Chapter 6 Weird Question

"How many years have you been working at Blue Diamond?" asked Dave in a flat tone.

He studied the man in front of him without trying to hide his curious eyes. From a close distance, separated only by his desk, Dave realized that this man named Tristan really is pretty.

His eyeballs are light brown. His eyebrows are thick and regular, and his eyelashes are long and curled.

Tristan had a sharp nose and high cheekbones like a model and his lips were thin and wet pink, as if he was wearing lipgloss.

Why would he waste his unique good looks just to work for a company. He can be an actor or a model if he wants.

"Five years, Mr. Dave. I started at the north branch and transferred here about three weeks ago."

"Yeah, I know about that. You said that when replacing Kim delivering the files to me last week."

Tristan looked down. The eyes of the man who was his superior were sharp and deep, as if they could read his thoughts.

Since the first time he met Dave, Tristan is already feeling uncomfortable because the man is looking at him in such a ... strange way? Makes goosebumps goosebumps.

He thought it was just his feelings because it was the first time they met and Dave was assessing it.

However, that impression was even stronger now, when dealing in a formal setting. Or... is there really something wrong with his face, his clothes, or his body odor? Tristan regretted not checking himself first before coming to the front.

"Why did you choose to work here?" Dave asked.

Tristan thought for a moment. "I didn't choose, actually. I submitted a lot of job applications to companies according to my qualifications. Blue Diamond was the first to respond to my application, so I'm not going to make it difficult for myself by making lots of judgments and comparisons. I need to work and Blue Diamond provides that opportunity ."

Dave was stunned to hear Tristan's answer, which was so straightforward. He looked at Tristan and smiled broadly. "I like your honesty."

Tristan could only smile awkwardly. He wasn't trying to impress the young director in front of him, he was just telling the truth.

"Do you know why you were summoned to appear before me now?" Dave asked again.

Tristan shook his head and swallowed a bitter gulp. He remembered his conversation with John in the rooftop garden earlier this afternoon, and was confused by what he had heard from Arthie and Lee in the pantry earlier.

"The director of personnel, Mr. Gary, made a decision to provide each director with a personal assistant. He said he heard many complaints from several directors who had difficulty managing schedules because secretaries only function until after office hours. A personal assistant will work 20-24 hours a night and day, so they duties aren't just limited to the office. Of course, the salary and benefits will also be adjusted according to the duties. You are one of the candidates that my dear brother put forward to be my personal assistant."

Tristan looked at his boss with confused eyes. "Why me, Mr. Dave?"

Dave shrugged. "You shouldn't question company policy, Mr. Tristan," Dave said calmly. "Besides, on second thought, of the three candidates selected by Gary, only you met my criteria the best."

Tristan shuddered, feeling the hairs on his neck prickle. He had heard about Dave's reputation as a casanova. He is bisexual and with his good looks, wealth and family name, men and women alike would queue up behind him just for the chance to have a one night stand with him.

"Ah, I heard that this morning you were summoned by the head of personnel division because of your attendance record the past few days," Dave said in an even tone. "What happened?"

Tristan bit his lower lip, holding back nervously. His hand felt moist and trembled as he gripped it tightly.

Of course, a person selected as a candidate for personal assistant to the director must not have a bad record. Tristan knows that the division head's warning this morning will be immediately processed by the director.

"I ... have a condition that made me late to the office for the past three days and took permission for family business earlier, Mr. Dave," Tristan replied in a resigned tone. "I know my mistakes and I will not repeat them as much as possible."

Dave stared at Tristan's lips which were red because he had bitten them earlier. Dave wanted to touch those lips and tell Tristan not to because it looked like a tease.

He knew the reason why Tristan was reprimanded by the head of personnel division, but he wanted to hear the reason from Tristan's lips himself.

"What's the reason? From your previous record during your time at the northern branch, you rarely took time off, your permits and attendance were perfect. What made that change, when you just transferred?"

Tristan knew there was no point in hiding things because he was sure that Dave would already know why. "This is because my father's condition has suddenly declined since the last few days," Tristan answered. "He had to undergo medication and intensive care in hospital and there was no one I could count on to look after him."

"Hm. Your father is sick?"

"Yes. Stage two lymphoma."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you just handle it alone?"

"Yes. My mother passed away when I was a teenager and I only have my father now."

Dave thought for a moment, read again the file in front of him. "Okay, I understand and it seems the division head has made concessions to you for tolerating lateness while your father is still in the hospital."

"Yes, Mr. Dave, I'm very grateful for that."

"I hope your father gets well soon."

"Thank you, Mr. Dave. I will try to carry out my duties well, even though I have a personal situation like now," said Tristan in a formal manner.

"I hope so," Dave said as he marked something in a file that was on his desk. "Well, you can go back to your room, Mr. Tristan. I will call the other candidates."

Tristan stood up and gave a slight bow before walking towards the exit.

Tristan's hand had just touched the door handle when Dave walked up to him and called out to him.

"Tristan."

Tristan failed to turn the door handle and turned to face Dave.

"I have one more question. This is personal and you may not answer if you mind, and I hope you won't find this offensive because I didn't mean it that way. Its just my curiousity about you. So, may I ask a question?"

Tristan smiled nervously. "Sure, Mr. Dave, go ahead."

Dave came closer and when the distance between them was only thirty centimeters, he bent slightly to align his eyes with Tristan's wide eyes in surprise because they were so close.

"Tristan, are you gay?"

***