my reputation supercedes me

"Have you done him yet?" Sheralyn, my on-again-off-again faghag said.

She was pointing at Max.

"He is so totally the type you play with, is he not?"

Trying to enjoy the foie gras, I shrugged her off, "Uh maybe."

"Did he offer his teensy cutesy self to you to get the job?"

*****

Max, 22 years old, Malaysian with a Singaporean PR identity card.

He was sitting at the table right opposite ours. We were at this black tie event at the Fullerton Hotel. All dressed to the nines, making inane chatter and dining pretentious food. In the name of society.

I didn't even see him till Sheralyn pointed rather crudely at him.

He got my job. A job I will miss. Arguing with other offices for what I deem as my personal gain. I am pretty good at it. I always get my way.

He got my job.

Because I got promoted.

*****

His eyes met mine.

He then walked right over to my table.

"Gong Xi Jamie! That's Congratulations in Mandarin. You so totally deserved the promotion."

"Thanks. Yeah I know some Mandarin. I took Chinese in high school, Max!"

"Oh really. I didn't know that!"

"Haha never judge a book by its cover, aye?" (corny response, I know)

"Wise words from a stallion! You're going to be jetsetting around a lot!"

"I kind of dread that part. I just got here from the UK and now they are sending me around again. Somebody at the HQ must really hate me."

"It's been such a great month at the office since you got here. You are a cool boss! I am going to miss you. Oh my god, I am such a fanboy of yours!"

"Haha you flatter me too much, Max. You already got my job! What else are you after?"

He inched closer, "Jamie, you are the charming one. There is something about you I can't make out."

"What do you mean?" I am truly confused.

"I have heard great things about you; outside from work. Your reputation precedes you. And now that we are no longer colleagues in the same office......"