After I finished speaking, I saw anger and disappointment flash in Dexter's eyes.
I quickly tried to comfort him, saying, "I was really satisfied with your performance last night. Well, I wish you all the best in your future, young man!"
I pulled open the door and rushed out. As I closed it behind me, I heard him say, "Just you wait."
…
Two weeks had passed since that incident. I had been busy with work lately and had not been back to that bar.
Today, the company welcomed a batch of college interns, and the senior employees were assigned to mentor them on projects.
"That covers the basics. Now, let me introduce everyone to our new colleagues." The supervisor had been droning on and on.
I glanced at my phone. My mom had introduced me to another blind date prospect. I had come out to her years ago, and after much back and forth, she had become fairly open-minded about it.
However, since retiring, she had not been able to stay idle and had started looking for potential boyfriends for me. I supposed parents would be parents no matter their child's orientation.
According to her, this guy was 20 years old—a college student who had been studying abroad and recently returned home. She asked when I would be free to meet him.
Good grief, where was she finding these connections?
I did not reply and put my phone away. When I looked up, one of the guys standing in front of me looked familiar. Wait, was that not the guy from the hotel last time?
What a small world. I raised my left hand and pretended to fix my hair, using the motion to block his gaze.
"Let me introduce Dexter here. He's doing his studies abroad and is graduating next year. He has outstanding abilities and is quite accomplished for someone who's only 20."
Our supervisor, Colin Clark, looked impressed and continued, "Oh, and Lincoln, starting today, you'll be partnering with Dexter."
"Huh? Mr. Clark, don't you think Lucy might be more suitable? After all, she studied abroad too, and people closer in age would have more to talk about." I tried to deflect.
"Mr. Shaw, right when I got here, I heard that you have extensive experience handling these projects. I really want to learn from you. I specifically requested this assignment," said Dexter.
Seeing him put on that 'humble' and 'sincere' expression, I really wanted to slap him.
"Alright, that's how we'll arrange the pairs. And since they're new to the company, as mentors, you should look out for them in their daily lives as well as at work."
I was about to grab my laptop and escape when Dexter stepped in front of me and suddenly leaned close to my ear. "Long time no see. Let the game begin."
I stared at him in shock, suddenly realizing that his previous sunny, innocent demeanor had been an act. This was not some naive college guy with clear, doe eyes. This was clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing!
"Dexter's really handsome, isn't he? Look at those arm muscles. He must work out regularly."
"Yeah, totally! His butt's perkier than mine, and he's a guy. His Adam's apple is gorgeous too. I'm in love!"
Ever since Dexter arrived, I had been overhearing conversations like this in the break room.
'He does have a decent body and pretty good strength.'
God, what was I thinking?
He was seven years younger than me. Sure, he was handsome, but a man that smart was not my type. I preferred dumb, pretty boys since they were easier to fool.
Plus, how had this guy tracked me down here anyway? He was too persistent. Gosh, I had to stop thinking about it.
I grabbed the printed materials and was heading back to my desk when a pair of large hands suddenly pulled me into the stairwell around the corner.
"What the hell..."
Before I could finish saying '...is wrong with you', I saw who was in front of me.
