C55 Who Took That Photo

After that, I explained how I earned the nickname “Nerd” after helping stop the security threat in the company network.

Alicia listened attentively while Chris occasionally interrupted to exaggerate parts of the story. Before we knew it, the lunch break was almost over.

We exchanged contact information. Even Chris, after complaining the entire time, ended up giving Alicia his number.

As we stood up to leave, none of us noticed someone sitting several tables away. A phone was quietly lowered beneath the table. A photograph had just been taken.

In the picture were I was shaking Alicia’s hand, both smiling so brightly. Michael. And Alicia. The photo was immediately sent to someone else.

A few seconds later, in the Vice Director’s office, Ben’s phone vibrated. He opened the image. His eyes narrowed. A slow smile spread across his face. “Interesting,” he murmured. “It seems this little Nerd has found new company.”

When we returned to the office, news of our lunch had somehow spread throughout the company.

To make matters worse, a photograph of me shaking Alicia’s hand was circulating through various department group chats.