Chapter 13 - THE FIRST DATE
Voss asked Cora to dinner on a Thursday.
He sounded more nervous than he had during any business negotiation.
"Miss Hayes."
She looked up.
"Yes?"
"Would you have dinner with me?"
She smiled.
"Is this a business meeting?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
He hesitated.
"A date."
Cora stared.
Then laughed softly.
"You're asking your employee on a date?"
Voss nodded.
She considered.
"Then I think we need to change the employment arrangement first."
He smiled.
"Fair."
They worked with human resources and independent counsel to establish appropriate boundaries.
Cora transitioned into a separate role within a newly formed accessibility and compliance initiative, reporting to an independent director.
Then they went to dinner.
The restaurant was small.
Quiet.
Warm.
Voss asked her to describe the menu.
She did.
Then he ordered for himself.
They talked for hours.
About music.
Books.
Daniel.
The future.
At the end of the evening, Voss turned toward her.
"May I kiss you?"
Cora smiled.
"Yes."
May you like
Their first kiss was gentle.
And for the first time in years, neither of them felt alone.
