I felt much better the next day. After contemplating whether or not should I take a holiday on Monday, I decided to go to work. The work will just pile up otherwise. As I knocked on his office door, I heard a "Come in". I walked in carefully with the Espresso in my one hand and some files in the other.

"Didn't I tell you to take an off?" He was staring intently at me.

"I am much better plus I would be bored at home" I smiled and placed the Espresso carefully on the table. I gave him the files to be signed and took notes on some of the changes he wanted. As I went back to my cabin, my phone rang.

"Hey! Amy! I got a call from Christoff today. Its Chris's birthday this Friday. We are planning to celebrate it at Purple Lounge and it's a complete secret." Ivan gushed through.

"Of course Ivan. I'll be there. We'll get a cake which we'll cut at the club." I was already planning to buy a gift for her.

"I've already invited Brian. I did see some sparks flying last time. What's the news there?" He wanted to know

"I'm taking it slow. Let's see." I liked Brian. He was funny and easy to talk to.

"Do you think Steff might be interested to join the party?" Ivan had always liked Steff but Steff being Steff, had forever rebuked him.

"Why don't you invite her? That will give you a chance to talk to her too. Just make sure you open your mouth this time" Last time when Ivan met Steff, he stuttered so much that she actually thought that he has a stammering problem. I could imagine him redden at the other end.

We talked for another 10 minutes and it was decided that the cake ordering was my responsibility. Christoff will bring her to the club and we would surprise her there with the cake and gifts.

I was bubbling with excitement. It was very difficult for me to keep a poker face. During lunchtime, I almost let it slip while Ivan saved me turning it out to 'The Favorite Game'. He mentioned his favorite flavor as Blueberry and that's when Chris said

"Yuck! Who can like blueberry cake? I love Red Velvet"

So, it was decided. I came back to my seat and immediately ordered a Red Velvet cake with "Happy Birthday Christina" written over it. I was to collect the cake by Friday evening. Cake ordering, check!

Workwise, the week was okay. Actually, after the weekend's incident, I didn't feel like calling him Mr. Grumpy. Maybe I should rename him to Mr. Bit Less Grumpy. I giggled at my own suggestion. So anyways, Mr. Grumpy was not in office for the past few days. I took advantage of this and went out to buy a simple gift for Chris.

Chris loves jewelry and it was an easy choice. I finally zeroed down to a humble but elegant bracelet as a birthday gift for Chris. Once satisfied with my purchase, I came back to the office.

Mr. Grumpy came back on Thursday and surprisingly was in a happy mood. He even thanked me when I placed his Espresso on the table. I was so shocked, I almost spilled it!

It's finally Friday. Ivan and I decided that we would not wish Chris in the office to build up the surprise. I was itching to hug her and wish her but I stuck as per the plan. She was also a bit low. I believe when no one wishes you on your birthday, you'll surely feel let down.

I need to leave at least half an hour early to go to the Bakery and collect the cake. From there, I need to travel to my home, get ready, and then leave for the Club. Steff would join us directly from her Hotel as it is much closer. Time to check if Mr. Grumpy will allow me to leave early.

I knocked on the door and went in. Mr. Grumpy was signing some papers.

"Tomorrow is Saturday, Ms. Wilson. Planning to intrude?" He asked without even taking his eyes off the papers. I could see his lips curved to a smile.

'This is a good sign. He's in a good mood.'

"No Mr. Holden. Ha Ha..." I laughed nervously. "Ahem...Is it okay if I leave half an hour early today?" I hoped he'll be okay with it.

"Why?" He looked at me enquiringly.

"Today's Christina's birthday and we thought -" and I laid the plan in front of him hoping that he'll allow me.

"Okay. Enjoy." Did he smile just now?

'Oh my God! I definitely need to change his name.'

"Would you like to join us?" I asked

"Sorry! I have a dinner scheduled with a business partner but go ahead and enjoy." Well, of course, I knew he wouldn't join us. Not that I felt bad. He'll have bigger and better things to do.

"Thank you, Mr. Holden." I gave him my dazzling smile which he returned with a slight curve of his lips. Not bad eh? About two weeks back, he would go emotionless and now he smiles! This is very good progress. Who knows what might happen in the future? Maybe he will laugh with me one day? Maybe he'll kiss me one day? What? Shit! No, I didn't mean that. It just slipped out of my mind. Shit!

I rushed outside, collected my things, and moved out of the office. I went to the Bakers to collect the birthday cake. It looked yummy! I also bought the sparkles candle which wouldn't go out no matter how much one blows. It will be fun.

I reached home and freshened up. It was time to dress up and I took a good amount of time to decide between a black sequined dress and my one shoulder silver midi dress. Finally, I decided to go ahead with the silver one. The dress suits me well. It's got a slit on one side till my mid-thighs which gives a glimpse of my legs. I left my hair open. I decided to go smokey eyes and after a quick touch of makeup, I was all set. I put on my heels and was ready to leave. I still had a lot of time as Christoff said that he would bring Chris only by 8 pm.

I caught the cab and arrived a bit early. As per the plan, I was supposed to hand over the cake to the Bartender. Looks like I was really early as no one had reached yet. I was just sitting and chilling when the gang came in. There were a lot of people. Apparently, Christoff had invited his friend's friends too. It was a noisy affair. I hugged Chris and told her how sorry I was, to not wish her in the office. I fished out the birthday present and she squeezed me in a hug.

The cake was pulled out and she had a tough time blowing out the candles. Soon the gang settled down. Brian, Christoff, and other men went to the bar to get us drinks while Steff and I moved to the dance floor.

Brian told me that Christoff was planning to propose Chris and I was so happy for her. They've been together for the past three years or so and she surely deserves all the happiness.

This was going to be an interesting night!