Tim and Pam arrived at the hotel where the celebration will be held. The company arranged to have one hall for about 50 people. This included some executives of both companies who were not necessarily part of the project.
Nobody noticed they enter the hall together. Little did they know that Jim and Ronna who parked in the same level where Tim parked his car saw them when they came out of the car.
Dance music filled the hall, the volume was just enough to set the vibes in the venue so people could still talk and socialize.
When Jim and Ronna arrived they saw Pam standing side by side Tim while having chat with NextGen and First Consulting executives. It does look like a casual business chat.
The two had their prying eyes on Pam.
"It was odd that they came out on the same car together right?" Ronna exclaimed to Jim.
"We came out of the same car too. Was it odd?"
"But we are close and we are colleague."
"Oh are close? yeah we are on the same company so you can ride my car." Jim was being sarcastic following Ronna's logic.
"Do you have issues with me Jim? If you don't want a beauty riding your car then after this event, I will not get into your car."
Jim murmured to himself, "so I need to still take her in today." He coughed and said, "being on the same car is not the odd thing here, walking holding each other hands is."
"Yeah that is very odd too...do you think?"
"No that is the only odd thing we saw earlier, being on the same car is normal." Jim reiterated his point. Sometimes He would like to understand how that brain of hers work.
"Who is holding each other's hand? Why is it odd?" Vince arrived and heard the two.
Ronna was about to tell him what they saw in the parking but Jim immediately said, "It was client we had in project who we saw walking hand in hand. Very weird pairing."
Jim glared at Ronna, it's not proper to gossip. The two are present and they both know Vince has long been one sidedly loving Pam.
"Oh I see...let me pay the big guys there some courtesy." Vince excused himself and joined the executives chatting.
"Can you not say anything unnecessary? Let's enjoy and not gossip."
"How is it gossiping? We saw it, didn't we?" Ronna responded in her defense.
"What will it do? It is indeed weird they were holding hands earlier considering the fact that they were never ever close in the project. There must be something more than meets the eyes. We can talk to Pam later.." Jim is being cautious.
"I just said one thing and you made full analysis of the situation. Do you want to make use cases?" Ronna rolled her eyes, they are like fire and ice but they are always together. Come to think of it they are the weird ones.
Vince has joined the executives and greeted everyone. Pam was standing beside NextGen COO opposite Tim who was taking to First Consulting CTO and Finance Head. There were also some other Directors in the circle.
After the pleasantries, Vince stood beside Pam too. Just in time that the waiter offered everyone wine or champagne to drink. He took 2 goblets and handed over one to Pam. Without looking at Tim, Pam could feel dagger looks coming from him.
With goblets on their hands Vince spoke to Pam moving a little closer to her ears, "you look wonderful in that little black dress Pam ."
"Thank you!" Pam gave him a short smile. This time if there are demerits to her standing with Tim, this is probably -10 points.
One of the Directors asked if Vince is working on any project. As Delivery Manager he is not required to be in the office full time and would be present on critical huddles with his team.
"I am working on one in Bangkok but I would love to have one in Sydney with our very competent Ms. Cruz here will be leading." He said this while putting his left hand at the back of Pam.
Everything is happening in front of Tim who managed to keep his face formal and straight. Pam and him agreed to be business formal with everyone. There is no need to drop the news unless there would be question leading to it. No need to offer the info but there is no need to keep it secret as well.
At this point from a clean slate she is running -40 points. She cannot simply brush off Vince they are friends. His advances are very subtle and he cannot be faulted for doing such since he is not aware of Pam's status.
"Deploy me there sir," Vince addressing First Consulting CTO. "So I can accomplish two projects at the same time." It was double meaning, a real project and a project to win Pam's heart.
Everyone laughed at what Vince is insinuating except for Tim who is more likely smirking than laughing or smiling.
Vince has not removed his hand from Pam's back making it look intimate. Pam glanced at Tim who is looking at Vince with eyes telling him 'get that fucking hands off her'.
"When are you going to Sydney?" Another executive chimed in.
"By Monday next week. I will fly to Singapore first tomorrow for some paper works and discussion with HQ people."
"Good luck Pamela! And to you too Vince on that 'project'. Cheers!" The Director offered the cheers so everyone politely joined in.
"Looks like you should have initiated the project while you are still here, the risk is now greater for failure if you don't get assigned there." The COO of NextGen has joined the tease.
The CTO of First Consulting was unaware of such love line from Vince to Pam he commented, "if you keep your messages encrypted the receiver may not understand. I didn't know our Vince here is pursuing our mighty PMO Head."
Pam faked a cough to what their CTO said. In a very soft but audible tone she said, "My husband will not be happy with that."
Vince dropped his hand upon hearing this and everyone made a sound of surprise.
Pam and Tim's met each other's gazes. Tim gave her a quick wink and smiled with contentment. He was proud of how Pam dropped the news, his face paints 'That's my girl' expression.