The encryption and security of the file was more advanced than what Sarah saw before. She was excited by the challenge, and already thought how attending this event will be worthwhile. Her eyes were sparkling while she was focused on the screen in front of her, and her fingers were flying over the keyboard. But the biggest excitent ca because right in front of her was Aiden, Oga, man who she loves for who he is and admires for his skills. Thinking about the event where they can participate in as equals makes her heart swell.
Aiden is also excited. He loves that he gets to do this together with Sarah. He is focused, because he knows she is good. If he slacks off, she will leave him in the dust. And this will be worth it only if both of the can participate in, as equals.
After so ti, Sarah exclaid. "Done!"
Aiden was already looking at her, and smiled, "Let's see who got it first." He enjoyed seeing her in her elent.
Few long seconds later, both of their phones got notifications. Sarah looked at her phone, and then at Aiden. "What is your number?"
"You first!", he demanded.
Sarah thought of a compromise, "How about we exchange phones?"
They placed their phones on the table. Sarah took Aiden's phone and saw number 31. She tried to keep a straight face, unsuccessfully.
Aiden looked at Sarah's phone, and saw number 30. His mouth twitched. "OK. What do you want?"
Sarah was playing with a strand of her hair. "I don't know yet... I don't want to waste this wish on sothing non important."
"Just don't take too long thinking..." Aiden teased her. "My mory is not so good. I might forget that I owe you a wish."
Sarah grimaced, and then focused on the task at hand. "Let's check next step first.", Sarah reminded him.
They saw that there is only one step, to pay participation fee of $15.000 per person.
"Robbery!", Sarah complained.
"Not unusual for a secure three day event.", Aiden tried to coax her.
"Still a robbery. My heart aches for this money!", Sarah sulked. No matter how much money she has, she is always spending it carefully like she is on a tight budget, except when she is getting cars or computer equipnt.
Aiden thought of an idea, "Maybe we don't need to pay..."
Sarah perked up, "I'm listening."
Aiden looked toward his brother and exclaid, "Oh, seems they are leaving! Co with ."
At the other table, JoAnna was feeding Jeff. They stared at each other, ignoring everyone else around them. Two of them were in their bubble. Anyone who looked at them could tell that they attract each other imnsely and that they are keeping the distance between them with difficulty.
Jeff's hand landed on JoAnna's thigh under the table.
Her hand went under as well and covered his.
Jeff thought that she will move his hand away, but instead, she pulled it higher and his fingers reached under her dress. Her hand applied pressure on his, telling him to hold her tighter without breaking the eye contact.
Both Jeff and JoAnna stood up from their chairs abruptly at the sa ti. They didn't finish even half of the al. They didn't care about the food. Two of them shared the understanding that it's ti to leave.
"We are going.", Jeff mumbled, unable to co up with any other explanation for others. And he didn't care about giving one.
"We will catch up later.", JoAnna added and walked with Jeff toward the exit.
Jeff was holding JoAnna around her waist. 'Few more steps and we are out!', Jeff's excitent was increasing with every step.
"Jeff!", Aiden's call stopped them. Jeff was not happy.
JoAnna saw Jeff frowning. "Be nice.", she urged him.
Jeff heard her and relaxed his expression.
"There is a security event in one month that we want to attend." Aiden inford him while pulling Sarah closer to him.
"Why are you telling this?", Jeff narrowed his eyes. He wanted to leave with JoAnna, and Aiden stopped him. There better be a good reason for this.
"Can we get the company to reimburse expenses?" Aiden asked casually while his brain ca up with few more supporting argunts which will make Jeff approve his request.
Jeff was in the rush to leave. "Fine. Anything else?" He felt relieved when Aiden said there is nothing else, it ans they can head out, now.
Aiden happily looked after Jeff and JoAnna as they left.
Sarah hugged Aiden. "Impressive."
Aiden was also surprised. "It went smoother than I thought. I was prepared to tell him we will wear t-shirts with White corp. logo and so other stuff, but it seems it was not necessary."
When they returned to their table, Sarah frowned at the sight their now cold dinner. "Are we going to finish this?"
"No... let's go ho and have sothing there." With the event invitation, Aiden forgot that he was still hungry. Now that the things settled, he is hungry again, but that food didn't look appetizing anymore.
Sarah and Aiden wished Bridgette and Steve good night and told Sophia and Felix that they will see them later.
...
Now it was just the four of them at the table: Steve, Bridgette, Felix and Sophia. Steve got his chance to shine.
Felix cleared his throat. "So... Steve, tell about your education."
Steve was surprised with this question. 'Is this a job interview?' But it will be impolite not to answer. "I am working on my degree in business administration."
"I see... and what do you plan in life? Will you be Jeff's assistant forever?" Felix continued with his probing.
"At this point this works for , and until I get my degree, I don't have an intention to change careers." By now, Steve understood that Felix is asking all this in order to assess him as a potential brother-in-law, and his mood improved. "The job itself might not sound very impressive, but my salary and benefits are substantial."
Steve's answer sounded fine, but Felix's face was unreadable. "Do you have siblings?"
"No."
Bridgette was listening to this question-answer session that Felix started, and could only admire calm deanor Steve had under Felix's gaze.. She decided not to interrupt, but only to observe, for now.
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