“Girls usually have a few favorite things outside of work—shopping, hanging out, and, of course, talking about guys.”
I chuckled and said, “If I keep spending time with you all, I’m gonna forget I’m not one of you.”
Sophia had her eyes closed, resting quietly.
I instinctively eased off the gas a bit.
It’d been a year since I last came to Voxstar Lounge—back then, I was entertaining a client from Newlyn.
We went all out that night.
Yeah, it racked up a hefty bill—well over a grand—but no worries, the company covered it under business expenses.
More importantly, the client left happy and signed a huge deal.
I still remember I met this girl that night—a hostess.
Super cheerful.
Lost contact ages ago since I barely went back after that.
Her name was Kiki, number 38 on staff.
She’s probably long gone by now.
If not for tonight’s party, I wouldn’t have even thought of her.
Funny how this place brings back old memories.
We pulled up in front of Voxstar Lounge, and a valet swiftly opened my door.
The entrance sparkled under a flood of neon, with two greeters in slitted qipaos waiting at the front—definitely eye-catching.
Since we had a big group, we booked a large private room decked out for both singing and dancing.
Riley from admin arranged everything—gotta give it to her, she’s young but organized.
Beers, wine, spirits—they all matched the festive vibe and cheerful crowd inside.
A soft love song kicked off the night—it was officially game on.
Right then, Sophia totally stopped being “the boss” in everyone’s eyes.
The younger women chatted with her like she was one of them, like an old friend.
She was laughing heartily—it was obvious she was enjoying herself, soaking up the energy around all the younger employees.
You could see the glow on her face.
Chloe, being her usual high-energy self, picked a song—”Lovers in the Rain”—then handed the mic to Sophia.
“Now, let’s give a big round of applause and welcome our very own Miss Smith to sing ‘Lovers in the Rain’!
Buuut…
we need a male duet partner.
Volunteers, raise your hands!”
Miss Smith can pick one herself!”
“Great idea!” someone shouted.
“Sophia, there are nearly twenty guys here.
You pick, and if the chosen one refuses, he drinks three shots as punishment!”
Sophia held the mic, scanning the room with a slightly troubled look.
“Maybe someone can volunteer?” she offered.
Chloe grinned.
“Hey, I’ve got a suggestion.
Let’s see what you all think…”
“C’mon, spill it!”
“Well, we’ve got two new guys who just joined—how about they each sing one song with Miss Smith?”
“Love it.
Andrew, you’re up first.”
Before I even knew what was happening, Riley grabbed my arm and pulled me from my seat.
Chloe thrust a mic into my hand, and I glanced nervously at Sophia in the middle of the room.
She looked back at me with a warm, encouraging smile.
“You got this, Andrew!
Go, Sophia!”The crowd burst into applause, clearly pumped for the duet between Sophia and me.
I made my way over to her, standing close.
Her voice was stunning—smooth, emotional, totally in the zone.
As I watched her sing, completely lost in the music, an idea popped into my head: what if I just took her hand and pretended we were a couple, singing this love song together?
That spark turned into action when my part came.
I reached out, took Sophia’s hand, and played it off like I was just going with the vibe, caught up in the moment for the sake of the performance.
But deep down, I knew exactly what I was doing—I wanted to hold her hand.
She glanced at me but didn’t say anything or pull back.
“Boss Sophia, Andrew didn’t let you down, right?” Chloe said with a grin.
“Honestly, I’m impressed.
Who knew Andrew could sing like that?
Next time we do a team talent show, marketing’s sending him to battle it out.”
Then came the next announcement.
“For the next duet, we’ve got Sophia and another newbie guy. Get faster updates on g.com.
Give it up for them!” The applause died down, and then Riley added, “Also, I vote for Andrew to do a dance number too.
He can pick a partner from our group—of course, ladies, you’re welcome to volunteer.”
Dancing?
That’s not exactly in my wheelhouse.
“Riley, come on, don’t make me do this,” I pleaded.
“Seriously, I’ve only ever watched people dance.
Never actually done it myself.”
“No worries, with so many pros around here, they’ll whip you into shape in no time.”
“Andrew, this isn’t optional.
It’s tradition—we have all the new guys perform something fun so everyone can get to know them better.
Consider this part of your initiation.”
“Wait—tradition?
Why am I just now hearing about this?
Sophia didn’t say anything.”
“That’s because extracurricular stuff’s on us in Admin.
Sophia’s just a guest—we make the rules,” Riley replied.
Leaning in, I whispered to her, “You’re really trying to set me up for embarrassment, aren’t you?”
But Riley ignored me and went full volume again: “Andrew just said, if any brave beauty is willing to risk looking silly with him, step on up!”
Just then, a girl in a denim skirt walked towards me.
I thought she might be from the PR department, but I wasn’t totally sure.
Long straight hair, not exactly conventionally pretty, but her figure?
Wow.
Long legs, curves in all the right places.
The kind of silhouette guys can’t stop staring at.
“Hey there, partner up?” the tall girl said, reaching out her hand in invitation.
“You sure?
I seriously don’t know how to dance.”
“Doesn’t bother me,” she smiled, taking my hand without hesitation.
I mimicked what I’d seen others do—placed my hand gently on her waist and slowly followed her lead.
“I’m Andrew,” I told her as we moved to the music, turning gently in rhythm.
She was wearing Dior.
The scent was faint but intoxicating.
She leaned in close, her lips brushing my ear.
“I know.”
“And you?”
“Lily Carter—but everyone calls me Nana,” she responded softly, her warm breath tickling my ear, sending an electric shiver down my spine.
I lowered my gaze, suddenly too flustered to look her straight in the eye.