- Bon appét*t!
- Bon appétit!
Michelle
I finish gathering my things and smile to myself. I can say it was an excellent first day. Although I’m a bit physically tired, my spirits are unbeatable.
“Michelle, we’re going out for drinks. Want to join us?”
My colleagues have been very kind to me, but I hesitate for a moment. Before I can respond, Verónica, the other girl in the department, approaches and gently squeezes my arm.
“Come on, Mich, join us. I don’t want to be the only woman being bothered by these goofballs.”
Her comment sets off laughter from everyone. She looks at me with pleading eyes and, after a sigh, I give in.
“Alright, but just for a couple of hours. I didn’t sleep well last night and I don’t want to be late for my second day of work.”
Everyone celebrates my decision and they quickly gather their things to leave. When the elevator door opens, I find that our boss is already inside.
“Hello, guys. Ready to go rest?”
His question is general, but his gaze lands on me. I felt an inexplicable warmth spread through me.
“No, boss man, of course not! It’s 2-for-1 Thursday, so we’re taking Mich to see Merca’s creative space. We’re going to Dragon’s, wouldn’t you like to join us?”
I can tell Vero is the leader of the group.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
His tone suggests that maybe he’s hoping to be persuaded.
“Come on, boss, it’s also the welcome for our new colleague. We assure you she’s a diamond in the rough. Soon she’ll be leading the best campaigns.”
I look at my colleagues, convinced they’re joking, but their faces show seriousness. That gesture moves me.
*Well, I think I can go for a moment.”
He smiles and, for a moment, I want to ask him about Susy, but I stop myself to avoid making others think too much.
When we reach the first floor, the guys stop to organize themselves.
“Could someone share the address with me so I can put it in my phone?*
Before anyone can respond, another colleague intervenes.
“It’s a couple of blocks away and the parking lot is always full. Better we go in one car and then come back for the others.”
It seems like a usual routine, so I don’t say anything. Before leaving, Dylan stops me.
“Michelle, could you come with me in my car and tell me how your first day went?”
I hesitate for a moment, but the others don’t react with surprise.
“Yes, go with the boss. That way you won’t be so squished. In fact, we were thinking of asking him to take someone.”
Seeing that it’s a usual thing, I agree without objection.
A
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+8 Points
In the parking lot, Dylan turns off his car’s alarm. I head over there, and with a gentlemanly gesture, he helps me into the car. I’m not used to such treatment, so I probably blush.
“Buckle up, Michez.” He says to me once we’re inside.
I smile at hearing my nickname.
“I’m afraid one day you’ll accidentally say it in front of everyone else.”
He shakes his head.
“It’s no big deal. It’s not the best nickname, but for now, it’s fine. Maybe in the future, I’ll call you something else, something nicer.”
His comment took me by surprise, and I felt the warmth return to my body. I wonder if he’s flirting with me, but I don’t
want to assume anything. I decided to change the subject.
“How’s Susy?”
I asked him about his lovely daughter. Honestly, that little one won me over.
“She went with Abdiel. She left early today because the teacher told me she seemed tired. I went to get her, but I forgot to let my brother know, so he showed up unexpectedly.”
“I must congratulate you. You’re raising a wonderful daughter.”
His smile widens at my compliment.
“Not to brag, but I agree. She’s a happy girl despite everything. And, as you can see, she’s a little protector who looks after
me until she finds the best wife for me and the best mom for her.”
“Hahaha. I noticed. I think she’ll do a good job.”
I wink at him, and he lets out a laugh. I thought being alone with him would make me feel uncomfortable, but his
company is pleasant.
We arrive at our destination: a small bar with a large sign of a dragon breathing fire.
“Alright, we’re here. This is Dragon’s Fire.”
The name amuses me, and I nod. The truth is, it’s been so long since I last went to bars that I feel a bit out of place.
Although I’m not much older than my colleagues, except for the boss, who must be around Dylan’s age, most of them are
between 25 and 27 years old. With my 29, the difference isn’t significant, but somehow it feels that way.
Inside, the atmosphere is really pleasant. Indeed, it’s crowded, but my colleagues managed to get a table on the upper floor. It’s a bit tucked away, giving us some privacy.
“Alright, since the boss is here, we won’t go overboard today, hahaha. I’ll get a round.”
A waiter approaches and takes the order. I realize it’s been almost a decade since I last had a beer, as it was never to
Ryan’s liking. I think the last time was the day we were together for the first time, and that was quite a while ago. When the drinks arrive, I take my mug and raise it in a toast.
“I’m not one to talk much, but I want to thank Dylan for the opportunity of this job and all of you for accepting me. I feel excited and thrilled about the start of my new life.”
None of them know what I mean, except Dylan, who nods with understanding.
“Here’s to that. May it be the beginning of all the good things life has in store for you. Cheers!”
Everyone raises their mugs, and I smile with pleasure, feeling part of the group.
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After the first sip, conversations begin to flow naturally. Vero tells me about the funniest anecdotes of the team, while the
others add comments amid laughter. Dylan, sitting next to me, remains engaged, but occasionally I notice his gaze fixed on me, as if he wants to say something more.
“So, how was the first day?” he suddenly asks, leaning a little closer so I can hear him better.
“It was great. Much better than I expected.” I smiled at him sincerely, feeling increasingly comfortable in his presence.
“I’m glad to hear that.” His expression is warm, and for a moment, the noise of the place seemed to fade away.
Before I can say anything else, Vero interrupts with enthusiasm.
“It’s time for the newbie challenge!” she exclaims, capturing everyone’s attention.
“Newbie challenge?” I ask, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
“Nothing serious, relax,” one of the guys says, just a small tradition to officially welcome you to the team.
I laughed, feeling intrigued. I can’t help but wonder what exactly this challenge will involve.
“Well, Mich, the challenge is simple,” Vero explains with a cheeky, mischievous smile, clearing her throat. “You have to choose between sharing an embarrassing secret or taking the Dragon’s special drink.”
The others cheered the idea, encouraging me. I look at Dylan for support, but he just smiles conspiratorially and shrugs.
“And what exactly is the Dragon’s special drink?” I ask cautiously.
“Let’s just say it’s an exclusive mix from the bar,” one of the guys responds.”No one knows exactly what’s in it, but I
promise it’s quite an experience.”
The laughter increases and my curiosity grows. I feel the pressure from the group and know there’s no escape.
“Okay,” I sigh. “I don’t think I have any embarrassing secrets, so I’ll take the Dragon drink.”
A round of applause erupts when Vero signals to the waiter, who soon returns with a tall glass filled with an amber-colored liquid topped with a small flame. I swallow hard and take a breath before taking the first sip.
The liquid burns intensely as it goes down my throat, sending a shiver through me followed by a rush of warmth. Everyone watches me expectantly, waiting for my reaction.
“So?” Vero asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Definitely… it’s strong,” I reply with a slightly hoarse voice, which sets off laughter around me.
“Welcome to the team, Mich!” one of the guys exclaims, clinking his mug against mine.
As the night goes on, the initial tension fades, and I find myself enjoying it more than I expected. Even Dylan relaxes, joining in the jokes and sharing some work stories. For a moment, I leave my fears behind and allow myself to live in the present, feeling that this new stage might be more promising than I imagined.
“I think it’s time for me to head out, “I told my colleagues a couple of hours later, feeling the weight of accumulated fatigue.
I see that Dylan also stands up almost at the same time.”
“I have to go too,” he announces, so I’ll pick up your car. Guys, don’t stay up too late.
The laughter of the others surrounds us, but a sudden urgency interrupts my farewell.
“Hold on a sec, I need to hit the restroom,” I told him, feeling an urgent need.
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Dylan nods without further ado, and I head towards the restrooms, following the sign indicating their location on the
ground floor. I walk briskly, but just before I arrive, someone suddenly steps into my path, unexpectedly bumping into me.
“Sorry! I apologize,” the woman says hastily, turning around.
And then I recognized her.
Blake’s mocking eyes meet mine with that infuriating spark of superiority. My first reaction is to contain the irritation that flares up inside me. I won’t give her the satisfaction of upsetting me.
“Well, well! If it isn’t little princess Michelle,” she says with feigned surprise, looking me up and down. “What are you doing in a place like this?”
I stay impassive, though I take the opportunity to look her over as well. Since the last time I saw her, she hasn’t changed much. She’s just as beautiful as she was at twenty, even though she’s now over thirty. But her attitude… her attitude is
just as venomous.
“That’s none of your business,” I reply, not wanting to give her more information.
But she doesn’t stop. She never does.
“I didn’t know Ryan let you come to places like this,” she says maliciously. Or is he with you? Mmm, no, I don’t think so… He would have told me. By the way, I sent him back well “taken care of,” if you know what I mean.
Her words are like poison trying to seep into my veins, but I refuse to let them affect me. I feel the anger burning inside me, threatening to explode, but I take a deep breath. No. I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me vulnerable.
“Well no, he’s not with me,” I tell her coldly, raising my chin. “In fact, you should know that we’re separated. You finally
achieved your goal… We’re getting a divorce. And you know what? I’m celebrating it right now.”
Her smug smile disappears instantly. There it is. She didn’t expect that.
“You’re lying!” her voice filled with disbelief and fury. You’ll never leave them. You think you’re indispensable to them when you know it’s not true. But I assure you, Michelle… very soon, he’s going to leave you. And then, both he and your daughter
will be mine.
Her words cut through me like daggers, but something inside me resists breaking. I feel the tears threatening to fall, but my pride and dignity stand firm like an unbreakable wall.
“Think what you want,” I say calmly, though my heart pounds hard. And if you’re not aware of our separation, there’s a
reason. Maybe you’re not as important as you think.
I turned around, determined to ignore her, but before entering the restroom, I stopped. With calm cruelty, I turned to face her one last time, with a mocking smile painted on my lips.
“You’re so sure you won,” I say sarcastically. That you got my husband because you decided so. But for your information…
it wasn’t like that.
I watch as uncertainty draws on her face.
“Congrats, Blake!” Isay with a sharp smile. For taking the trash, I threw it away. Enjoy it!
Without giving her a chance to respond, I entered the bathroom and locked the door. I lean against the cold wood, taking a deep breath in.
I don’t know where I found the courage to say all that, but one thing is certain…
No one will ever belittle or walk all over me again.
I made a promise to myself.
