I put on her black dress and looked in the mirror. I sighed as I held the curling iron, wrapped in hair against my head. She let the curl fall. She hairsprays her hair.

I always felt self-conscious at work parties. I had only had a date once when I went to a work party, but he was a dork, not to mention a jerk. Since then, I stopped trying to even get a date. I did some last touches to my make up, grabbed my purse and my keys. I locked my front door and walked to my car.

I slid in my car. This was going to be a long night. I did not feel like hanging out with humans. I sighed and stuck the keys in the ignition and turned. Her car whirred to a start.

***

I stood awkwardly talking or, rather, listening to people talking. I had worked here for a few years and never before had we had a new boss. Apparently, we were getting just that tonight.

People chattered in anticipation for this new boss.

"...he is really reclusive and he didn't even want to come to this party. I bet he's..."

"He's probably really full of himself and arrogant. Probably the reason he's late..."

"Who is this guys anyway? Why did he want to work here?"

"This guy is so rich, he's probably super proud. What I wouldn't give to get my hands on his kind of money...."

I silently wondered which of the gossip was true about my new boss.

Everyone was loitering around, trying to look normal when it was almost obvious that they were anticipating something. I must admit, I was anticipating the same thing they were.

I went to go get a drink when there was a bustle and everyone crowded to the side of the room. I sipped on my drink and peered over heads to see the commotion.

A man in his late twenties or early-thirties came walking into the room. He had dark hair and dark eyes. His jaw was sharp and had the slightest hint of stubble. He had no smile on his face as he made his way through the crowd. Every where he glanced, his gaze looked almost condescending.

What's He got stuck up his butt? I wondered. I sipped on my drink.

He glanced my direction and I raised my eyebrow at him, smiling slightly. He quirked one eyebrow and looked away. I rolled my eyes.

***

William

I looked at my watch and held back a groan. I hated being with new people. I was not blessed with the gift of conversing easily with those I had not come into acquaintance with. I looked around.

People were staring. I gave a silent growl. A woman came up to me. She reached out her hand for me to shake it.

"I am Louisa Smith," she said, smiling. I took her hand and shook it. Her hand lingered on mine in an uncomfortable way. I nearly snatched my hand from her grasp.

"Mr James I heard it was," She continued.

"Yes."

"Have you worked at other large companies, Mr James?"

I nodded. She followed suit. She stared at me. I ignored the urge to fidget.

"Well, I haven't had a drink tonight. Would you like me to grab you one?" She asked.

"No, thank you," I said curtly. 

She smiled. "Alright. Excuse me."

She walked away.

Curse these social gatherings.

I raised my eyebrow as a familiar woman walked past. She has raised her eyebrow like she had before and grinned. I felt renewed frustration course through me. She had looked at me like she knew something I didn't. That frustrated me. What frustrated me the most was the intelligence in her eyes. I was going to have trouble with her. Who is she? I wondered. I watched her hips sway as she walked away.

Sorry for the short chapter again. I have been a bit busy so this update is a week late. Thank you for reading! Vote and comment if you feel the want! If there are any grammar mistakes, please tell and love y'all!