Chapter 17: A Friendly Date

The quiet hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in the room as I sat in my office, deep in thought. Suddenly, a knock on the door startled me.

"Yes?" I called out, and John's face peeked through the gap in the door. "Can I come in, Madam?" he asked, a sheepish look on his face that made me chuckle. "Yes, you can," I replied, permitting him to enter.

"What can I do for you?" I asked, curious about the reason for his visit. "I want a favor from you," he said slowly, his words piquing my interest. "Okay," I said, my uncertainty showing in my voice. "Don't get mad or change your opinion about me after this, okay?" he said deliberately. I straightened up, leaned forward, and waited for him to continue.

"John, just say it," I insisted, my curiosity getting the best of me. He sighed dramatically, then blurted out, "I want to take you out tonight." I was taken aback. "As...a date?" I asked hesitantly. "Yes, as a date, but more specifically, a friendly one if you don't mind!" he sai