"Oh, God, Jonas! I'm going out on a limb here, but I think I speak for us both when I say she'll fit right in."
Jonas held his ribs, eyes watering. He couldn't speak, only nod. "You're hired," he giggled. "Oh, my God!"
Miss Kwan joined them in a laugh.
"That's exactly what I did," Colby explained once he could speak again. "I think we're all surfing on the same wave here."
After they finally calmed down, Jonas and Colby explained more about her duties and Colby took her to the Human Resources office to fill out the paperwork and sign her contract. Luckily, there were no other applicants waiting. Colby was on the phone, talking to Avery, when Gavin walked in. It was unusual for any of his friends to show up at work, so Colby concluded his call and went to his friend.
"Hey, Gav. Sup?"
"Just...you know...." He flung his arms around Colby. "You can't call a guy? I have to find out you nearly died from the TV?"
"I didn't nearly die. But I'm gonna die of crushed ribs if you don't let go," he gasped. "I'm sorry. It's been a crazy couple days," he exhaled loudly once Gavin let go.
"And Mom?"
"Is doing great. Glued the guy's balls! Can you believe?"
"Your mom? Yeah! Mine would have knit him a freaking sweater."
"She'd have stuck him with the needles first."
"Well, that too." He chuckled. "You got time for lunch?"
"I'm heading home. Avery made me promise. Hey, you want to come by for dinner? We're not doing anything fancy, but we'd love to have you."
"Weird having you say we and mean you and Avery. I'm really happy for you, by the way. I just hope I can find someone as great as she is. Who doesn't want to kill me because I'm retarded." He laughed, shrugging.
The door to the HR office opened and Miss Kwan came out with Maureen, the HR lady.
"We'll see you Monday," Maureen said with a smile. "So delightful to meet you."
"Thank you. You too," Miss Kwan said.
Drawn by her sultry voice, Gavin turned around and was captivated by the rest of her. Miss Kwan hesitated a few feet from the office, unsure whether she should proceed or not. Like a magnet, Gavin was pulled toward her. Extending his hand, he introduced himself.
"I'm Gavin Carter."
"Do you work here?"
"No, but suddenly, I wish I did."
"Why?"
"Because then I'd get to see you every day."
"I don't date co-workers."
"Then I'm glad I don't work here. Want to go to lunch?"
Blinking slowly, Miss Kwan raised a puzzled eyebrow. "Um.... Mr. Thatcher, do you know this man?"
"He's one of my best friends," Colby said. "He's a good guy."
"Not a pervert?"
Colby grinned. "No more than any other man. I'm told, by my girlfriend, that we're all perverts to a greater or lesser degree."
Miss Kwan giggled. "I tell my brothers that, too. Xuan Kwan." She pronounced it Swan. "Pleased to meet you." She shook Gavin's hand.
Gavin took her hand, putting it on his arm. "So, Xuan Kwan, where would you like to eat lunch?"
"I've had a hankering for Uncle Jay's subs all day."
"May I kindly escort you there?"
"You very kindly may."
Gavin walked past, giving Colby a low fist bump.
"What was that?" Jonas asked as he came out of his office.
"That was magic being made. Miss Kwan just met Gavin."
"Perfect. I couldn't have picked a better woman out of an entire room."
"Me either. And I think Alice and Avery will really like her."
They walked out of the office.
"Alice?"
"She's dating Stan. Pretty blonde at Game Junkies." He showed Jonas her picture that Stan had sent him.
"Beautiful girl. I'm still doing a happy dance that you and Avery got together. She's a keeper. You treat her right, you hear?"
"I promise. See you this afternoon."
"Barring kidnappings, and all that."
"Yes, please, God! I bet you anything, Mom starts carrying Super Glue in her purse from now on."
Jonas laughed all the way to his car.
©2021 Dellani Oakes
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