LOVE STRIVE

Chapter 2

The next day was a working day at the office was very dramatic as everyone kept talking, teasing and mimicking each other on their outfits and attitudes at the end of year party.

"There will be an urgent need to extend our resumption time from 7:30am to 10am so that you ladies can have enough time for your makeup. I can imagine if trumpet had sounded that day, some of you would have escaped hellfire because you would have confused the angel at heaven's gate because of your makeup transformation" Mr Thomas the Unit Head said with laughter while everyone burst into an unending laughter.

"I am quite serious about this, during the party there were countless numbers of mistaken identity. Imagine Miss Ada, did any of you recognize her? I had to systematically predict she was the one solely because of her unique bow legs" Mr Thomas continued.

"You are so mean Mr Thomas, I can't stop laughing I thought you were busy putting up logistics" Maxwell said.

"Hmmm to busy to see that you were acting like you have made it in life by staying glued to Jessica, the Maxwell I know would have moved round to exchange pleasantries with almost everyone. But you didn't even leave your seat because you didn't want anyone to invade your date. Even the sales manager noticed and asked me if you had a thing to do with Jessica especially when you went to walk her back to her seat" Thomas said.

"It got everyone wondering, it was so obvious that you both had been seeking for an opportunity to bond, because other people had dates but yours seemed like a new relationship. We couldn't say much because you both work for two different units, you hardly cross part in the office because of your job stratification and the dates were randomly picked else we would have concluded you picked your girlfriend" Catherine said smiling.

"Hmmm I didn't know I was that attached though, she made my day in all because she is smart, intelligent, easygoing and honest. Maxwell said.

Just in the middle of the discussion, Jess stepped into the office and immediately there was total silence.

"Good morning everyone" she greeted.

"Yes good morning Jessy baby" Mr Thomas hailed.

She walked straight to Maxwell's desk, it was obvious that she was shy as she carefully walked as all eyes were on her.

"Hey Max good morning" she said in a low tone.

"Good morning pretty Jessica, how are you? Maxwell asked

"Very fine, I just decided to say hello and thank you for the weekend treat. A quick one please, I have a free dinner ticket for two, courtesy of the management and I would like you to come with me if you don't mind" she said and drop the ticket on Maxwell's desk. "See you later" she said and winked.

Maxwell was amazed as he watched her use the exit then he remembered the lyrics of speechless by Michael Jackson.

Immediately she left, everyone cleared their throat to pass a message. Maxwell didn't say a word because he had butterflies in his belly. He was very meticulous, smart and timely so as to get home early and prepare for his date.

At 7pm he got a call from Jessica requesting his home address, few minutes later she drove to pick him up for the date. Maxwell had never been this shy as he tried as much as possible to be cautious and mindful of every little act or behavior during their conversations.

"Max I feel you are acting up, kindly cheer up so that our date can be fun like the other day" Jessica said.

'Gosh she sounded like a psychologist' Maxwell thought.

Maxwell quickly tried to put up a defense that he was stressed because of the day's work.

The event was mainly for big boys as none of my colleagues within my cadre were present. During one of the items on the agenda "A TOAST WITH THE GMD"

The GMD walked from one table to the other to exchange pleasantries.It was the first time meeting the General Managing Director in person. He walked close by to give a cheers to Jessica and I. Just after we cheered, he turned to Jessica and complimented her again for her immense contributions to the company's growth.

"Anyways enjoy the party. Your fiancee right? he asked.

"Yes my fiancee" she nodded as she smiled at him and held him tight.

This was one of the sweetest feeling Maxwell ever had in a long time, though he thought about when they started dating without his knowledge. He shut his mouth and pinched himself to be sure he wasn't dreaming.

She gave him a sip from her cup of champagne and dropped a light kiss on his lips.

He smiled and his feelings for her grew.

~ID