------ Days after the party--------
I resumed work and it was going on pretty fine with no drama and tension but then I realized that our yearly trip drew closer.
The trip is a one week trip,it was to train young people who are looking forward to be an entrepreneur or might want to establish their own company.
This was why my boss made sure we attended every year,it involves seminar upon seminar but it is always fun.
But I am not sure if this year's was going to be fun since a newbie-Kelvin will be present and to think that he was super excited when I told him was scary.
As the seminar drew nearer,my colleagues and I scrambled to prepare.
The day of departure arrived and I bid a tearful farewell to my lovely family.
Upon arriving at the bus station,I found my coworkers already gathered.
As I struggled with my luggage, Kelvin approached me with a charming smile,if I said he was not handsome then I would be lying,he was looking super hot today.
"May I help?"he offered,his eyes sparkling wirg kindness.
Initially hesitant,I relented knowing he wouldn't take NO for an answer and moreso I shouldn't spoil this promising day.
"Thanks Kelvin"I said with a brief smile.
As we loaded our bags,our bus arrived surprisingly early.We boarded quickly,and Kelvin suggested
"Why don't we sit over there?"he gestured to a vacant row.
My instincts screamed caution"it's fine,I'll sit somewhere else...thanks"
Kelvin's eyebrows rose in surprise,but he didn't press the issue further"suit yourself"I breathed a sigh of relief.
I found a seat a few rows away,trying to shake off the uneasy feeling.Why did Kelvin wants me to sit with him?
And why didn't he push further,on a good day,he would have said something like'why,we can sit together'
As the bus pulled out if the station,I glanced out the window, watching the city fade into the distance.
The seminar promised to be an exciting adventure but Kelvin's attention made me question my resolve.
His occasional glances made me fidget even though we were distance.
Just as I rumbled my head,my phone beeped,just as I needed a reprieve.
Antonio's text brought a warm smile:"are you headed already?just want to know so I can call"
I quickly dailed his number,eager for the distraction.
"Hey love"Antonio's soothing voice filled the line"hey mummy"Amanda's lovely voice echoed in my ears.
"Hey baby,how are you?"I said,with so much joy and comfort
"I am fine,mummy,when are you coming home?"she said,already missing me from barely few hours ago.
I smiled"soon baby,real soon"
I chatted with my family for a few more minutes,and as we wrapped up the conversation,I felt revitalized.
The bus ride seemed less daunting now, knowing Antonio was just a call away.
As the bus pulled up to the luxurious resort, excitement buzzed through the air.
We had arrived at the seminar venue.I gathered my belongings, intentionally keeping a safe distance from Kelvin.
He however, seemed determined to bridge that gap."shall we grab lunch together?"Kelvin asked,his smile friendly.
I hesitated,unsure how to politely decline"I think I'll freshen up first"
Kelvin nodded understandingly"I'll meet you in the lobby then?"I smiled curtly,trying not to encourage him"maybe I'll catch up with the others"
As we parted ways,I felt a mix of relief and guilt.In the lobby,I joined my colleagues exchanging warm greetings.
Kelvin blotted out,his eyes locking onto mine"Leila,saved you a seat"he said, gesturing to the empty chair beside him.
I smiled graciously,taking the seat but engaging in conversations with Emily close to me.
Throughout lunch, Kelvin tried to draw me into discussion,but I kept my response brief, maintaining a professional demeanor.
The only reason I was doing this was because I didn't want to draw too close to him that I would start to think he is My Kelvin
Or is he?
The evening unfolded peacefully with relaxed conversations and getting acquainted with fellow attendees.
With the seminar set to begin the next day,I retreated to my room to review the schedule and prepare--------
The next morning,the resort's grand conference hall buzzed with excitement.
Attendees chatted, sipping coffee,as we awaited the seminar's opening session.
At 9:00AM sharp,the emcee welcomed us, introducing the keynote speaker, renowned industry expert,Dr Rachael Kim.
Dr Kim's presentation,"innovative strategies for future growth"captivated the audience,
Her insightful remarks and engaging visuals sparked lively discussions.
As she spoke,I found myself seated near the back, strategically avoiding Kelvin's attempts to sit together.
The session's Q&A's segment allowed attendees to pose thought-provoking questions, showing the diverse expertise.
Following Dr Kim's presentation,the seminar's coordinator outlined the agenda, highlighting interactive workshops,panel discussions and networking opportunities.
The opening session concluded with a sense of anticipation, setting the stage for two productive days of learning.
As the attendees dispersed for the first breakout session,I was about to call Antonio when Kelvin approached me once more.
"Leila,would you like to join our group for the team-building activity?"he asked,his tone friendly but persistent.
I hesitated, weighing my options, joining the team building activity would foster collaboration and networking,but Kelvin's involvement made me apprehensive.
"Thanks Kelvin,I'll check the schedule and decide"I replied, maintaining a neutral tone.
Kelvin's smile faltered slightly,but he recovered quickly"Great!we could use your insight,meet us at Pavilion at 2pm?"
I nodded noncommittally"I'll try".
As Kelvin walked away,I felt a mix of relief and guilt.Was I being unfair by avoiding him?
I decided to focus on the seminar's content attending the breakout session and taking diligent notes.
During lunch,I sat with colleagues from other departments, engaging in lively discussion about the morning's presentation.
As the afternoon wore on,the team -building activity loomed,I still hadn't decided.