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.
