Chapter 34: Intrigue and Tequila

Michael and Lauren crossed paths at a club, an unexpected encounter that brought a smile to both their faces. They had always walked in the same circles at work, but they had never really engaged in conversation. Micheal’s attention had always been focused on Beth, for whom he had harbored a secret crush. “Hi, Lauren,” Michael greeted her, his voice filled with amusement. Lauren hesitated for a moment, torn between her desire to socialize with a colleague and her reluctance to repeat her past mistake with her boss. However, she couldn’t resist his friendly demeanor. “Hi, Michael,” she replied. “I didn’t know you were a club person,” he chuckled. It was a common remark that Lauren had grown tired of hearing whenever she ran into a coworker outside of work. “I didn’t know you were a club person either,” she retorted with equal vigor. Michael threw his head back in laughter, his amusement evident. “I like you, Lauren. You’re funny,” he said, genuinely impressed by her wit. Despit