The Trap Continues

The next day morning before leaving for the office Mike went to Jeff's room who was still lying in his bed scrolling through social media on his phone.

"hey" Mike waved him

'Hey" Jeff responded

"what are you doing this weekend?"

Jeff raised his brow and then replied "nothing much...Why?'

" I was thinking if we could go out for dinner...I mean me, you Mary and Melissa."

"You know what...There is no need to go out. We can actually plan dinner here. You can cook and even I can try my hands on cooking so let's surprise the girls."

"wonderful idea."

"Thanks. Actually, I always wanted to do a house party but thought you might be a bit uncomfortable."

"No. not at all. It's a great idea. Once I am back from the office we will plan the menu."

"Cya. Have a great day."

"Thanks. I really need good luck today."

"What? Why?" Jeff asked curiously

"Long story. Will tell you later. Cya."

"Cya"

Mike reached the office around 9 am. He went to his department and saw Catherine sitting over there.

"Morning Catherine. What are you doing here?"

"I guess you forgot that we have to visit the social media manager today."

" I remember."

He looked at his wristwatch and then replied "It's at 10 am. Right?"

"We are meeting them at their office which is 40 minutes drive from here."

"Ok. So let me book the cab." Mike said

" It's not needed. We can travel in my car."

"No Thanks. I prefer a cab." Mike said instantly

"Chill mike. I was kidding. We can travel in office transport. Generally, when we travel for an official reason we get company cab. I have already booked it yesterday so we can leave in 10 minutes."

"Ok."

"Coffee?"

"Actually I need to check my emails." Mike said trying to get rid of her

"Ok."

"Catherine...What is my role in the meeting?"

"So basically we are meeting the social media manager to see how their site advertising works and how can we show our page to the maximum user. So maybe you have to analyze that and customize our site."

"Oh ok. So Isn't Alandra coming?" Mike asked

"She will be reaching directly to the office."

"Ok.so I don't understand why I am needed."

"Actually I felt it will be good to have someone from the technical team as well as you will be one working on the requirement."

" Ok. So I guess I will see you in 10 minutes in parking."

"Ok. By the way, you didn't reply to my message yesterday." Catherine asked while leaving from the department

" I am busy Catherine. Can we talk later about it? " Mike said looking at his laptop screen while checking emails

" Ok "

They left for the destination and reached the venue around 10 am. Both went into the conference room where Catherine is sitting next to him and Alandra in front of him. A guy in his 30s started his presentation about their platform introducing us to their customer base and everyday user count increase. He explained about the different sponsored ads and how they can collaborate with us and our marketing team and the development team can make some changes related to search engine optimization keywords. Mike was taking notes when he felt someone's hand on his thigh under the table. It was Catherine. She was making circles around his weak point trying to distract him from work. He quickly coughed and took the glass of water and gulped it in. she withdrew her hand. After 5 minutes again she started messing around. Mike's forehead was filled with some sweat. Seeing him like this Alandra asked "Mike aren't you feeling well? Are you having a fever?"

"No Alandra. I am fine. Just a minute. I was checking some analysis which I have done from my end. Can I present my idea?"

"Ok. Please go ahead."

Mike stood from his chair and went near the whiteboard where the projector is showing the presentation. He connected the projector to his laptop and explained to the social media what is their roadmap and during our collaboration how it will profit their platform and how they can enhance their algorithms.

The team members were quite impressed. After the meeting, they had to return back to the office and Mike have decided not to travel with Catherine. So he went to Alandra and asked.

"Hey, Alandra...Are you going to the office?"

Alandra looked at him and then replied " I haven't seen anyone Mike visiting the zoo or Mall in a business suit.."

Mike hates being with Alandra because of her sarcasm but she is only his safe option now. So he asked, "I was wondering Alandra if you could give me a lift?"

"Didn't you travel by office transport here?" Alandra asked

" I did..But I was thinking maybe I can discuss more on the idea if I travel with you."

"Makes sense. Ok. Hop in."

Mike was relieved that Alandra agreed. He left with Alandra in her car leaving Catherine with angry glare and a red face.