Introductions and Farewells

“So I’m assuming you don’t intend to have separate arrangements with your co-girlfriends, Becca?” Mr. Hoffman suddenly interrupts. Apparently, he’s been eavesdropping on your conversation for some time now. His delivery of the question was with a wide smile, but all of you seem to tense up from his arrival. “At least, with how you corrected yourself, that’s what it sounded like to me.” Mr. Hoffman adds.

“I only corrected myself so as to not be presumptuous, father. I am, technically, not dating Jay yet as we haven’t gone out on a date. Therefore, I’m not part of their relationship yet.” Becca clarifies to her father.

“Do you intend to fail at your pursuit of this man?” Mr. Hoffman asks Becca in a serious tone. His wide smile disappears, as if he only put it on for appearances.

“Of course not.” Becca replies with confidence, not backing down from her father.

“Then why bother with the technicalities?” Mr. Hoffman asks her, to the silence of Becca. “I taught you to never second guess yourself, did I not?” Mr. Hoffman asks her, and Becca just nods weakly; as if being scolded by her father for getting a bad grade on a test.

“Then claim it.” Mr. Hoffman seemingly orders his daughter with a finality in his tone.

“Yeah, Becca. Claim it.” You tell her in a much softer and more encouraging tone, holding her hand as you do so . Trying to comfort her from whatever feelings she may have after being talked down to by her father like that.

“I told you that there’s no point in pretending you’re not part of this relationship, remember?” You remind her. Becca squeezes your hand in response, before giving you a thankful smile. You then proceed to look at Brooke and Maddy who understand that your glances toward them mean that your statement includes them too. You then proceed to glance at your official girlfriends who have warm smiles too, appreciative of how you’re comforting Becca. Even Paige seems to be smiling in appreciation of how you’re handling this situation with Mr. Hoffman and Becca.

Your tender moment with the girls is cut short by the boisterous laughter of Mr. Hoffman though. He, once again, wraps his arm around your shoulders.

“Splendid, Joseph!” Mr. Hoffman reacts, before laughing once more and patting you on the shoulder. “I can see what my daughter sees in you.” Mr. Hoffman adds.

“I believe introductions are in order, father.” Becca tries to take back control of the situation from her father.

“Yes, yes. I do believe so.” Mr. Hoffman says, as he tones down his laughter. “Although, I do see some familiar faces already. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Halliwell.” Mr. Hoffman greets Paige, who reacts in shock that Mr. Hoffman knows her.

“It-It’s a pleasure to see you again too, Mr. Hoffman.” Paige replies, offering her hand to Mr. Hoffman, who gladly accepts it for a handshake. You’re actually thankful to Paige’s handshake offer, since Mr. Hoffman had to let go of wrapping his arm around your shoulders.

“I hear my daughter was quite impressed by your internship at the Marketing department last summer. Impressed to the point that she decided to hire you as one of her executive secretaries.” Mr. Hoffman makes conversation with Paige, who doesn’t quite know how to handle the praise from Mr. Hoffman.

“I don’t know about impressing Becca with my internship, but—” Paige replies a little flustered, before Mr. Hoffman cuts her off with a laugh.

“Already on a first name basis with her! Wonderful! You two are already getting along then?” Mr. Hoffman asks Paige.

“Yes! We’re getting along wonderfully, Mr. Hoffman. I’m so grateful to Becca for inviting me tonight.” Paige answers him.

“Good, good.” Mr. Hoffman reacts, almost dismissively. “Although, I’d prefer it if you refer to her in a more professional manner once you start working, yes? We wouldn’t want other employees to think that we don’t hire based on merit and only based on connections, yes?” Mr. Hoffman says, almost sounding threatening, but his wide smile betrays his tone.

“Of course, Mr. Hoffman.” Paige responds to Mr. Hoffman, her voice cracking in the middle of it.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again too, Vivian.” Mr. Hoffman greets Viv, immediately dismissing Paige.

“The feeling is mutual, Mr. Hoffman.” Viv replies in her professional tone, offering a handshake, similar to what Paige did.

“Bah! You know you can call me Avi already, Vivian.” Mr. Hoffman corrects her lightheartedly, before giving her a kiss on each cheek instead of shaking the hand she offered.

“How’s Pho Hoa doing?” Mr. Hoffman asks her.

“It’s going great. Our mix of invited guests and being open to some of the public is really piquing interest. There’s a line outside the restaurant during every service.” Viv informs Mr. Hoffman.

“When’s the grand opening? I hope yours truly gets an invite.” Mr. Hoffman asks.

“Of course. We’d love to have you. It’s on the first Saturday of June. It’s a weekend, so I hope you’re not too busy on that day.” Viv replies with a professional smile.

“The only thing keeping me busy during Saturdays is golf.” Mr. Hoffman jokes, getting a polite laugh out of everyone.

“Well, those are all the familiar faces I recognize. I’d love for you to introduce me to your girlfriends now, Joseph.” Mr. Hoffman addresses you. Disregarding Becca’s more recent offer of introductions completely.

“Of course, Avi. This is Stella, my daughter.” You introduce Stella to Mr. Hoffman.

“Oh! Quite a beauty you are, Stella.” Mr. Hoffman compliments her, getting a polite smile from your daughter. “I can only assume you take after your mother.” Mr. Hoffman jokes, before laughing boisterously again. Everyone just politely laughs after it became awkward that only Mr. Hoffman was laughing. “I kid, Joseph. I kid.” Mr. Hoffman says, patting you on the back as he does.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Stella.” Mr. Hoffman finally greets her. Stella greets him back, and it’s Mr. Hoffman who offers his hand to Stella this time. When Stella goes in for the handshake, Mr. Hoffman takes her hand and kisses her hand instead.

“Stella’s on a full ride sports scholarship for volleyball in her university, father. She was one of the top recruits of her class a couple of years ago.” Becca informs Mr. Hoffman, taking you by surprise. You didn’t know Becca knew that about Stella. Mr. Hoffman laughs once more after hearing Becca’s additional info.

“Paige and Stella were actually teammates in high school, as well.” Becca adds.

“Paige was actually my captain during my freshman year, sir.” Stella adds, making conversation with Mr. Hoffman, and upselling Paige for him.

“On that note, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Cassie. She and Stella were teammates in middle school for volleyball, and are back to being teammates in college. She’s on the same full-ride scholarship as Stella.” You introduce Cassie to Mr. Hoffman.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cassie.” Mr. Hoffman greets her. His greeting of her is different from how he greeted everybody else though. It’s almost like she’s assessing Cassie with his eyes.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Hoffman.” Cassie replies, offering her hand to Mr. Hoffman, who again takes it to kiss her hand.

“I assume your name is short for Cassandra, darling?” Mr. Hoffman asks her, and Cassie nods in response.

“I apologize if I’m staring… but you look… you have a remarkable resemblance to an old acquaintance of mine.” Mr. Hoffman tells Cassie, not letting go of her hand after kissing it.

“Um~, it’s okay, Mr. Hoffman.” Cassie awkwardly replies, before glancing at you, asking for a suggestion on what to do in this situation with her eyes. You actually have no clue, and just shrug as a response. You’re feeling awkward now too, since Mr. Hoffman is still staring at Cassie.

“Father!” Becca finally breaks Mr. Hoffman’s stare.

“Oh! Apologies!” Mr. Hoffman finally lets go of Cassie’s hand. “By any chance, Cassandra; you’re not related to a ‘Sylvia Jones’, are you?” Mr. Hoffman asks Cassie.

“Oh, I am. She’s my mom.” Cassie answers Mr. Hoffman, and the look of realization on his face was only for a split-second, but you didn’t fail to notice it. He masks it quickly with a warm look and a kind smile, and everybody else doesn’t seem to notice it. “Although, she prefers to go by Sylvie than Sylvia.” Cassie adds, not having noticed Mr. Hoffman’s reaction.

“You knew my mother?” Cassie asks innocently.

“She was a-uh… an acquaintance. I’m more familiar with your father.” Mr. Hoffman answers her. Taking you, Stella, and especially Cassie, by surprise.

“You knew my father!?” Cassie asks in shock.

“I-... I was an old friend.” Mr. Hoffman explains.

“How!? My mom told me he doesn’t even know who he is!” Cassie shouts, unable to control her emotions. After hearing Cassie’s question, everyone who doesn’t know Cassie’s story seems to understand why the three of you were so shocked at Mr. Hoffman’s breaking news.

“I-I see.” Mr. Hoffman replies weakly, a complete change in his demeanor. “I apologize if I brought it up. I didn’t know what Sylvie told you about your father… and it’s not my place to do it for her.” Mr. Hoffman explains to Cassie.

“I-I understand, Mr. Hoffman. It’s my mom who I need to talk to about this. Not you.” Cassie replies to Mr. Hoffman, and you can see it stings him a bit hearing that. “Although, knowing my mom, she’s just going to lie about this too.” Cassie takes a dig at her mom in annoyance.

“Forgive your mother, Cassandra… and your father, as well. He wouldn’t have wished this for you if he was able.” Mr. Hoffman tells Cassie.

“I… I don’t really know how to process this.” Cassie admits, staring off into space now; prompting Tanya and Brooke to give her a hug in support of this revelation.

“Once again, I apologize, Cassandra. I didn’t want you to know this… way… You said she was your girlfriend, Joseph?” Mr. Hoffman apologizes to Cassie, before completely changing course and asking you his question.

“Yes, Avi. Cassie was actually my first official—” You answer Mr. Hoffman, but he cuts you off completely.

“I have to go.” Mr. Hoffman tells you out of the blue. “I’m sorry for cutting the introductions short, but there’s business I need to handle.” Mr. Hoffman tries to explain.

“What business?” Becca asks him, and Mr. Hoffman looks at her with the same look of realization he had with Cassie; then Mr. Hoffman goes back to looking at you with the exact same look.

“I’ll explain on the way.” He answers quickly.

“On the way?” Becca repeats in confusion.

“You’re coming with me, Rebecca.” Mr. Hoffman informs her.

“What!? Father, that’s—” Becca reacts in protest, but Mr. Hoffman is having none of it.

“No discussions, child.” Mr. Hoffman tells Becca. Not raising his voice. Not in anger. Just… in unwavering finality.

“I apologize for leaving so suddenly. You are welcome to enjoy the rest of the gala. I hope you all have a lovely evening.” Mr. Hoffman addresses you all, his smile no longer jovial… but merely a polite one.

“Come, Rebecca. We are leaving.” Mr. Hoffman commands her as he walks away from your group. You and the rest don’t exactly know what to do in this situation, since you all don’t want Becca to get in trouble not just with her Dad, but with her boss too.

“I apologize as well, but I’ll have to follow him for now.” Becca informs all of you.

“What the hell is he on about, Becca?” Brooke asks her.

“Becca, something weird just happened here. You don’t need to—” Tanya starts saying, but Becca raises her hand to get Tanya to pause what she’s saying.

“I know. Something weird is going on with him, and I won’t find out what it is without going with him.” Becca tells all of you. “I’ll update all of you when I learn more.” Becca says, and everyone stays silent, as there really isn’t any other alternative without probably angering Mr. Hoffman.

“Take care of yourself, Becca.” You tell her, and it’s when you go in for a hug to say goodbye that you realize that you and her actually haven’t let go of each other’s hands since earlier. Becca hugs you back to say goodbye, as well as the other girls.

“If you need my help in any way, Ms. Hoffman; please don’t hesitate to—” Paige tells Becca as they say their goodbyes, before Becca stops her.

“Don’t let my father get to you. I’m still Becca outside the office.” Becca reminds Paige with an encouraging smile before breaking away from their goodbye hug. “Also, I know. I’ll message you if I ever need anything.” Becca assures Paige.

“Rebecca!” Mr. Hoffman calls out to her in impatience.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. I hope you all still enjoy what the gala has to offer before you need to take Maddy home. I’ll update all of you once I have news.” Becca says, and you all silently watch as she walks away from your group to go to her father.

…

“What the fuck was that about?”