The elevator ride felt like hours to Avery. Standing there quietly, next to one of the most attractive, and tempting men she had ever come across, was most definitely torturous.
Alas, the ride finally came to an end, and Ethan got out of it impatiently. Avery even had to trot a few times in order to catchup with him, and his long legs.
As they passed by the employees stationed in the ground floor, Avery could feel their gazes following them till they they finally went through the revolving door at the main entrance of the company.
A Porsche Panamera car then drove to a stop just right in front of them, and the security guy that had let Avery into the company earlier, came down from the car. He gave the key to Ethan, and said, "I went to fetch your car immediately Mr. Williams called, sir."
Ethan just nodded, and collected the key from him. He then opened the door to the driver's seat, and got in.
Avery just stood there, not knowing what to do. Was she supposed to get in the car? She then cleared her throat to get his attention before he could close the door.
Ethan looked at her for the first time since they left his office. The look on his face resembled that of someone that had just remembered something of great importance.
"Look at me, almost forgetting my briefcase." He said, as he retrieved his briefcase from her.
A disappointed expression graced Avery's face as it dawned on her that the look of realization on Ethan's face was meant for his briefcase, and not her. "Aren't you taking me with you?" She asked.
"No." He said, and that made Avery's stomach churn in dismay. 'So he is not hiring me, after all,' she internally said. She suddenly felt so empty on the inside. She couldn't even find the strength to beg him to reconsider. She had given up! But then…
"I want to deal with something personal, so just take the rest of the day off. You resume tomorrow. Don't be late!" Ethan said, and then jammed the door close, before driving out of the compound in a haste, while Avery stood there, wondering if she had heard him right, or if it was all just in her head.
"Are you also leaving now, or what?" The security guy asked, as he stood by the still opened gate.
On hearing his question, Avery snapped out her surprise, and a victorious smile appeared on her face. "I guess I am." She said, and excitedly skittered to the gate and out of GameHive's premises.
She was about to dial Madeline's number when she spotted a figure sitting under a shade, on the opposite side of the road.
"Madeline!" Avery called out as she waved.
Madeline who was busy on the phone, looked up, and saw that Avery was already out of the company. Judging by the smile on Avery's face, Madeline could already guess that Avery got the job.
They both ran to each other, and held hands. "You got the job?" Madeline asked, but the excited way she said it, made it sound like a statement, rather than a question.
"I sure did!" Avery answered with an equal energy, as they both jumped, and squealed in excitement.
"I knew it would work." Madeline proudly said, "while you on the other hand, were being all skeptical about it."
"Easy for you to say. You are not the one disguised as a man in a company filled with men. I even had a one-on-one interview with that arrogant, and crazily attractive CEO."
"Stop being such a baby about it, and let's go celebrate. My treat!"
Avery shook her head. "No, I have to go back home to change, and head back to the hospital to check on Owen."
Madeline placed a finger on Avery's lips. "Shhh.. Owen isn't running away, you can always see him later, besides, I'm sure your mom, and grandma are doing a great job with taking care of him."
"I don't know, Maddy."
"Common, you just successfully pulled off being a man, and even ended up with a job that pays more than you've ever earned in your life. A few drinks to celebrate wouldn't be a bad idea."
Avery squinted her eyes at Madeline through her glasses, and said, "You are just using this as an excuse to go drinking, aren't you?"
"You can't blame me for wanting to unwind a little. So what do you say?"
….
Moonlight lounge bar
Silver crest city.
Warm glow of the lights filled the bar, casting a cozy, and intimate vibe. The air was filled with the aroma of rich, aromatic cocktails, and the sound of ice clinking in glasses.
The walls of the bar were adorned with vintage artwork, adding a touch of nostalgia to the place. The music, a smooth blend of jazz and soul, blasted through the speakers, setting the perfect mood for relaxation and enjoyment.
The bar was one of the most popular bars in the city, known for it cool vibes that made people, both rich and poor, comfortable. It was a place where people could unwind, and let go of the stress of the day.
"Cheers!" Two full glasses clinked in the air, and a bit of the beer spilled on the table.
In one gulp, Madeline emptied her glass of beer, while Avery just took a sip of hers, and placed the glass back on the table.
Avery had already gotten rid of the makeover, and was currently dressed in a flowy, off-shoulder top, coupled with skinny jeans. Her long black hair was tied up in a ponytail, accentuating her facial features, especially her v-line chin.
"C'mon Avery, that's no fun. I brought you here so we could celebrate and unwind, not for you to watch me drink while you take little sips." Madeline had to yell so the music wouldn't swallow her words.
"No way." Avery yelled back, "I'm not planning to get drunk, when I have to be up early for work tomorrow."
"Boo…" Madeline gave Avery a thumbs down, "excuses, that's all I hear." She said while filling her glass for the fourth time.
Avery took a longer sip of her beer this time, and said, "Whatever. One of us has to stay sober so as to take the other to their home safely. We both can't afford to get drunk at the same time."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot you have so little tolerance for alcohol." Madeline tauntingly said.
Avery placed a her hand on her chest, with an offended expression on her face. "Me? Little tolerance for alcohol? That's a big lie, and you know it!"
"Prove it then. Let's do a drink off. First to get drunk loses, and has to do whatever the winner says for a week."
"Oh, you are on!" Avery accepted the challenge with confidence radiating from her. There was a tiny voice in her head telling her that this might not be a good idea, but she stubbornly ignored it.
Avery chugged down her glass in one go, and filled up the glass again to it's brim, chugging it down with an equal momentum. To make the competition fair, Avery had to drink four full-glass, before Madeline then joined in.