"Is this your way of letting me know that you are currently interested in one of your colleagues and that you definitely have plans of pursuing her, Mr. Hunt?" she asked with a smile.
Ed was stunned for a few seconds, and he smiled warmly at Ms. Maureen and said, "Well, that is a possibility that I might happen."
His statement earned him different reactions. Ms. Maureen just laughed at him. It is evident that she likes him as a person.
John looked envious. Who could blame him? It is difficult not to be jealous of a man who knows what he wants. And by the looks of it, knows what to do to get what he wants.
Ericka looked excited. Why would she be? Unless she thinks that Ed is interested in her. Is he? If he is, then it would really be a shame. I would really have a hard time getting along with Ericka. If they would become a couple, I would be forced to avoid spending time with them.
Jefferson looked pleasantly surprised and then elated. I think it is because his best friend just publicly confessed to liking someone. Although who that someone is, is still unclear.
I, on the other hand was surprised. But I cannot help but acknowledge the slight twinge that I felt deep in my heart upon learning that he is interested in someone else. Why would it hurt me is a question that I do not want to answer right now. It might make me uncomfortable.
I felt Jeff's and Ed's gazes on me. I avoided looking at the both of them and fixed my gaze on Ms. Maureen's stunning face. They realized that I am avoiding looking at both of them because their gazes met above my head and held a quiet conversation. When both of them looked away, both had smiles on their faces.
This silent conversation was caught by Ms. Maureen which made her look at me with interest and she said "Ah." She kept looking at me intently and after a short while said, "Good luck. I think that you are going to have a tough time winning her over." She said while looking at Ed.
This made me really curious. Is it that obvious even to Ms. Maureen that Ed likes Ericka. I think John realized it too basing on his sullen face. The thought of Ed liking Ericka made me sad. But I immediately shook that sadness off. I am used to living alone anyway. Being alone is nothing new to me.
"Its not an easy conquest, I have to admit that. But I like challenges. And I think she is definitely worth it." Ed said quietly while looking at me.
The look he gave me touched a part of me that I thought was long forgotten. I dismissed that feeling. Its not going to help me if I dwelt on it. He likes Ericka. No point of complicating things.
"Now that we are done with the rules, it is time for us to discuss the terms of your employment. You will be under probation for the next six months. Before the end of your probation, your performance will be evaluated by five persons. You have met the four of them during your interview and I will be the fifth person. My evaluation will be based on your intra personal relationships with your co workers. We have a colleagues behavior evaluation every month. This is where the HR's evaluation of your performance will be based. You need to get at least an average of 3 as a newbie. The other evaluations will be from the Marketing team, Translators department and Writer's league."
"You will all experience how to work in every department. So your six months will be equally divided so that you get to experience what it is to work with these departments. If you noticed during your final interview, each of you were asked four question and each of those questions were actually related to the department that they are handling." she continued.
"Since it is nearly lunch time, I will let you go and have you take your lunch. Please come back at one pm so that we can proceed with the tour." she instructed.
"Oh, you may take your lunch at the pantry. The serve really great food." she added.
"Let's go!" Jeff stood up. I did too and so did Ed.
"I actually brought some lunch." I whispered. Making sure that Ericka and John would not hear me. I do not want to be humiliated.
"Really?" Jeff asked while digging into the lunch bag that I brought. "Great! Where do you want to eat?" he asked.
"Its okay. Both of you can go to the pantry and take your lunch. I will just go to the rooftop and eat there." I said in a shy voice. I did not want to impose.
"Stop talking nonsense. You packed this lunch for the three of us didn't you?" Ed asked. I nodded. "Well then let's eat it." he said.
"You packed some lunch?" Ericka asked with nasty smile plastered on her face. Even John smirked when he heard it.
"Do you think that this is kindergarten and you are out for a field day, Helena?" she chided. "What is wrong with you?"
"You should be asking that question to yourself, Ericka." Ed retorted and then grabbed my hand and started leading me out of the conference room. I was about to complain since I left my bag when he said, "Don't bother, Jeff has it." and kept on marching on.
I looked back and saw Jeff carrying my purse and lunch bag while Ericka and John was behind him looking at me like I was a joke. It made me feel really conscious. Maybe it was a mistake. Bringing lunch to the work place. Who does that, really?
I won't do it again, I promised myself. I refused to be subjected to humiliation again.