The week prior to the Hugo Simpson Xmas function, the office rumour mill was that Sally was single. A couple of the guys were lining up to ask Sally out for that function. Peter knew he had to get in fast.
At the next discussion in his office he casually asked "will you be going to the Christmas function next week?"
"Yes" Sally answered.
"Would you accompany me?" Peter asked hopefully.
The look on Sally's face to the request suddenly made the conversation feel awkward. She gave an embarrassed smile.
"I'm sorry. I will be accompanied by a guy I have known for a while. When I broke up with Charles, he came around and comforted me. I guess he got me at a weak moment. I'm sorry." Sally said with a comforting look.
Sally saw how disappointed Peter was and she felt guilty. She quickly added "You were also a great help to me when I needed it most. I greatly appreciate what you have done for me. I owe you a lot." Sally hated that it sounded like an afterthought.
"That's okay," Peter nodded and paused. "I think we can win this case. They are defending in the hope of coming to a pre-trial agreement which would probably be less than if we went to trial and won, but it would mean a lot less work." Peter was relieved to have changed the subject.
"Well Sally, you better go and put the finishing touches on this case and with a little luck we will have it completed early next year," Peter said trying to look casual.
At the Christmas function, Sally and Peter were allocated seats at the same table. Sally was wearing a black dress with white polka dots, showing a tasteful amount of cleavage. She looked quite stunning, accompanied by her partner, who looked like another basketballer.
Peter was on his own and spent most of the evening doing what executives do, mingle with all the guests. Sally felt empty. She wondered if she should have accompanied Peter. Then she looked at her partner and decided he was a more appropriate fit for her. No complicated office romance.
The day before Christmas, the practice was only open for half the day. This gave everyone the afternoon off to do pre-Christmas tasks. On their way out everyone wished each other Merry Xmas, before they headed to a bar for drinks. On her way out Sally saw Peter sitting at his desk, looking out the window.
"Merry Christmas Peter" Sally said as she approached his desk.
'Merry Christmas Sally. I hope you enjoy your holiday break" Peter said as he rose to kiss Sally politely. "You have any plans over the holiday?"
"I'll just be spending a quiet time with the beau. You getting up to anything?" Sally asked.
"I'll use the time to do some song writing. I need more piano practice. I don't see myself as a lifetime lawyer. The name on the title head is not mine, it's my father's. It was my father who helped build this practice. He wanted me to follow him. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. When he thought I was good enough, he sold me his share of the business and retired. I am good at being a lawyer, but it does not define me. Many of us do what we have to do to achieve a goal. My thing is music. What is your thing Sally?" Peter asked.
"I'm not sure I have a thing. Maybe it's cooking, but I do like listening to music. Anyway, I have someone waiting for me. Enjoy your break. Let me give you a hug." Sally gave Peter a hug and a peck on the cheek, before scampering out of the office.
Everyone returned from the holidays refreshed. A few weeks later the bank case was settled on favourable terms. The litigation section gathered in Peter's office for a celebratory drink at the close of day.
Everyone was happy and office morale was high. When staff finished their drinks they started going home. Sally stayed back to keep Peter company.
"That case gave us a good payday. Thank you for bringing me in on it. Today was the best day of my career." Sally was feeling proud of her work and contented with her job.
"Yes, that was a good case for us," Peter reflected. "It will give a big boost to this year's financials. It will be a good time for me to sell my share in Hugo Simpson and move onto other things. I've had a chat with the other Partners, I will be leaving at the end of the month."
Sally was shocked. "Are you sure you want to quit now. You're so young."
Sally felt deflated. She felt she was being abandoned. She had come to rely on Peter, to know he would always be there for her. She almost cried.
"I've made enough. I am now able to move to the next stage of my life. I'm sure my Late father would understand. He also loved music."
"I'd hate to see you to go. I love working for you." Sally implored looking sadly into Peter's eyes. Trying to use her guiles to get him to stay.
"Thank you Sally. I've already sold my share to the other Partners. I believe they will be offering a Junior Partnership to the incoming Head of Litigation."
Sally slumped back in her chair. She drained her glass. "I better go home. Good night Peter" Sally said and walked out of the office dejectedly.
When Peter's last day at Hugo Simpson arrived. A farewell luncheon was organized at a restaurant located on the ground floor of the building. The mood was very relaxed and informal.
Sally was feeling miserable. She didn't bother with make-up and dressed frumpy that day. It was a cold day. She was in a black mid-length pleated skirt with a white jumper and flat shoes. She still looked hot. All that materiel could not hide full breasts, round hips and great ass.
Peter was not scheduled to do any work on his last day. He spent the morning boxing his personal belongings and papers for pickup by a courier. He was dressed casually for the day; jeans and polo-shirt.
Since returning from the holiday break Sally treated Peter like he was in her past. She paid little attention to him since she knew he was leaving. She had moved on with her life.
Peter could never forget their meeting in the subway. He did feel a little heartbroken. It was an unrequited lust. He packed with a sense of melancholy over leaving his old life behind.
Sally sensed Peter's melancholy on his last day. She did want him to be happy. She stopped sulking about him leaving. With lunchtime approaching, she went to Peter's office and helped him pack up fast so they could go to lunch early.
"Come on let's go to lunch. We'll have a little drink before the others arrive. I'll pack the rest for you in the afternoon." Sally said as she bundled Peter out of his office and into the elevator.
Sally turned on the charm. She could dominate the room when she wanted to. Peter followed Sally into the elevator. She stepped to the back and turned and looked at him with a smile. For a moment he wondered if she meant for him to kiss her. He pursed his lips instead.
As the lift travelled from the top floor to the basement restaurant, it began to take on passengers. Sally moved towards Peter to make room. Her arm brushed against his. The lift was stopping at a number of floors as it went down. It became quite crowded. A woman stood in front of Peter and moved back towards him. Sally glanced at Peter. Their eyes met and Sally giggled.
Sally kept up the teasing. As they stepped out of the lift, Sally brushed her nipples on Peter's arm. Peter felt the flick of her nipple through the sheer bra she was wearing.
"Go take your seat, I'll get you a drink" Sally offered.
Peter was pleased Sally was giving him her attention. He would miss working with her.
Sally returned with an ice bucket carrying a bottle of champagne. She poured a couple of generous glasses.
"Let's drink to your future endeavours." Sally said softly and gulped down half the glass. The champagne hit the spot. She felt very relaxed.
Peter took a large gulp to be polite. He lapped up the attention Sally was giving him. She was all 'touchy/feely' placing her hand on his arm frequently. She was flirting unashamedly, by the time the rest of the office arrived, they were acting like a couple.
Sally was encouraged that Peter had pepped up. She felt emboldened. She wanted more of this.
As the luncheon progressed, Sally became more confident and bold. Under the table she would touch Peter's leg with her knee. She even went so far as to place her hand on his thigh in the course of an excited conversation. She was just a little drunk she told herself.
Peter was drunk. To him, Sally was looking better than she had ever looked. He happened to brush her hip with the outside of his right hand. Sally hesitated, she wondered if she should wind it back.
She got up and went to the restroom to take stock. Did she want him? Where is she going with this? She decided she was leading him on and she had to stop. Sally returned to the table more temperate, she was not going to be the flirty party girl.
Peter noticed that Sally had gone cold. He thought maybe he was not paying her enough attention. He started being more attentive towards her, but Sally became coy. It was all getting too complicated. Peter gave up.
