I went back to my parents place and gave them the ang pow. As usual, they were surprised like the previous year due to the amount, but didn’t ask any questions. After a quick new year meal with them, my mom made fried noodles, I went back to my room.
I turned on my computer and decided to clear all the new year greetings from my phone.
Out of the massive number of texts I had, I saw that Shirlyn had texted around 2am.
S: I’m sorry. But I think we shouldn’t continue. I can’t be selfish and want you for myself when it’s obvious you don’t feel the same way.
I didn’t know what was appropriate to reply. It was obvious she was hurting, and I didn’t want to spoil her CNY.
Me: I’m sorry too. Happy CNY to you.
I stayed in my room as there were some relatives who came over to Bai Nian with my parents. I wasn’t close to them so hiding in my safe space seemed like a good choice.
Nearing dinner time, my mom asked if I was eating, as there was leftover steamboat food to finish. Alicia had texted too, asking if I was going back to Jasmine’s place. I told her I probably would go over later at night. She said it was probably good that I go over as Alicia had decided to stay at home with her family that night, since it was so rare that Ann actually came back, and that she didn’t want Jasmine to be alone, as Felicia had probably left as well to do her own visiting.
I was about to text Jasmine to see what she was doing when my mom suddenly knocked on my door.
M: You have a visitor.
I found that strange as nobody visited me during CNY. I put on a t-shirt and came out.
To my surprise, Jasmine had come over to Bai Nian with my parents, she had also brought some CNY snacks. My mom then invited her to stay for dinner and she agreed.
I wonder why my parents didn’t find it weird that I would suddenly have a visitor during CNY, but they didn’t ask any weird questions.
After dinner, Jasmine helped me to wash the dishes.
Me: May I send you home?
J: You may. Would you like to stay over?
Me: I would.
Somehow we were acting like a shy couple, and it felt really weird.
We bade goodbye to my parents and I told them I wouldn’t be coming back that night.
Over in the car, we sat in silence for awhile.
Me: Why did you suddenly come over?
J: I wanted to meet your parents.
Me: Oh? Why?
J: No particular reason. Just felt that I should come and see them.
Me: Err… ok…
J: You haven’t told them about me right?
Me: Nope.
J: Would you?
Me: Of course I would.
J: You’re not embarrassed by me right?
Me: Why should I be?
J: I’d be a divorcee. Would your parents accept that?
Me: I don’t think they have a say in the matter.
J: Are you sure you can handle this?
Me: I think if we don’t try we wouldn’t know.
J: Do you want to try?
Me: Yes.
J: We both might get hurt.
Me: I know.
J: And you still want to try?
Me: Yeah.
J: You’re crazy and stupid.
Me: Perhaps.
J: Let’s just go home ok? I just wanna chill on the sofa and eat ice cream.
Me: Ok
J: You are joining me right?
Me: Yeah I will.
I drove her back. Security stopped us at the gantry as I registered to enter and spoke to Jasmine.
S: You had a visitor just now. But he was on the list. So we turned him away.
J: Oh.
Me: What list?
J: It’s just Alan.
S: He appeared to be drunk. And driving.
Me: Shouldn’t you call the police?
S: He left without incident.
J: I’ll call you if I need help.
We drove in.
Me: What if he came in by the side gate?
J: He knows he’ll be in trouble if he breaches the PPO.
Me: Ok.
I parked and we got out. I subconsciously scanned the surroundings in case we were suddenly ambushed by her husband.
I guess I was just being paranoid as we went up to her place.
There was a box outside her door with her name on it.
Me: Who delivers on CNY?
J: It’s probably from Alan.
Me: Do you want to throw it away?
J: Nah. Just bring it in.
I wondered if it could be a mail bomb, or anthrax. But perhaps I watched too many movies. I placed it on the dining table.
Me: Hey, you mind if I shower first? Feeling a bit sticky.
J: Sure. I’ll join you in awhile.
I went to the master bedroom and entered the bathroom.
I was halfway through showering when I thought I heard Jasmine crying.
I wrapped a towel around myself and went out.
She was seated at the dining table. She had opened the box. There were 2 oranges, an ang pow, and some sort of hardcover book. It seemed like he had made a photobook with all their photos from the past.
Jasmine sobbed as she flipped through the pages. On the last page it was just three words.
“I am sorry.”
She pushed the photobook off the table and turned to hug me, burying her face in my stomach. I don’t know why or how, but the stupid towel fell to the ground and I was just standing there naked, with her crying just centimetres from my dick.
This was awkward.
I went back to my parents place and gave them the ang pow. As usual, they were surprised like the previous year due to the amount, but didn’t ask any questions. After a quick new year meal with them, my mom made fried noodles, I went back to my room.
I turned on my computer and decided to clear all the new year greetings from my phone.
Out of the massive number of texts I had, I saw that Shirlyn had texted around 2am.
S: I’m sorry. But I think we shouldn’t continue. I can’t be selfish and want you for myself when it’s obvious you don’t feel the same way.
I didn’t know what was appropriate to reply. It was obvious she was hurting, and I didn’t want to spoil her CNY.
Me: I’m sorry too. Happy CNY to you.
I stayed in my room as there were some relatives who came over to Bai Nian with my parents. I wasn’t close to them so hiding in my safe space seemed like a good choice.
Nearing dinner time, my mom asked if I was eating, as there was leftover steamboat food to finish. Alicia had texted too, asking if I was going back to Jasmine’s place. I told her I probably would go over later at night. She said it was probably good that I go over as Alicia had decided to stay at home with her family that night, since it was so rare that Ann actually came back, and that she didn’t want Jasmine to be alone, as Felicia had probably left as well to do her own visiting.
I was about to text Jasmine to see what she was doing when my mom suddenly knocked on my door.
M: You have a visitor.
I found that strange as nobody visited me during CNY. I put on a t-shirt and came out.
To my surprise, Jasmine had come over to Bai Nian with my parents, she had also brought some CNY snacks. My mom then invited her to stay for dinner and she agreed.
I wonder why my parents didn’t find it weird that I would suddenly have a visitor during CNY, but they didn’t ask any weird questions.
After dinner, Jasmine helped me to wash the dishes.
Me: May I send you home?
J: You may. Would you like to stay over?
Me: I would.
Somehow we were acting like a shy couple, and it felt really weird.
We bade goodbye to my parents and I told them I wouldn’t be coming back that night.
Over in the car, we sat in silence for awhile.
Me: Why did you suddenly come over?
J: I wanted to meet your parents.
Me: Oh? Why?
J: No particular reason. Just felt that I should come and see them.
Me: Err… ok…
J: You haven’t told them about me right?
Me: Nope.
J: Would you?
Me: Of course I would.
J: You’re not embarrassed by me right?
Me: Why should I be?
J: I’d be a divorcee. Would your parents accept that?
Me: I don’t think they have a say in the matter.
J: Are you sure you can handle this?
Me: I think if we don’t try we wouldn’t know.
J: Do you want to try?
Me: Yes.
J: We both might get hurt.
Me: I know.
J: And you still want to try?
Me: Yeah.
J: You’re crazy and stupid.
Me: Perhaps.
J: Let’s just go home ok? I just wanna chill on the sofa and eat ice cream.
Me: Ok
J: You are joining me right?
Me: Yeah I will.
I drove her back. Security stopped us at the gantry as I registered to enter and spoke to Jasmine.
S: You had a visitor just now. But he was on the list. So we turned him away.
J: Oh.
Me: What list?
J: It’s just Alan.
S: He appeared to be drunk. And driving.
Me: Shouldn’t you call the police?
S: He left without incident.
J: I’ll call you if I need help.
We drove in.
Me: What if he came in by the side gate?
J: He knows he’ll be in trouble if he breaches the PPO.
Me: Ok.
I parked and we got out. I subconsciously scanned the surroundings in case we were suddenly ambushed by her husband.
I guess I was just being paranoid as we went up to her place.
There was a box outside her door with her name on it.
Me: Who delivers on CNY?
J: It’s probably from Alan.
Me: Do you want to throw it away?
J: Nah. Just bring it in.
I wondered if it could be a mail bomb, or anthrax. But perhaps I watched too many movies. I placed it on the dining table.
Me: Hey, you mind if I shower first? Feeling a bit sticky.
J: Sure. I’ll join you in awhile.
I went to the master bedroom and entered the bathroom.
I was halfway through showering when I thought I heard Jasmine crying.
I wrapped a towel around myself and went out.
She was seated at the dining table. She had opened the box. There were 2 oranges, an ang pow, and some sort of hardcover book. It seemed like he had made a photobook with all their photos from the past.
Jasmine sobbed as she flipped through the pages. On the last page it was just three words.
“I am sorry.”
She pushed the photobook off the table and turned to hug me, burying her face in my stomach. I don’t know why or how, but the stupid towel fell to the ground and I was just standing there naked, with her crying just centimetres from my dick.
This was awkward.
I held her and stroked her hair, while willing myself not to get hard. It would be rather inappropriate given the situation.
Jasmine simply buried her face into my stomach. Thankfully it was extra padded now so I suppose it was like a pillow to her?
I didn’t know what to say or what to tell her. Yet I wondered what he was trying to achieve by sending such a gift over. Was he trying to win her back?
J: Why are you naked?
Me: Erm. Towel dropped.
J: You’re tempting me.
Me: What?
I quickly pulled her up and hugged her tightly, but she somehow decided to grab my dick and balls, squeezing them harder than usual. I flinched a little.
J: Why are men such jerks?
I didn’t know what I did wrong this time, or what she was referring to, but I hoped she wasn’t taking out her anger/frustration/sadness on my little bro.
Me: I think you’ll feel better after a shower.
She squeezed harder, pulling on them as well, like it was some kind of stress ball. I thought my balls were going to get crushed and then there would be no more father’s day for me.
Me: Could you not?
She released me.
J: Sorry.
I checked my balls. They were still there but a little sore.
I quickly wrapped the towel around myself again and led her to the bathroom.
She seemed to be in a daze and entered the shower fully clothed.
Me: Hey, you need to remove your clothes.
She struggled out of her dress but didn’t remove it fully. I stepped into the shower stall to help her. Suddenly she turned on the water.
Me: Hey!
I quickly threw the towel out so it wouldn’t get wet and helped her to remove her soaked clothes. She started crying again.
I didn’t know what else to do other than hug her under the freezing cold water. She was already shivering. I wanted to turn the water to a slightly warmer temperature but her strong arms wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my sides.
She pushed me against the wall and kissed me forcefully.
Me: Hey… slow down…
J: Shut up. You know you want this.
She squatted down and swallowed my dick whole.
I pulled her up. She looked a little pissed. I hugged her.
Me: Hey, you’re upset, I get it. But you don’t have to do this. I don’t even know why you’re doing this.
She let the running water wash away her tears.
J: I was testing you.
Me: Huh?
J: I wanted to see what you would do if I was upset. Whether you’d just let me do whatever I want, or if you’d stop me and calm me down.
Me: Erm. Ok.
J: Thank you.
She hugged me again, and started crying.
Me: Do you want me to wash you?
J: Yes please.
I took her shower gel and soaped her.
J: Hair too.
Somehow I felt she was being rather needy, but I did it anyway.
After showering and drying her, she sat on the bed while I dried her hair with a hairdryer.
She smiled at me.
J: I really like how you take care of me.
She pushed me onto the bed and ripped off the towel again.
J: Now let me take care of you.
I stopped her.
Me: No. You’re not in the right frame of mind. Let’s just watch TV?
J: Ok.
We got dressed and headed to the living room to see what was on Netflix. As usual, the ice cream came out again. Coupled with my inactive lifestyle, it was no wonder I wasn’t losing any weight. Perhaps I needed to start cycling again.
After the entire pint was gone, Jasmine just curled up and lay on me again, on my stomach. I guess maybe dad bods were in again. I placed my hand on her stomach.
J: Why aren’t you touching me?
I rubbed her stomach jokingly.
J: You don’t want to have sex?
Me: I don’t want sex to be the only thing that keeps us together.
J: I know right. I miss the conversations, the cuddling, making out. Sex is like the cherry on top of the cake.
Me: You’re coming back to work the day after. Are we going to act as though nothing happened between us?
J: That’s up to you right?
Me: I don’t want to spoil your image in the office.
J: I don’t really care about that.
Me: Really?
J: It doesn’t matter to me. But we can only be together officially after my divorce. So I’m gonna ask you one more time. Is this what you want?
Me: Yes.
J: I know you want to feel wanted. But I don’t know how to make you feel wanted.
Me: It’s just a feeling. Maybe like appreciation?
J: I want to have sex with you. Is that counted?
Me: You also wanted to have sex with Darren.
J: Yup. Just for the sex. Like I said, you give me more than just sex.
Me: What if Darren, or some other guy gives you more?
J: Oh. I never really considered that.
Me: Ah. Should I be worried?
J: Darren will never be more than a fuck buddy to me.
Me: That’s really reassuring.
I wondered if she could sense the sarcasm.
J: He doesn’t hug me, doesn’t cuddle, we don’t even kiss!
Me: Erm. But you really enjoy his huge dick. I could hear you moaning when I was sitting here the other day.
J: Please find a girl who doesn’t moan or scream when they get fucked by Darren. I’ll suck you dry if you can find one.
Me: What.
J: I’m just trying to say that it’s impossible. Yes, he has a huge cock, fucks well, but that’s all.
Me: That’s very reassuring.
She flipped over and lay on my thighs, looking up at me.
J: You’re really so much more than that. And I appreciate that.
She pulled me towards her for a kiss, but my current body shape and flexibility made it difficult.
Me: You wanna down and cuddle instead?
J: Let’s go to the room.
Me: Ok.
We must have fallen asleep in each other’s arms just kissing and cuddling.
The next morning I awoke again due to the sun. But this time, I drew the curtains and climbed back into bed with her. She didn’t even wake up as I hugged her from behind.
I guess we’d probably wake up late and have a late brunch/lunch before we parted ways to prepare for work the next day.
I held her and stroked her hair, while willing myself not to get hard. It would be rather inappropriate given the situation.
Jasmine simply buried her face into my stomach. Thankfully it was extra padded now so I suppose it was like a pillow to her?
I didn’t know what to say or what to tell her. Yet I wondered what he was trying to achieve by sending such a gift over. Was he trying to win her back?
J: Why are you naked?
Me: Erm. Towel dropped.
J: You’re tempting me.
Me: What?
I quickly pulled her up and hugged her tightly, but she somehow decided to grab my dick and balls, squeezing them harder than usual. I flinched a little.
J: Why are men such jerks?
I didn’t know what I did wrong this time, or what she was referring to, but I hoped she wasn’t taking out her anger/frustration/sadness on my little bro.
Me: I think you’ll feel better after a shower.
She squeezed harder, pulling on them as well, like it was some kind of stress ball. I thought my balls were going to get crushed and then there would be no more father’s day for me.
Me: Could you not?
She released me.
J: Sorry.
I checked my balls. They were still there but a little sore.
I quickly wrapped the towel around myself again and led her to the bathroom.
She seemed to be in a daze and entered the shower fully clothed.
Me: Hey, you need to remove your clothes.
She struggled out of her dress but didn’t remove it fully. I stepped into the shower stall to help her. Suddenly she turned on the water.
Me: Hey!
I quickly threw the towel out so it wouldn’t get wet and helped her to remove her soaked clothes. She started crying again.
I didn’t know what else to do other than hug her under the freezing cold water. She was already shivering. I wanted to turn the water to a slightly warmer temperature but her strong arms wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my sides.
She pushed me against the wall and kissed me forcefully.
Me: Hey… slow down…
J: Shut up. You know you want this.
She squatted down and swallowed my dick whole.
I pulled her up. She looked a little pissed. I hugged her.
Me: Hey, you’re upset, I get it. But you don’t have to do this. I don’t even know why you’re doing this.
She let the running water wash away her tears.
J: I was testing you.
Me: Huh?
J: I wanted to see what you would do if I was upset. Whether you’d just let me do whatever I want, or if you’d stop me and calm me down.
Me: Erm. Ok.
J: Thank you.
She hugged me again, and started crying.
Me: Do you want me to wash you?
J: Yes please.
I took her shower gel and soaped her.
J: Hair too.
Somehow I felt she was being rather needy, but I did it anyway.
After showering and drying her, she sat on the bed while I dried her hair with a hairdryer.
She smiled at me.
J: I really like how you take care of me.
She pushed me onto the bed and ripped off the towel again.
J: Now let me take care of you.
I stopped her.
Me: No. You’re not in the right frame of mind. Let’s just watch TV?
J: Ok.
We got dressed and headed to the living room to see what was on Netflix. As usual, the ice cream came out again. Coupled with my inactive lifestyle, it was no wonder I wasn’t losing any weight. Perhaps I needed to start cycling again.
After the entire pint was gone, Jasmine just curled up and lay on me again, on my stomach. I guess maybe dad bods were in again. I placed my hand on her stomach.
J: Why aren’t you touching me?
I rubbed her stomach jokingly.
J: You don’t want to have sex?
Me: I don’t want sex to be the only thing that keeps us together.
J: I know right. I miss the conversations, the cuddling, making out. Sex is like the cherry on top of the cake.
Me: You’re coming back to work the day after. Are we going to act as though nothing happened between us?
J: That’s up to you right?
Me: I don’t want to spoil your image in the office.
J: I don’t really care about that.
Me: Really?
J: It doesn’t matter to me. But we can only be together officially after my divorce. So I’m gonna ask you one more time. Is this what you want?
Me: Yes.
J: I know you want to feel wanted. But I don’t know how to make you feel wanted.
Me: It’s just a feeling. Maybe like appreciation?
J: I want to have sex with you. Is that counted?
Me: You also wanted to have sex with Darren.
J: Yup. Just for the sex. Like I said, you give me more than just sex.
Me: What if Darren, or some other guy gives you more?
J: Oh. I never really considered that.
Me: Ah. Should I be worried?
J: Darren will never be more than a fuck buddy to me.
Me: That’s really reassuring.
I wondered if she could sense the sarcasm.
J: He doesn’t hug me, doesn’t cuddle, we don’t even kiss!
Me: Erm. But you really enjoy his huge dick. I could hear you moaning when I was sitting here the other day.
J: Please find a girl who doesn’t moan or scream when they get fucked by Darren. I’ll suck you dry if you can find one.
Me: What.
J: I’m just trying to say that it’s impossible. Yes, he has a huge cock, fucks well, but that’s all.
Me: That’s very reassuring.
She flipped over and lay on my thighs, looking up at me.
J: You’re really so much more than that. And I appreciate that.
She pulled me towards her for a kiss, but my current body shape and flexibility made it difficult.
Me: You wanna down and cuddle instead?
J: Let’s go to the room.
Me: Ok.
We must have fallen asleep in each other’s arms just kissing and cuddling.
The next morning I awoke again due to the sun. But this time, I drew the curtains and climbed back into bed with her. She didn’t even wake up as I hugged her from behind.
I guess we’d probably wake up late and have a late brunch/lunch before we parted ways to prepare for work the next day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Neoguri
Can’t help feeling that you will be hurt with Jasmine.
Won’t know until we’ve tried.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Neoguri
Can’t help feeling that you will be hurt with Jasmine.
Won’t know until we’ve tried.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
unsung80
Thank god, all this drama is keeping me really entertain.
Glad you’re entertained bro.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sexcision
Hope not, at least jasmine’s marriage cannot be saved liao. Her husband have an entire family back in China…. And I don’t think he will give it all up for her
Actually it’s not China, but somewhere closer.
The first day back to work in the office after CNY with Jasmine around was pretty normal.
Shirlyn was supposed to WFH but she came back to do the onboarding, as well as teach me how to do it for future hires.
Our new ops-hr colleague also started today. A fresh graduate from Temasek Poly School of Business. She was an innocent young girl of 20 going 21. Let’s call her Karen. I wondered about the appropriateness of the hire, considering there were no real HR modules being taught in business school, according to her anyway, but I guess everyone had to start somewhere.
She wasn’t very tall, probably around 1.6m or less, and dressed very business-like, in a white blouse and black skirt. Her spectacles made her look like she was a stern teacher and she wore her non-dyed hair in a short ponytail. Figure-wise, I suppose she was fine. Not really curvy, but her tight blouse probably made her chest look bigger than it actually was.
Throughout the whole onboarding, I realised she kept looking at Shirlyn’s chest. It probably didn’t help that she was wearing a rather tight, yet low-cut top today. Probably with a good bra.
Jasmine too, kept looking at Shirlyn’s chest. Then looking at me, probably trying to see if I was being seduced, which I wasn’t.
I later found out that Karen had never met Shirlyn before, all the previous interviews were done by Rebecca, mostly via Zoom.
Shirlyn organized a welcome lunch as well, but it was more like me going to the hawker centre to buy chicken rice for everyone.
As usual, I had my smoke breaks with Jasmine, not really chatting much, trying not to draw much attention to ourselves.
Closer to the end of the workday, Karen came up to me.
K: Hey Mark?
Me: Yeah?
K: How old are you? You seem pretty old.
I was wondering what it had to do with anything.
Me: Well, I was probably in Poly when you were born.
K: Oh. I was just wondering why you aren’t a manager or something. Since you are so old. Poor performance at work?
Somehow, I wasn’t really liking this new hire. She didn’t seem to have a filter from her brain to her mouth.
Me: I was in the army for 14 years.
K: Ah no wonder. Ok.
Me: I’ve only been here about a year.
K: Ok. So you’re junior staff. Maybe I’ll be manager before you.
Me: Sure. Go for it.
K: I got a diploma. All you army boys never studied right?
I bit my lip, trying to think of a suitable retort.
Me: Yeah. I only got a diploma in human resource.
K: Oh is it. Must be part time. No wonder you are still a junior staff.
Maybe her arrogance and acerbic nature appealed to some, but not to me. She kind of reminded me of Rebecca, but a little more bimbotic.
Thankfully, she was tasked with other administrative tasks, and would be learning from Rebecca next week onwards. Since we were split teams, I probably would have little to no interaction with her.
Jasmine and I were smoking just before ending work. Strangely, Shirlyn came to join us as well, much to Jasmine’s surprise, but she didn’t smoke. Jasmine eyed her suspiciously, probably why was she dressed so sexily today.
J: How’s your new girl?
Me: Horrible.
S: Why?
Me: She reminds me of Rebecca.
S: Yeah. She kept asking me about my qualifications, and my age. And if I’m really the GM. Quite annoying.
She turned to Jasmine.
S: So, how’s your first day back?
J: I’ll manage. Didn’t realise I left so much shit behind.
S: Don’t worry about it. I’ll get Joan or Mark to brief you more.
J: Thanks.
Suddenly, she held Jasmine’s hand and whispered in her ear. Her face changed, first a frown, then a forced smile. I wonder what she said.
S: Well, I’ll see you two tomorrow then.
We bade her goodbye.
Me: What did she say?
J: Why are you so nosy?
Me: Why are you snapping at me?
J: Urgh. I wish you didn’t confess to her.
Me: Sorry.
J: She said she hopes there’s no hard feelings, and not to hurt you.
Me: Erm.
J: Like hello? Don’t stress me can? I just came back to work.
Me: What has not hurting me got to do with work?
J: I won’t hurt you intentionally. At least I hope not.
Me: Whatever happens, I’m sure it’s for a reason.
J: Oh well. Anyway, do you want me to wait for you till 7?
Me: You need a lift home?
J: Not really. I just thought maybe we could have dinner.
Me: Sure. Around here? Or nearer to your place?
J: You wanna go to that steakhouse in Joo Chiat?
Me: Sure.
J: Alright! I’ll make a reservation.
We finished our sticks and headed back to the lobby, and somehow bumped into Karen on her way out.
K: Wah… so fast making friends with the new girl?
J: I’m not new, I’m more senior than him.
K: Oh?
J: I just took a break.
K: Then you so fast going after the new guy?
J: What the fuck?
K: Don’t worry. I’m not your competition. He’s old enough to be my father.
Then she left.
J: Urgh. That nosy bitch.
Me: Ignore her.
We chilled until I could drive out and headed over the the steak place.
Dinner was fine. And I sent her home after dinner.
We shared a goodnight kiss and I went home.
I was thankful for the lack of drama on the first day back with Jasmine in the office.
The first day back to work in the office after CNY with Jasmine around was pretty normal.
Shirlyn was supposed to WFH but she came back to do the onboarding, as well as teach me how to do it for future hires.
Our new ops-hr colleague also started today. A fresh graduate from Temasek Poly School of Business. She was an innocent young girl of 20 going 21. Let’s call her Karen. I wondered about the appropriateness of the hire, considering there were no real HR modules being taught in business school, according to her anyway, but I guess everyone had to start somewhere.
She wasn’t very tall, probably around 1.6m or less, and dressed very business-like, in a white blouse and black skirt. Her spectacles made her look like she was a stern teacher and she wore her non-dyed hair in a short ponytail. Figure-wise, I suppose she was fine. Not really curvy, but her tight blouse probably made her chest look bigger than it actually was.
Throughout the whole onboarding, I realised she kept looking at Shirlyn’s chest. It probably didn’t help that she was wearing a rather tight, yet low-cut top today. Probably with a good bra.
Jasmine too, kept looking at Shirlyn’s chest. Then looking at me, probably trying to see if I was being seduced, which I wasn’t.
I later found out that Karen had never met Shirlyn before, all the previous interviews were done by Rebecca, mostly via Zoom.
Shirlyn organized a welcome lunch as well, but it was more like me going to the hawker centre to buy chicken rice for everyone.
As usual, I had my smoke breaks with Jasmine, not really chatting much, trying not to draw much attention to ourselves.
Closer to the end of the workday, Karen came up to me.
K: Hey Mark?
Me: Yeah?
K: How old are you? You seem pretty old.
I was wondering what it had to do with anything.
Me: Well, I was probably in Poly when you were born.
K: Oh. I was just wondering why you aren’t a manager or something. Since you are so old. Poor performance at work?
Somehow, I wasn’t really liking this new hire. She didn’t seem to have a filter from her brain to her mouth.
Me: I was in the army for 14 years.
K: Ah no wonder. Ok.
Me: I’ve only been here about a year.
K: Ok. So you’re junior staff. Maybe I’ll be manager before you.
Me: Sure. Go for it.
K: I got a diploma. All you army boys never studied right?
I bit my lip, trying to think of a suitable retort.
Me: Yeah. I only got a diploma in human resource.
K: Oh is it. Must be part time. No wonder you are still a junior staff.
Maybe her arrogance and acerbic nature appealed to some, but not to me. She kind of reminded me of Rebecca, but a little more bimbotic.
Thankfully, she was tasked with other administrative tasks, and would be learning from Rebecca next week onwards. Since we were split teams, I probably would have little to no interaction with her.
Jasmine and I were smoking just before ending work. Strangely, Shirlyn came to join us as well, much to Jasmine’s surprise, but she didn’t smoke. Jasmine eyed her suspiciously, probably why was she dressed so sexily today.
J: How’s your new girl?
Me: Horrible.
S: Why?
Me: She reminds me of Rebecca.
S: Yeah. She kept asking me about my qualifications, and my age. And if I’m really the GM. Quite annoying.
She turned to Jasmine.
S: So, how’s your first day back?
J: I’ll manage. Didn’t realise I left so much shit behind.
S: Don’t worry about it. I’ll get Joan or Mark to brief you more.
J: Thanks.
Suddenly, she held Jasmine’s hand and whispered in her ear. Her face changed, first a frown, then a forced smile. I wonder what she said.
S: Well, I’ll see you two tomorrow then.
We bade her goodbye.
Me: What did she say?
J: Why are you so nosy?
Me: Why are you snapping at me?
J: Urgh. I wish you didn’t confess to her.
Me: Sorry.
J: She said she hopes there’s no hard feelings, and not to hurt you.
Me: Erm.
J: Like hello? Don’t stress me can? I just came back to work.
Me: What has not hurting me got to do with work?
J: I won’t hurt you intentionally. At least I hope not.
Me: Whatever happens, I’m sure it’s for a reason.
J: Oh well. Anyway, do you want me to wait for you till 7?
Me: You need a lift home?
J: Not really. I just thought maybe we could have dinner.
Me: Sure. Around here? Or nearer to your place?
J: You wanna go to that steakhouse in Joo Chiat?
Me: Sure.
J: Alright! I’ll make a reservation.
We finished our sticks and headed back to the lobby, and somehow bumped into Karen on her way out.
K: Wah… so fast making friends with the new girl?
J: I’m not new, I’m more senior than him.
K: Oh?
J: I just took a break.
K: Then you so fast going after the new guy?
J: What the fuck?
K: Don’t worry. I’m not your competition. He’s old enough to be my father.
Then she left.
J: Urgh. That nosy bitch.
Me: Ignore her.
We chilled until I could drive out and headed over the the steak place.
Dinner was fine. And I sent her home after dinner.
We shared a goodnight kiss and I went home.
I was thankful for the lack of drama on the first day back with Jasmine in the office.