Blind Date with the Past

At the end of the workday, my boss suddenly appeared at my workstation and said with a kind smile, "Jemma, please stay after work."

I quickly responded, "Okay." But inwardly, I couldn't help but feel a touch of anxiety.

I had been working at Cascadia Law Offices for less than six months. I chose to work here because the head of the firm, Ruby Davies, was someone I had admired greatly since my student days. Working with her had been my dream for nearly ten years.

Before this, I had worked at a small law firm, staying late until 10 p.m. every day, struggling for three years, until by a stroke of luck, I got into Cascadia and, as I had hoped, assisted Ruby with some cases.

She was even stricter than rumored. The case files and defense plans we stayed up late to prepare were often dismissed by her with a casual "rewrite," and I would have to gulp down some coffee and start over.

Of course, I had some resentment, but every time we won an impressive case under her guidance, all my complaints vanished instantly.

So, my attitude towards her was one of both respect and fear. In the firm, people were often asked to stay back by her individually, usually for two reasons. One was that a case they were independently responsible for had a major issue, and she would make them work through the night until morning. This was considered the better scenario. The other was that she was dissatisfied with your recent performance and was preparing to strongly persuade you to leave.

Yes, in our law firm, when someone was fired, it was the boss herself who did it, and there was usually no room for negotiation.

And since I had never been independently responsible for any case, what would be the reason she asked me to stay?

My colleague Tricia Quinn, with whom I had a good relationship at the firm, passed by my desk and patted my shoulder sympathetically, saying, "Why is she suddenly dealing with you out of the blue?"

I was on the verge of tears, "I wish I knew."

Tricia asked me, "Did something go wrong with the materials you helped her with a couple of days ago?"

I was even more confused, "But in the end, she checked and approved them before I submitted them."

I tried to reassure myself, "Besides, she seemed to be in a good mood just now, smiling when she asked me to stay. It didn't look like she was going to reprimand me."

Tricia snorted, "Before a trial, when she meets the opposing counsel, she also smiles like a flower. But once she's at the defense table, see if she recognizes anyone. She'd love to make the other side drop dead on the spot."

As I watched my colleagues leave one by one, I could only resignedly make my way to Ruby's office. In the few seconds it took me to walk from my desk to her office, I had already calculated how much compensation I could get.

To my surprise, the first question she asked me was, "Jemma, how old are you this year?"

Why is she suddenly inquiring about my personal details? I quickly replied, "I'm 29 this year."

She continued, "Are you still single?"

I thought of the news I saw online yesterday about the inconveniences single women face in the workplace, like the fear of being fired if they suddenly get married and have children. I quickly clarified my situation, "Boss, I'm currently single, not in a relationship, and I won't be in one for the next ten years. Marriage and having children, unless something unexpected happens, will never be part of my life."

Her expression suddenly turned a bit strange, "Oh, I see. I was actually going to ask if you'd be interested in meeting my son."

I let out an "Ah?"

She said, "It's a blind date. I think you two would be a good match."

Before stepping into this office, I would never have guessed that the reason she asked me to stay was for a blind date, and with her son, no less.

But if I didn't agree, I feared my work life would become difficult. I immediately tried to backtrack, "But I'm not against marriage. I just think these things depend on fate. Since it's your son, he must be as outstanding as you. Even if the blind date doesn't work out, meeting some excellent peers isn't a bad thing."

Ruby smiled kindly again, "Then it's settled. I'll go back and ask for his opinion, and once the time is set, I'll let you know."

As I walked out of the office, I let out a long sigh of relief, feeling that my quick-witted response was no less impressive than winning a tough case.

Before I even got home, Tricia messaged me, "When are you leaving? I'll treat you to a meal."

I was amused and annoyed, so I deliberately replied, "Bad news. The boss isn't firing me. In fact, she's introducing her son to me."

Tricia sent ten question marks in a row, then immediately changed her tune, "I spoke too loudly just now. If this works out, you'll be the esteemed young mistress of our law firm."

I sent her a knocking emoji, "Stop talking nonsense. How about helping me with tomorrow's materials?"

Tricia immediately replied, "Then you have to win over the young master first, and I'll work for you for free. But, Jemma, have you ever been in a relationship before?

A friendly reminder. If you haven't, be careful not to be manipulated, especially since it's our boss's son. If he's as eloquent as his mom, that would be something."

I thanked her for her kindness, "Guess."

When I was in college, I had a relationship that was deeply unforgettable for me. I had a boyfriend whom everyone envied, but we broke up the year we graduated. I was the one who initiated it.

I never mentioned this to anyone again. If there was anyone I had wronged the most in my life, it would be my boyfriend from that time.

The boss was indeed the boss. Even the speed at which she arranged the blind date was extraordinary. I had just finished washing up and lay down on my bed when she messaged me the time and place, as if assigning a work task.

And I habitually replied, "Okay."

After sending it, I was stunned myself. It really felt like completing a work assignment. But actually, that wasn't wrong. Right now, I just wanted to stay at Cascadia Law Offices, gain some experience, and become an excellent lawyer.

On the weekend, I followed the address Ruby gave me and found the Western restaurant. I arrived thirty minutes early, and the waiter led me to a window seat.

I had intended to arrive early to familiarize myself with the environment, but as I waited, I became increasingly nervous.

Until I saw that familiar figure push through the restaurant's revolving door and walk straight towards me, my heart skipped a beat.

I hadn't expected to see Jaxton Davies again so suddenly.