Chapter 322 Attending Colleague Dinner
With ten minutes left before the end of work, Willow started packing up. She couldn't stand Mitchell up again tonight and let him have dinner alone. After finishing packing, Willow sat in front of the computer, staring at the screen, counting down to the end of work. Only five minutes left. She felt a bit excited for her "date" with Mitchell. It could be considered a date, right? Willow couldn't help but smile.
Only three minutes left.
Willow picked up her bag, ready to leave. At that moment, the manager walked out of the office, "Don't rush to leave. We're going to dinner together later. Everyone is going." Willow widened her eyes in surprise. She had plans with Mitchell! The manager looked at Willow, who was already packed and ready to go, and said with a smile, "Willow, did you anticipate this? You're all set. So, I'll leave the ordering to you. You and Elizabeth go ahead. We'll follow. Order whatever you like, my treat tonight."
Upon hearing that the manager was treating, everyone cheered and applauded. When someone treats, no one refuses. Elizabeth quickly packed up, ready to take Willow with her. Willow looked hesitant, feeling dizzy. "Manager, we were supposed to take a break for a couple of days. Eating out like this might not sit well with everyone's stomachs."
"I was planning to take a break, but we got a great deal voucher for that restaurant today, even better than a 50% discount. We can't waste it. Since you have nothing to do after work, and I don't know you well yet, hurry up, go order with Elizabeth."
"Manager, I..." Willow tried to find an excuse to refuse, but the manager interrupted her, "Hurry, grab a table, order whatever you like. Don't be polite today." After saying that, the manager turned and went back to the office. Willow felt her phone vibrating and quickly checked it. Mitchell had sent her several messages on Facebook.
Mitchell: [I'm in the garage waiting for you.]
Mitchell: [What do you feel like eating tonight? I'll take you.]
Mitchell: [I'm already in the garage, in the car, waiting for you.]
After five minutes, he sent another message: [Why haven't you come down yet?]
Mitchell: [It's been ten minutes since work ended.]
Willow quickly replied: [Sorry, Mitchell.]
Mitchell received the message and immediately called. Holding the vibrating phone, Willow saw "Mitchell" flashing on the screen. "I'll go to the restroom first," she said to Elizabeth before rushing to the restroom to take the call.
"Mitchell," Willow felt truly guilty this time.
On the phone, Mitchell's voice sounded somewhat cold, "Why haven't you come down yet?"
"Mitchell, the office colleagues are having dinner together tonight," Willow hesitantly confessed.
"Wait for me." Mitchell hung up after those two words. Willow stood still, feeling worried. What did Mitchell mean by "wait for me"? Was he coming up directly? Willow ran out of the restroom, only to find Mitchell, who had been on the phone, now standing in their office, walking toward her from a distance.
Willow's heart raced faster. Was Mitchell going to announce their relationship? She wouldn't be able to work properly in the company after that. Before Mitchell reached her, the manager came out of the office, probably informed of something.
"Mr. Jonah, why are you here?" The manager hurriedly approached, everyone looking nervous and puzzled, all thinking: Isn't it time to go home? Is there an impromptu meeting? What about their dinner?
Mitchell stopped in his tracks looked past the manager at Willow, who had been standing awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. Mitchell gave her a meaningful look, "I had something to attend to, but since everyone is ready to leave, let's discuss it tomorrow."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The manager smiled brightly, "Mr. Jonah is so considerate. We're heading for dinner. Would you like to join us, Mr. Jonah?"
"Sure." Mitchell immediately agreed without hesitation. Then he added, "My treat."
The manager was taken aback. He had just casually mentioned it, considering they had a coupon for the dinner. Mitchell's offer didn't quite fit in. Mitchell suggested going together, and the manager quickly ushered him out. Willow seemed relieved. Fortunately, Mitchell didn't seem angry.
The group headed to the restaurant. Willow, who was originally tasked with ordering, now had a new responsibility: taking care of Mitchell. Mitchell sat at the table with Willow beside him, their hands intertwined under the table. Everyone seemed a bit reserved. The usually lively group now sat quietly, upright, not talking or chatting, not even looking at their phones. It felt like a formal meeting at the office. Even Elizabeth, usually the most boisterous, sat quietly. Thankfully, the waiter arrived with the menu. The manager took it and handed it to Mitchell, "Mr. Jonah, please have a look."
Mitchell glanced at the menu and then turned to the girl beside him, saying, "Willow, you choose."
The manager, slightly surprised, handed the menu to Willow, saying, "I was just about to ask Willow and Elizabeth to order first. We trust them." Willow, under Mitchell's intense gaze, hesitantly started selecting dishes. She realized she had chosen all of Mitchell's favorite dishes. She sheepishly smiled and passed the menu to everyone, "Feel free to add anything you like."
No one dared to take the lead, each trying to be more polite than the other. "That's enough, we can't eat that much."
The manager took the menu back, muttering, "Today, with Mr. Jonah treating, none of you dare to order much. When I treated, I was afraid we'd eat too little." With a slight smile, everyone chuckled, and Mitchell said, "You don't have to be so formal. Order whatever you like. No need to be polite."
With Mitchell's words, everyone finally relaxed and added a few more dishes, and the manager ordered a few bottles of beer. The atmosphere was no longer as awkward.
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