Lunch was a simple affair at amoy food centre, We chatted, nothing of note happened. I suggested grabbing a coffee nearby and Karen agreed, on the condition i drop her off at beach road later, she did not drive as she wanted to avoid the ERP.
We chatted as we walk, i shared with her my take on the market and she gave her perspective . Arriving at Scarlet hotel, i went to the bar and we took a comfortable couch seat.
Karen is in a beige longsleeve blouse with 3/4 cropped pants. Her pumps matched the colour of the necklace and her earings. Settling down onto the couch, She fired her first salvo.
Karen : So, you brought all the girls you know here ?
Gary : haha , what do you take me for Karen ?
Taking a sip of her coffee , she shrugged her shoulders.
Karen : I don't know ? A player perhaps ? haha
Gary : That was back in school my dear.. I'm a down to earth man.
She laughed that away as she raised her head, taking in the interior of the hotel.
Gary : To answer your question, I only brought the girls i like here.
Raising an eyebrow at me, Karen asked.
Karen : and that will be ?
She raised up 10 fingers at me.
Reaching over , my right hand clasped around her left, closing all her fingers. Holding her hand , i slowly put down the rest of her fingers that were upright.
Closing her pinky.
I pushed down her thumb.
I closed her nameless finger leaving her with 2.
I stared deep into Karen's eyes and said.
Gary : All in all, i brought 2 girls here.
Letting go of her left hand, i brought her 2 finger to my lips and kissed it.
Gary : I married the 1st one.
Pulling herself away from me, Karen shook her head and raised her hand, asking for the bill. I saw her smile as she turned towards the waiter.
I let the moment pass, not wanting to bring it up, Our subsequent chat was professional, work, finances, life etc.
I dropped Karen off at her office, waving a goodbye as i drive off. I saw her raise the 2 fingers i kept opened at me through the rear mirror.
I just managed to catch her closing her index finger as she laughed and waved that at me.
I smiled as i pulled away.
I ended my day in the office with a message from Karen.
Karen sms : You know Gary, what you did would have worked on little girls
I did not offer a reply.
I ordered a bouquet of flowers to be sent to Karen's office. Attached a note that says " from a little boy, to a little girl "
I got an sms reply " Thanks little boy
"
Pete was back and we spent some time together discussing about his trip. He took the opportunity to tell me about his leave application.
I okayed his 3 days leave, i already knew he will be going to Penang.
Gary : Go ahead . i'll cover for you in the meantime.
I suggested lunch with Pete.
As we were approaching the office entrance, my phone alarm rang and i pretended to answer my call.
Gary : Ok sure. be right there.
I made a show of touching my pocket for my keys before asking Pete.
Gary : Hey Pete. Can i borrow the inventory key. I need to go check something.
Pete : sure , here.
Gary : Can you grab a seat first, i'll be right over.
Pete : You need me to go with you ?
Gary : No i'm fine, help me get the chicken thigh hor fun. Be right behind you.
I pocketed Pete's keychain.
Instead of heading towards the Horfun cafe at Maxwell house, i headed to the market.
I duplicated a copy of Pete's keys.
Everyone of them.
The hor fun is delicious