The next day went on as usual except that I noticed she was more relaxed around me and had less of the guarded air she normally had. I could swear she flushed every time our eyes met. I really wanted to find a way to spend unofficial time with her but couldn’t seem to find the appropriate time or place to ask her out. But things took an interesting turn when one day, she did the inviting.

“Er…I’m going to a small place with a few friends where the greatest roasted fish in town is sold. Would you like to come? It’s tomorrow, by 8 or so.”

We had just closed for the weekend and everyone in the office was preparing to go home. I looked up at her and she stood with a carefully blank expression on her face.

“Roasted, is it? I recall the last time I had something ‘roasted’ from you. My throat is still recuperating from third degree burns. I don’t think I trust you.”

She stifled a giggle. “Haba, sir, how can you not trust me? Okay, I promise I’ll make it up to you. I’ll tell them not to put too much pepper this time.”

There was silence, she standing there waiting for an answer, me thinking about her invitation. (more…)