A bet that changed their lives

Part 14 - Plans For an Evening Out

It had been three months since Arya started working for Derek. Her probationary period was over today and if her meeting with Derek was anything to go by, she was a great PA anyone could have. She was liking her work, the environment, even her boss - not in a romantic way but just the way he managed those under him, the way he conducted himself. She had made new friends too; yes, Mason was one of them and the other being that grumpy receptionist who wasn't that grumpy anymore, Lana. The trio would meet for lunch whenever it was possible for her. Her lunchtime was mostly attending lunch meets with her boss or working while having lunch if they had some urgent meeting lined up. Mason was fun to have around. Though she had made it abundantly clear that she was not looking for a relationship and she wanted nothing more than to be friends with a guy like him, Mason would sometimes flirt with her in front of Lana, just so that Arya could squirm in her seat uncomfortably, cheeks tinted slight pink in embarrassment. She knew what he was doing was in jest but she still could never prevent herself from reacting in the manner that she would. She wasn't that good at making friends, but this period at The Jones Co. had made the three of them close enough to share their secrets, their joys and their sorrows.

"We need to party tonight, to celebrate Arya's exceptional probationary performance review," Lana chirped as she met Mason near the water cooler.

"She isn't someone who likes partying, and you know that," Mason said dismissively. They had tried a lot to get Arya to attend a few parties with them initially. They had soon given up hope, or so he thought as Lana's remark proved otherwise. "Why don't we just do something that she would like?"

"Pfftt... she likes boring things. I really want that girl to have some fun. She should know what it is like to be young and have fun. She seems to have forgotten that. Behaves like a grandma sometimes," Lana whined. She loved to party, and because Arya had been such a spoilsport, Lana had attended quite a few parties with Mason, and she had really enjoyed his company.

"I don't really agree with you, but I also do agree with you. Let's see what can be done," Mason sighed as they both now had to think of some plan to convince that stubborn but beautiful woman named Arya. Yes, he still had a massive crush on her and his feelings only grew as he got to know her more, got to be a part of her inner circle. He also knew how fiercely protective she was of her personal space and peace of mind and he knew better than to pursue her, at least right now. If being friends was what would make her trust him and get her to spend time with him, he would keep his growing feelings for her aside, for the time being. Period.

***

If only he could freeze time, at the exact moment when Arya's face beamed during the review meeting. She was an exceptional PA, and he didn't hold back during the meeting. Having her around had proved beneficial for his business too. She was insightful, had some really strong take on potential clients, and her work as his PA had been exceptional. During all these months, this was the first time he was seeing her smile so brightly, in front of him, and he couldn't help but return that smile as he congratulated her.

She was still awkward around him and it was getting difficult for him to believe that his looks were not being noticed by her, she wasn't falling for him and that he'd have to actually work hard. Not that he would mind doing so, she deserved every bit of effort he would have to make to woo her, to make her like him and maybe fall in love with him. Wait, did he, Derek Jones, just say love? Had he really started believing in love? Was it love that he felt for her? No, it couldn't be... he didn't believe in the concept of love. Or did he now?

His mom had also come back from her spiritual retreat, looking more rejuvenated and full of life. She had managed to handle whatever crisis was between Mark and his brother. But the odd part was, she was nagging him to find someone now. And that too, out of the blue. Now what exactly had happened at the retreat? Jokes apart, his mother was a good judge of character and he wondered what she would have to say if she saw Arya. Yes, he wanted them to meet, but this definitely wasn't love now, was it?

He hadn't forgotten the bet he had made with Mark, neither had the latter. Mark had tried twice, using his usual ways to get Arya to swoon over him. And boy was that hilarious! In the privacy of his cabin, Mark had embarrassingly disclosed that he would never ever show his face on his floor again, given the way Arya had innocently rejected his advances. That scene had also made Lana snicker, but she had managed to keep a poker face.

Derek knew it in his heart that Arya was different, she wasn't the one to fall for white lies or a string of compliments. He had known this, but Mark hadn't, though now he did.

He decided to let loose today, Arya's beaming face had made his day. They had also managed to c***k two lucrative deals and he wanted to celebrate with Mark. McLaren's tonight? He dropped a message to Mark. His phone soon pinged,

Up for a little unwinding anytime

Cool, will come by your office. Wrap up by 7 - Derek dropped his final message as he began winding up his work, mind still fixated on Arya's smiling face.