Party on

Sandra does notice that after the two free drinks are consumed that a lot of the office group leaves. She catches Mark as he passes to go home. “Thank you again for all of the help today.” She kisses his cheek, “You really helped me out.”

His mouth works like a fish before he gets out “You’re welcome.” Sandra makes a mental note to spend more time with the sweet young man.

Frank whistles, “I’m not sure how helped you, but I want thank yous like that some time.” Several of the people around them laugh as a drink appears in Sandra’s hand.

She takes a sip, “Well sir, I’m guessing that HR would have a bit of a problem if we all started kissing you.”

The conversation moves from one topic to the next and Sandra forgets to check her phone for messages. She gets a look at Chris’s watch and sees that it is after nine o’clock. She grabs her purse and sees a series of texts from Josh. She sends a quick one saying that the bar was noisy and that she didn’t hear her phone. “I promise I’ll make it up to you when I get home. I’ll be leaving as soon as I pay the tab.”