So, he was determined to get back into her good graces. His opportunity came when he ran into her brother Nick in the kitchen. David had a question about logistics for the Taste of the Town event and Nick had the answer. He was also finishing up a day shift and had the night off.

“What are you doing tonight? A few of us are going out for drinks after work. You should come.”

“That sounds good to me. Where and when?” David hadn’t been out for after work drinks yet with anyone.

“We’re meeting up at five thirty or so at the outside bar.”

“I’ll see you then. Maybe I’ll see if I can get Paula to join us.”

Nick laughed. “Great idea. Tell her it’s been too long since she’s come out with us.”

“I will.”

David went back to his office and finished up what he was working on. At a quarter past five, he knocked on Paula’s door.

“Come on in.”

He pushed the door open. Paula had a spreadsheet up on her computer screen, one pencil in her hand and another stuck in her hair. It was all twisted up into a knot and the pencil held it in place.

“Nice hair-do,” he teased her. She didn’t wear her hair like that outside of her office.

She laughed. “I know it probably looks ridiculous. But when I’m focusing on something, I don’t even realize I do it— I twist my hair up and off my face and grab whatever is handy to secure it.

“It looks cute.”

“Thanks. Did you want something?”

“Yeah. I ran into your brother a little while ago and he invited me out for drinks with him and a few others. He said you should come, too, and that it’s been too long since you last went out with them.”

Paula smiled. “He’s right. It has been too long. I guess I could go for one drink. What time?”

“I’m heading down in fifteen minutes. I can come get you then.”

“Perfect.”

At five thirty sharp he knocked on Paula’s door again. Her messy bun was gone, and her hair was down and straight and shiny. Her computer was already shutting down. She stood and grabbed her purse, and they made their way downstairs.

Nick was already at the bar, sitting next to Marco and Andrea. David sensed Paula hesitate when she saw Andrea. He made a point to sit next to Nick so when Paula sat, she’d be as far away from Andrea as possible. Andrea simply nodded when she saw them and went back to talking to Marco.

David ordered a draft beer when Frank, the bartender, came over and Paula got a chardonnay.

“So, how did your day go?” Nick asked. “We were busy in the kitchen. Lunches have been slammed lately. Although today wasn’t exactly a beach day, so that helps.”