I asked her out to lunch

Man I woke up late again today, so skipped breakfast and just got ready for work. My plan was to get something quick from Macca's in the city, but there was a long line when I got there so I just decided to go without breakfast.

I got to the office and prepared a folder for photocopying, then waited a bit until it was time to go to the induction.

I made my way to level 8 into the training room to find a girl talking to two ladies. The two ladies were from HR who organised it and the girl was a new addition, just like me. We waited a bit for another girl to arrive, who sat next to me because our seats had been designated.

The first speaker was this Korean guy from IT, who ran us through some of the basics, but nevertheless, I still managed to learn a thing or two. I thought it was funny when he showed us something, and the older lady leaned into the other lady and whispered "you don't have to do that", lol, as if she knew more than he did.

I found myself studying the guy's face. People are right - Asians do have nice skin. I watched as he talked and smiled from time to time. He wasn't the best looking bloke, but he seemed like the type who was easy to get along with and would laugh all the time. He reminded me a bit of Lemon. Everytime he laughed his eyes squinted so much they almost disappeared. I thought that was funny.

Then some guy from finance gave a spiel, and it was good to learn a bit about the building. Too bad we can't park there even during the weekend.

After that we had morning tea, where we stood around drinking tea and eating Tim Tams. I looked around and realised everyone was female.

Why is this place so intent on hiring women??

A man came by and started talking, and when one of the ladies introduced me, he said he knew, because he had interviewed me.

Oh my god! I completely forgot!

I remembered two of the people during the interview, but could never figure out who the other one was. So it was him.

I was pretty quiet during the morning tea, got into the "don't want to say anything wrong" mode, whereas on my floor I feel like I'm seen as a pretty talkative guy to some, cause I walk around eating my apple and starting conversations.

After that we returned to the training room for a talk on harassment. I was pretty sure it was useless because I don't think I'd ever feel I was getting harassed, but it did make me think about my own actions, and if they might ever come close to be considered harassment.

Then we had some guy from the registry talk about how his section works, and that was it for the day, but we have the second half of the induction next Monday.

When I returned to my office it was nearly 1pm. Wendy came in and talked to me a bit about a file she had left on my desk. I saw Katie walk past and put a file into the cabinet. She was wearing this black dress which I reckon could come off as a dinner dress. Wendy saw me looking and turned to see what I was looking at.

D'oh! Second person to catch me looking at her! It seems like no one else distracts me except her.

I wondered if that was her way of trying to come around to see me. Maybe she had intended to drop off the file and come for a chat? But then she saw Wendy which altered her plans?

I saw a group email from Tim inviting everyone to his birthday lunch at a Chinese restaurant, but it had started at 12:30 so I missed it anyway. So that's what I overheard him talking about.

Interesting thing was that Katie was still around - she didn't go. I pondered back and forth before deciding to ask her out to lunch. On my first trip there I bumped into Imad and we made small talk as I walked past.

I needed a second trip round to be alone. She seemed to be able to detect my approach, as she turned around before I even got there.

Me: You seem so focussed on that.

Her: My eyes are like laser -

Me: Oh so you're not at Tim's lunch?

She said no, but can't remember exactly what she said. I said something like I would've wanted to go but missed it.

Me: So are you going out to lunch today?

Her: No, I've got a lot to do. Why?

Me: Oh, I just wanted to see if you were up for lunch?

I swear I saw a change in her body language and facial expression. It was like I had caught her off guard. Maybe she was trying to think of a way to retract from her position. But it was too late, she had already said she wasn't going out to lunch.

Her: No...I can't, maybe next week.

I said ok and walked off and out to lunch.

I was pretty happy. And confused. Conflicted.

Was that a rejection? Or was that a plan for next week?

I went to the bank to deposit my coins, half smiling but half worried that I had just been rejected.

Maybe I had gone too fast? I mean, yesterday was probably the first real conversation you have had with her, and all of a sudden you ask her out to lunch? And why next week? Why not tomorrow? Or Friday?

I went to that Pepper Lunch place and ate...by myself. I've been thinking about taking her there. Wonder if she'd like it.

Should I pay if we went to lunch?

I returned to the office in half an hour, and my mind was half focussed on work, and half thinking about it. I emailed Shuing about it, he said to just take her word for it and go next week.

The thought of going up to her again for a chat did cross my mind, but my pride restrained me. Also, I wondered if it would constitute harassment.

She seemed to stay back pretty late. I was finishing something off. It was about 5:45pm and there were only a few people left in the office when I heard someone walk by quickly and put a file into the cabinet behind me.

Was that her?

My paranoia tells me it was. But then I thought, who else puts files there? I've never seen a lawyer go there, only paras. So maybe it was her? And she was the only para left.

I left work at 6pm, went home, then went for a mile jog. After that I went to the gym. My arms are so tired.

I think my plan is to avoid her for the rest of the week. Make her come to you. Make her think that you think she rejected you, so it's her turn to give you a hint and the green light. Besides, if she's not interested, there are plenty of other girls on the floor.