Chapter 4.2

"Hello! Tina speaking."

When Jeff heard that voice, his brain cells went into overdrive. He looked at the screen of his phone and was shocked to see that he had dialed Tina's number. He couldn't control his fast beating heart, and he thought it'd be a waste for him to hang up, so he adjusted himself and spoke up.

"It's Jeff," he was silently hoping for her to be as stunned as he was when he heard her voice. To Jeff's dismay, Tina did just the opposite.

"Jeff who?"

Jeff was livid. What did she mean by 'Jeff who?' How many Jeffs did she know? He couldn't allow that. His Jeff needed to be special. Should he let her refer to him as Jefferson instead? But he preferred Jeff. He sulked to himself before clarifying which Jeff he was. The one and only Jeff Strider.

"Oh! Hi Jeff. I wasn't expecting a call this evening. Is anything wrong with the project?"

He found this unbelievable. Why would he call so late at night just for a project he wasn't in a rush to finish? Did she see him as a tyrannical person that always oppressed those under him? No no. This cannot be allowed. He had to make a better impression

"Nothing is wrong with the project. I just wanted to see if the number on your card was fake or not hahaha," he ended with an awkward laugh.

What a silly excuse. Tina really did make him do childish things. One of the perks of falling in love, he thought to himself with an innocent smile on his face.

Tina laughed, "why would I give you a fake number? That's just silly."

His whole world turned into a galaxy of stars when he heard her laugh. He imagined how she'd bow her head and use her left hand to cover her mouth when laughing. It was such a pretty sight. He really wanted to see her. Would he be weird if he used a video call instead?

"Yeah silly. What are you doing up this late? Don't tell me you're working."

He never really saw Tina as a workaholic. Was she up late talking to another guy? She's really beautiful so many guys must be after her. He needed to up his game, he thought to himself.

"No, not working. Just reading a novel so I could fall asleep."

False alarm. Just a novel. Jeff laughed at himself.

"Oh! that sounds nice," he said. It did sound nicer than 'talking to friends.'

A brief pause ensued. Awkward silence. "Should I ask her out? I do want to see her? Would she reject me?' He imagined all possible scenarios, then he remembered what Sia had told him. Tina's thought might differ. He shouldn't ruin his chance before he even got a chance.

Clearing his throat, he spoke up again.

"Seeing that I have you on the line, do you want to have lunch together sometime? Last time, I noticed we had similar interests, so I was hoping to get your feedback on something."

'She shouldn't say no, right?' Before he could go through anymore scenes, Tina responded.

"Sure. Is tomorrow fine with you?"

He grinned from ear to ear. Even his voice was louder and filled with excitement upon hearing her reply.

"Tomorrow is perfect. I'll pick you up. Good night."

He knew deep down that she took it as a work engagement, so she'd definitely refuse his ride. He had to cut her off immediately. He's got a date!!!

He did a jolly dance before walking into his closet to pick the perfect date outfit. Sia told him he looked great in black, but his mom said he looked great in bright colors like pink. His dad just always wondered why he got so dressed up.

As he narrowed down on his options, he remembered that he never asked what she'd like to eat on their date. So, he called again with much gusto.

"This is Tina speaking." His heart melted for the nth time.

After bidding her good night, he finally settled on a white shirt and pink fitted suit with his black leather shoes.

As morning came, it brought along with it the scent of flowers. That, or Jeff was surrounded by a love bubble that kept the air pollution out.

The ladies in his home helped him out and hyped him up before he stepped out of the house with 100% confidence. Throughout the morning, he filled himself up with work, so he could have enough time on his date.

As soon as 11:30 hit, he left the office in a hurry. This time, Bob did not stop him as his bigger boss had instructed him that his boss was about to make life changes.

He stopped by a flower shop and got a bouquet of white roses before heading to her office. Stepping out of his car, he happened to run into Kyra and asked politely if she could call Tina out. From working on the project, he knew she was Tina's assistant. He didn't want to go in to avoid starting rumors about Tina.

Kyra gave him a knowing nod before going in. Too bad he had no idea Kyra has called him a package in front of Tina.

When Tina stepped out, there was an obvious surprise in her eyes.

"We are matching!!" They said together.