9
The moment the final contract was signed, a wave of relief washed over the office.
The deal had gone through exactly as it was supposed to, with no last-minute surprises or manipulations.
It was a massive win for the company—a defining moment that would solidify their standing in the industry.
Ericka leaned back in her chair, exhaling as she tapped her fingers against the desk. This was the kind of victory that called for a celebration.
Stepping out of her office, she clapped her hands together, getting the attention of the remaining team members. "Alright, everyone! We just closed one of the biggest deals of the year, and I say that deserves a proper toast. Dinner, drinks—whatever works. On me."
A few heads turned with excitement, but then the excuses started rolling in.
"Ugh, I wish! My kid has a recital tonight."
"I have a flight to catch in a few hours."
"I've already got plans with my partner."
One by one, they politely declined, leaving Ericka standing there with an amused, if slightly exasperated, smile. "Alright, fine. I see how it is. Guess I'll just have to celebrate alone."
Amanda, who had been standing by her desk, cleared her throat. "Well, not alone."
Ericka turned to her, brow lifting slightly. "You're free?"
Amanda shrugged, grabbing her bag. "Looks like it."
A slow smirk played at Ericka's lips. "Guess it's just you and me, then."
Amanda smiled back. "Guess so."
Ericka tilted her head. "How do you feel about somewhere a little... different?"
Amanda narrowed her eyes playfully. "Depends. Are we talking fancy five-star dining, or something that requires a password to get in?"
Ericka chuckled. "Neither. Just trust me."
Amanda rolled her eyes but followed as Ericka grabbed her coat. "You're lucky I'm feeling adventurous."
Ericka glanced at her, something unreadable in her gaze. "Lucky indeed."
The car ride was quiet but not uncomfortable. The tension of the long workday melted away as the city lights flickered past the windows. Amanda stole a glance at Ericka, who sat relaxed against the leather seat, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the edge of her coat.
"So," Amanda finally spoke. "Where exactly are we going?"
Ericka smirked but didn't look away from the window. "Somewhere with good food and even better whiskey."
Amanda raised a brow. "Didn't take you for a whiskey kind of woman."
"There's a lot you don't know about me," Ericka mused, eyes glinting in the dim light.
Amanda hummed in response, intrigued but letting it go—for now.
When the car pulled up in front of a sleek, understated restaurant, Amanda immediately knew this wasn't just some casual bar or chain restaurant. The exterior was modern and stylish, with a soft golden glow coming from inside. A small, elegant sign above the entrance read The Velvet Room.
"Fancy," Amanda commented as she stepped out.
Ericka shut her door and adjusted her coat. "Only the best."
A hostess greeted them with a knowing smile, leading them through the softly lit dining area toward a private booth near the back. The ambiance was warm—soft jazz playing in the background, candles flickering on the tables, the scent of something rich and decadent lingering in the air.
Amanda slid into the booth, watching as Ericka did the same across from her.
"You come here often?" Amanda teased, picking up the menu.
Ericka smirked. "Enough that they know how I like my drinks."
Right on cue, a waiter arrived, and without hesitation, Ericka ordered a glass of aged whiskey. Amanda raised a brow before glancing at the menu again.
"Guess I'll have the same."
Ericka tilted her head. "Whiskey? Bold choice."
Amanda leaned back. "There's a lot you don't know about me."
Ericka let out a quiet chuckle at the callback. "Touché."
Their drinks arrived, and the conversation flowed naturally as they placed their food orders. They talked about work, the ridiculous office drama neither of them took part in, and even a little about their lives outside of the company.
Amanda found herself watching Ericka closely—how her shoulders seemed lighter than usual, how her lips curved into something softer than her usual sharp smirk, how the exhaustion that normally clouded her gaze seemed to have lifted, even if just a little.
It was a side of Ericka she doubted many people got to see.
"You look different tonight," Amanda blurted out before she could stop herself.
Ericka's brow arched. "Different how?"
Amanda swirled her whiskey in the glass. "I don't know... less CEO, more just... Ericka."
Something flickered across Ericka's face, unreadable but lingering. She took a slow sip of her drink before setting it down. "Maybe that's because, for once, I don't have to be the CEO."
Amanda held her gaze, the air between them charged with something she wasn't quite ready to define.
"Well," Amanda finally said, offering a small smile, "I like just Ericka."
Ericka studied her for a long moment before a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Careful, Amanda," she murmured, voice low and smooth. "I might start to think you actually like me."
Amanda smirked back. "Guess you'll just have to figure that one out."