surprise her or something.
Me: I’ll think about it.
F: Ok. Have fun then!
I left Felicia at her place and walked slowly back to the car park. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to see Jasmine for awhile.
I went over to Jasmine’s place and let myself into the lift lobby before heading up to her unit.
I saw a pair of slippers at the door that I didn’t recognize. Perhaps she had guests over.
I entered and instantly heard soft moans from the bedroom. I went closer and confirmed it was coming from the master bedroom.
Part of me wanted to open the door to see what was going on, but I couldn’t.
Instead, I headed to the balcony and lit a stick. Then another, and another. Half a pack later I was sure her neighbours would be kicking up a fuss so I headed back in and sat on the sofa in the dark. The moaning didn’t seem to stop.
Wild thoughts ran through my mind. Jasmine was definitely having sex. And she had every right to do so. We weren’t together. Not yet anyway. And I didn’t even know if we would actually be.
Part of me was wishing it was Alicia, but I knew she was meeting Felicia for dinner, so the chances of it being her, doing it in the master bedroom, were next to nothing.
I leaned back and tried to block out the sounds of fucking but it seemed to get louder and louder. I closed my eyes and tried to think of something else.
Probably half an hour later I heard the shower running, and the moaning continued.
It seemed like another eternity before I heard the bedroom door open. I heard the footsteps down the corridor.
Darren walked past and was about to open the door.
Me: Enjoyed yourself bro?
D: Oh hey! Didn’t see you for awhile. How’s things?
I didn’t know what to say. I think he was expecting a reply.
Suddenly, Jasmine came out, still naked, to see him off. It appeared as though she got a shock to see me, but composed herself quickly.
J: Why are you sitting in the dark?
Me: Saving electricity.
She gave him a hug and he left. She sat down next to me.
J: You jealous?
Me: No.
J: What are you doing here?
Me: I wanted to talk.
She took a stick from my pack and lit it.
J: Talk then.
Once again, I had nothing to say. I opened my mouth but no words would come out. I felt sick, but it wasn’t due to Covid.
J: Aren’t you going to say anything?
I took a stick and lit it.
Jasmine leaned on me, pressing the side of her naked breast on my arm. I wanted to shrug her off but I couldn’t. She moved a little and I felt her erect nipple brush against me.
J: Well?
I stubbed out the half-smoked stick and stood up.
Me: Sorry. I have to go.
I didn’t hear what she said in response and left her house.
I headed straight to my car and started the engine.
I drove out of her estate with no destination in mind.
I guess this was karma.
I went over to Jasmine’s place and let myself into the lift lobby before heading up to her unit.
I saw a pair of slippers at the door that I didn’t recognize. Perhaps she had guests over.
I entered and instantly heard soft moans from the bedroom. I went closer and confirmed it was coming from the master bedroom.
Part of me wanted to open the door to see what was going on, but I couldn’t.
Instead, I headed to the balcony and lit a stick. Then another, and another. Half a pack later I was sure her neighbours would be kicking up a fuss so I headed back in and sat on the sofa in the dark. The moaning didn’t seem to stop.
Wild thoughts ran through my mind. Jasmine was definitely having sex. And she had every right to do so. We weren’t together. Not yet anyway. And I didn’t even know if we would actually be.
Part of me was wishing it was Alicia, but I knew she was meeting Felicia for dinner, so the chances of it being her, doing it in the master bedroom, were next to nothing.
I leaned back and tried to block out the sounds of fucking but it seemed to get louder and louder. I closed my eyes and tried to think of something else.
Probably half an hour later I heard the shower running, and the moaning continued.
It seemed like another eternity before I heard the bedroom door open. I heard the footsteps down the corridor.
Darren walked past and was about to open the door.
Me: Enjoyed yourself bro?
D: Oh hey! Didn’t see you for awhile. How’s things?
I didn’t know what to say. I think he was expecting a reply.
Suddenly, Jasmine came out, still naked, to see him off. It appeared as though she got a shock to see me, but composed herself quickly.
J: Why are you sitting in the dark?
Me: Saving electricity.
She gave him a hug and he left. She sat down next to me.
J: You jealous?
Me: No.
J: What are you doing here?
Me: I wanted to talk.
She took a stick from my pack and lit it.
J: Talk then.
Once again, I had nothing to say. I opened my mouth but no words would come out. I felt sick, but it wasn’t due to Covid.
J: Aren’t you going to say anything?
I took a stick and lit it.
Jasmine leaned on me, pressing the side of her naked breast on my arm. I wanted to shrug her off but I couldn’t. She moved a little and I felt her erect nipple brush against me.
J: Well?
I stubbed out the half-smoked stick and stood up.
Me: Sorry. I have to go.
I didn’t hear what she said in response and left her house.
I headed straight to my car and started the engine.
I drove out of her estate with no destination in mind.
I guess this was karma.
I ended up at the coffeeshop opposite her place. I only wanted to get a drink as my throat was so dry after all the cigarettes.
A: Mark! Join us.
Alicia and Felicia were there, apparently trying out the western stall.
I got a Jia Jia and sat with them. I wasn’t sure if I could, as I didn’t know if the coffeeshop could accept 5 pax, but almost everyone was in a group of more than 2, and no one seemed to be stopping anything.
Me: Did you know?
A: About Darren?
Me: Yeah.
A: Yup. Why do you think I’m dining in today?
Me: Has it been going on for long?
A: Not really. Only started again after the last time you were over.
Somehow that was more comforting than if she had been fucking him all this while.
Me: Oh.
A: I think it’s your fault.
Me: Huh?
A: You had sex with her, then you didn’t do anything else.
Me: What was I supposed to do? I thought she said she needed time to finalize her divorce?
A: You’re stupider than I thought.
Me: I still don’t get it. Felicia, did you know?
F: Of course I did. Why do you think I asked you to go over?
Me: To catch them?
F: You’re really stupider than we both thought.
A: Look. Jasmine is a woman. We have needs too ok. She’s out of a nasty situation and needs someone to be there for her. That’s something you did for quite some time in the past. Whether it’s to fulfil her physical or emotional needs, you were there.
Me: So…
F: You satisfied her physical needs, then you cooked breakfast. Then you left and I’m guessing you didn’t really contact her much. How do you think she feels?
Me: Confused?
A: Finally, he’s getting somewhere
F: Do you think she wants to be with Darren?
Me: I don’t know.
A: He’s married with kids. He’s just a side dick. A really nice one I must add. You gotta thank that friend of yours for me.
Me: You’ve been seeing him too? And Felicia?
F: Hey. We’re talking about you. Not him. But yeah. He’s a really convenient option with zero strings attached.
A: So did you manage to talk to her?
Me: No.
She slapped her forehead.
A: Can you?
Me: I don’t know what to do.
A: Ok. Since you’re dumber than a pile of rocks, let me put it simply to you. Jasmine likes you. A lot. She wants to be with you. But she wants to know you feel the same way. She doesn’t want to get serious then find out that you are not on the same page.
Me: So… I need to propose?
F: Oh god.
A: No. Just be her boyfriend. For real. No more hiding or secret relationships. Be open with her and tell her what exactly you want. Let everyone know you’re together.
Me: But is that what she wants?
A: Urgh. You’re fucking dumb.
F: Are you going to wait till her divorce is finalized before letting her know how you feel? Assuming you feel the same way.
Me: I think I do.
F: Like I mentioned before. Please resolve all your unsolved issues.
A: Like my mom. And that other girl you slept with. And anyone else.
Me: Do we have any unresolved issues?
A: Us? No? So we had a weird relationship in the past, but you’re more like my older brother now. The dumber older brother.
Me: Felicia?
F: Have I even been asking you for sex recently?
Me: No?
F: Well yeah. Darren’s dick is way more enjoyable.
Me: Right.
A: So please, let her know what you want. Seriously.
Me: What if I don’t know what I want?
A: Are you fucking kidding me?
F: At least she’s having good sex.
Me: I need some time alone.
A: Dumbass.
I finished my drink and left them.
I took out my phone and sent a text message.
Me: Hey. You free to meet for a chat?
I ended up at the coffeeshop opposite her place. I only wanted to get a drink as my throat was so dry after all the cigarettes.
A: Mark! Join us.
Alicia and Felicia were there, apparently trying out the western stall.
I got a Jia Jia and sat with them. I wasn’t sure if I could, as I didn’t know if the coffeeshop could accept 5 pax, but almost everyone was in a group of more than 2, and no one seemed to be stopping anything.
Me: Did you know?
A: About Darren?
Me: Yeah.
A: Yup. Why do you think I’m dining in today?
Me: Has it been going on for long?
A: Not really. Only started again after the last time you were over.
Somehow that was more comforting than if she had been fucking him all this while.
Me: Oh.
A: I think it’s your fault.
Me: Huh?
A: You had sex with her, then you didn’t do anything else.
Me: What was I supposed to do? I thought she said she needed time to finalize her divorce?
A: You’re stupider than I thought.
Me: I still don’t get it. Felicia, did you know?
F: Of course I did. Why do you think I asked you to go over?
Me: To catch them?
F: You’re really stupider than we both thought.
A: Look. Jasmine is a woman. We have needs too ok. She’s out of a nasty situation and needs someone to be there for her. That’s something you did for quite some time in the past. Whether it’s to fulfil her physical or emotional needs, you were there.
Me: So…
F: You satisfied her physical needs, then you cooked breakfast. Then you left and I’m guessing you didn’t really contact her much. How do you think she feels?
Me: Confused?
A: Finally, he’s getting somewhere
F: Do you think she wants to be with Darren?
Me: I don’t know.
A: He’s married with kids. He’s just a side dick. A really nice one I must add. You gotta thank that friend of yours for me.
Me: You’ve been seeing him too? And Felicia?
F: Hey. We’re talking about you. Not him. But yeah. He’s a really convenient option with zero strings attached.
A: So did you manage to talk to her?
Me: No.
She slapped her forehead.
A: Can you?
Me: I don’t know what to do.
A: Ok. Since you’re dumber than a pile of rocks, let me put it simply to you. Jasmine likes you. A lot. She wants to be with you. But she wants to know you feel the same way. She doesn’t want to get serious then find out that you are not on the same page.
Me: So… I need to propose?
F: Oh god.
A: No. Just be her boyfriend. For real. No more hiding or secret relationships. Be open with her and tell her what exactly you want. Let everyone know you’re together.
Me: But is that what she wants?
A: Urgh. You’re fucking dumb.
F: Are you going to wait till her divorce is finalized before letting her know how you feel? Assuming you feel the same way.
Me: I think I do.
F: Like I mentioned before. Please resolve all your unsolved issues.
A: Like my mom. And that other girl you slept with. And anyone else.
Me: Do we have any unresolved issues?
A: Us? No? So we had a weird relationship in the past, but you’re more like my older brother now. The dumber older brother.
Me: Felicia?
F: Have I even been asking you for sex recently?
Me: No?
F: Well yeah. Darren’s dick is way more enjoyable.
Me: Right.
A: So please, let her know what you want. Seriously.
Me: What if I don’t know what I want?
A: Are you fucking kidding me?
F: At least she’s having good sex.
Me: I need some time alone.
A: Dumbass.
I finished my drink and left them.
I took out my phone and sent a text message.
Me: Hey. You free to meet for a chat?
I wasn’t expecting a reply, being the middle of the week. Plus Shirlyn was going back to office on Thursdays. But she did reply and I drove over to her place.
Obviously, I couldn’t go in, as her family was home, so she got into the car and I drove around aimlessly instead.
S: What’s up?
Me: I went to see Jasmine.
S: Oh? Isn’t that supposed to be a good thing?
Somehow I detected some jealousy, or perhaps even hurt, in her voice.
Me: She was with a guy. In her bedroom.
S: Ah.
Me: Yeah.
S: And you decided to look for me. To talk?
Me: Yes.
S: Or is it something else you want?
Me: No. It’s not that.
S: Then?
Me: I was thinking of actually starting a relationship with her…
S: And again, you thought I’m the best person to talk to?
Me: Well…
S: I don’t know if I should feel honoured or insulted.
Me: I can’t go on hiding it anymore.
S: Hiding what?
Me: What happened between me and her. And she’s coming back to work.
S: Wait. I’m confused. She’s seeing someone else but you want to have a relationship with her?
Me: Her housemate assured me she was only with that guy for sex. And she was actually waiting for me to make the first move.
S: And her housemate knows this because?
Me: They all slept with him. Including the housemate’s girlfriend.
S: Wow. Ok. Complicated.
Me: So yeah.
S: So why do you need to talk to me? It’s your life. Your choice.
Me: I denied everything to everyone in the office. It’s even on record. If I change my story now, what’s going to happen?
S: Shouldn’t you be asking your HR manager?
Me: I don’t trust her.
S: Well… If I was still HR, I’d say nothing changes, as long as your work is not affected. You don’t even have to change the story. Just carry on as usual. You can see her after work right?
Me: I’m concerned about the split team arrangement. Rebecca did say she doesn’t want to see Jasmine so likely she’ll be same team as me.
S: Yes. She did propose that. Joan will switch to the alternate week.
Me: So…
S: So what? You don’t have to declare a relationship. Just don’t let it affect your work.
Me: But…
S: Even if you declare the relationship, so what? You think Rebecca is going to record that you lied? And that you’re untrustworthy because of dishonesty?
Me: That is a concern.
S: You’re worried she has something to use against you?
Me: Sort of.
S: Then sleep with her. Since Jasmine is sleeping with someone else. Is that what you wanted me to say?
Me: No…
S: Then what do you want?
Me: Actually, I need to tell you something.
S: What?
Me: Jasmine knows we slept together.
S: What the.
Me: Sorry.
S: You know, sometimes you really need to learn to keep your mouth shut.
Me: So what now?
S: What do you mean what now? It was a once off thing. I’m not going to sleep with you again. Even if it’s for revenge or what.
Me: I know. But what should I do? How do I act in the office?
S: Like what I said, just act normally.
Me: I guess I’ll try.
S: You came to look for me just to get advice that anyone could have given you. Are you sure there’s no hidden agenda?
Me: Why do you keep asking me that? Do you want to sleep with me again?
Suddenly Shirlyn went silent.
Me: Hello?
S: Actually I do. I did say we can be together until you work things out with Jasmine right?
Me: Err…
S: But it’s not right. It’s not healthy.
Me: It isn’t.
S: So send me home then.
Me: Ok.
I drove her back to her place. She turned to me, cupped my face and kissed me. On the lips. Again.
Me: Why.
S: I really like this pain I feel when I do this.
Me: Sure you do.
I kissed her back, she pushed me away.
S: Stop. You’ll make me want you more.
But she kissed me again.
Me: This is getting nowhere.
S: I can sneak you in.
Me: No thanks.
S: Hotel? Not at Kovan though.
Me: We really shouldn’t. You have to work in the office tomorrow. And we really shouldn’t be starting again.
S: I know. But I kinda miss feeling you inside me.
Me: I…
S: But yeah. Stop making yourself a tool for us. Go sort out things with Jasmine.
She kissed me again.
S: Good night.
I watched as she entered the house.
I didn’t know what I was thinking. She was right, I didn’t need to look for her for advice.
Perhaps I really needed to be alone to clear my head.
I wasn’t expecting a reply, being the middle of the week. Plus Shirlyn was going back to office on Thursdays. But she did reply and I drove over to her place.
Obviously, I couldn’t go in, as her family was home, so she got into the car and I drove around aimlessly instead.
S: What’s up?
Me: I went to see Jasmine.
S: Oh? Isn’t that supposed to be a good thing?
Somehow I detected some jealousy, or perhaps even hurt, in her voice.
Me: She was with a guy. In her bedroom.
S: Ah.
Me: Yeah.
S: And you decided to look for me. To talk?
Me: Yes.
S: Or is it something else you want?
Me: No. It’s not that.
S: Then?
Me: I was thinking of actually starting a relationship with her…
S: And again, you thought I’m the best person to talk to?
Me: Well…
S: I don’t know if I should feel honoured or insulted.
Me: I can’t go on hiding it anymore.
S: Hiding what?
Me: What happened between me and her. And she’s coming back to work.
S: Wait. I’m confused. She’s seeing someone else but you want to have a relationship with her?
Me: Her housemate assured me she was only with that guy for sex. And she was actually waiting for me to make the first move.
S: And her housemate knows this because?
Me: They all slept with him. Including the housemate’s girlfriend.
S: Wow. Ok. Complicated.
Me: So yeah.
S: So why do you need to talk to me? It’s your life. Your choice.
Me: I denied everything to everyone in the office. It’s even on record. If I change my story now, what’s going to happen?
S: Shouldn’t you be asking your HR manager?
Me: I don’t trust her.
S: Well… If I was still HR, I’d say nothing changes, as long as your work is not affected. You don’t even have to change the story. Just carry on as usual. You can see her after work right?
Me: I’m concerned about the split team arrangement. Rebecca did say she doesn’t want to see Jasmine so likely she’ll be same team as me.
S: Yes. She did propose that. Joan will switch to the alternate week.
Me: So…
S: So what? You don’t have to declare a relationship. Just don’t let it affect your work.
Me: But…
S: Even if you declare the relationship, so what? You think Rebecca is going to record that you lied? And that you’re untrustworthy because of dishonesty?
Me: That is a concern.
S: You’re worried she has something to use against you?
Me: Sort of.
S: Then sleep with her. Since Jasmine is sleeping with someone else. Is that what you wanted me to say?
Me: No…
S: Then what do you want?
Me: Actually, I need to tell you something.
S: What?
Me: Jasmine knows we slept together.
S: What the.
Me: Sorry.
S: You know, sometimes you really need to learn to keep your mouth shut.
Me: So what now?
S: What do you mean what now? It was a once off thing. I’m not going to sleep with you again. Even if it’s for revenge or what.
Me: I know. But what should I do? How do I act in the office?
S: Like what I said, just act normally.
Me: I guess I’ll try.
S: You came to look for me just to get advice that anyone could have given you. Are you sure there’s no hidden agenda?
Me: Why do you keep asking me that? Do you want to sleep with me again?
Suddenly Shirlyn went silent.
Me: Hello?
S: Actually I do. I did say we can be together until you work things out with Jasmine right?
Me: Err…
S: But it’s not right. It’s not healthy.
Me: It isn’t.
S: So send me home then.
Me: Ok.
I drove her back to her place. She turned to me, cupped my face and kissed me. On the lips. Again.
Me: Why.
S: I really like this pain I feel when I do this.
Me: Sure you do.
I kissed her back, she pushed me away.
S: Stop. You’ll make me want you more.
But she kissed me again.
Me: This is getting nowhere.
S: I can sneak you in.
Me: No thanks.
S: Hotel? Not at Kovan though.
Me: We really shouldn’t. You have to work in the office tomorrow. And we really shouldn’t be starting again.
S: I know. But I kinda miss feeling you inside me.
Me: I…
S: But yeah. Stop making yourself a tool for us. Go sort out things with Jasmine.
She kissed me again.
S: Good night.
I watched as she entered the house.
I didn’t know what I was thinking. She was right, I didn’t need to look for her for advice.
Perhaps I really needed to be alone to clear my head.