Chapter One; Never have I Ever

One month earlier...

“Cheers!”

A delighted giggle left my lips as I clicked glasses with my coworkers. The six of us had gathered to celebrate the success of a new project launched under our production team. The bar we chose exuded a cozy ambiance with dimly lit Edison bulbs casting a warm glow over the exposed brick walls. Jazz music floated through the air, complementing the bubbly atmosphere and leisurely chatter.

“Here's to more successful projects!” Mrs Juniper, the head designer of our team cheered, puffing her chest with pride as she raised her glass of beer. “And to the best design team there is.”

I clapped my hands at her declaration, and a round of hearty laughter followed.

“Honestly I don't think we could have pulled it off without Aurelia,” Caspian says as he looks my way, his boyish dimples popping as he winked at me. “Her designs are maddening.”

I flush brightly at his compliment, hiding my smile behind the rim of my cup as I try to cool my heated cheeks with my drink.

“Well if it weren't for your expertise in interpreting the patterns then it wouldn't have amounted to much.” I counter with a flirtatious smile, in which he returns wholeheartedly.

Caspian was the pattern maker in our team, and he specialized in translating design sketches into patterns, ensuring the proper fit and functionality of garments.

“Okay let's not get too ahead of ourselves, I did all the grunt work by getting the materials.” Kendal, the textile specialist and most energetic in the group called as he pointed between me and Caspian. “I'm the golden boy of the project.” He proclaimed and I playfully rolled my eyes as he grinned smugly.

Kendall was a textile and material specialist, his role being to source and evaluate fabrics, trims, and materials for use in designs, staying informed about new trends and sustainable options.

“Settle down everyone, let's try and lighten up the mood with a game shall we,” Olivia suggests and I narrow my eyes at her curiously as I catch the mischievous glint in her eyes. I wonder what is going through her mind. Olivia was a good friend of mine, and we worked closely together on various projects and fashion lines.

“What game?” Mathew asks, he was mostly quiet and reserved but he was a hard worker and very reliable. He was our trusted sample maker, taking the responsibility of constructing prototypes and samples of designs for review and fitting before they were finalized for production.

“Never have I ever.” She smirked and I choked on my drink. Caspian casts me a worried glance but I reassure him with a small smile.

Of all the games to pick, why did she have to go for that?

“Come on Olivia, those types of games are for high school kids, we're grown men and women.” I try my best to act casual as I try to turn the conversation around, but then Kendall jumps in.

“Nah it doesn't matter, we're not that old.” He muses, turning to Mrs Juniper for clearance. “Right Mrs. J?” he adds, and as we all turned expectantly to the middle-aged woman, I mentally prayed that she would dismiss the proposition. But my hopes are crushed as she hums in agreement, teeth flashing in a wide grin as she raises her hand to give a thumbs up.

“Let's go for it!” she exclaims, clinking her glass with Kendal who pumps his fist in the air in victory.

“Perfect.” Olivia claps, and I swallow thickly as she goes on to explain the rules of the game.

"It's simple. Each person takes turns saying something they've never done. For example, 'Never have I ever traveled to Europe.’” she began, her hands moving to expertly mix a concoction of strong alcohol. "If you have done it, you take a drink. But if you haven't, you're safe for that round."

"Got it. Any other rules we need to know?" Caspian asks, but Kendall answers for her, almost like they had planned this whole get-up beforehand.

"Yeah, make sure your statements are interesting and reveal something about yourself. And remember, honesty is key!"

He says, volunteering to kick off the game. “I'll go first. Never have I ever had sex in the office.”

Trust Kendal to start off with something sexual.

Everyone gasps as Mrs Juniper takes a drink, and as if sensing the impending questions brewing on the tip of our tongues, she places a silencing finger over her lips. “No comment.” came her playful remark, and I instinctively knew that it would go downhill from here on out.

Mathew went on next. “Never have I ever touched myself at the thought of a coworker.” He says softly, and my eyes widen at the boldness in his words, my pupils widening further as Caspian takes a drink.

Now I was dying to know who this person was. It could be anyone, and the thought of that leaves a bitter pang of jealousy in my chest.

“Damn, you dirty bastard.” Kendal comments as he ruffles Caspian's hair like a proud father.

“Never have I had a threesome.” Olivia declares, and I blink in surprise as both she and Mathew take a drink. Maybe he wasn't so innocent after all.

“Well, that was unexpected.” Caspian chuckled, thoughtfully stroking his chin as it was his turn next. “Never have I been in an open relationship.”

Kendal grins smugly as he takes a drink, finishing it in one gulp.

And finally, it was my turn. All eyes fixed their attention on me, and I suddenly found the laces of my leather boots interesting. I had nothing to say, and I was the only one who hadn't taken a drink yet.

But then my phone rang in my pocket and hastily retrieved it, politely regarding everyone with a small smile before excusing myself to pick it up.

“I'm sorry everyone but I have to go,” I tell them, internally grateful that I had dodged a stray bullet.

“Aww, but we were getting to the good part,” Kendal whined, but Olivia slapped the back of his head to caution him, earning an annoyed glare from the tanned male as she waved me goodbye. “See you later Auri.”

“Have a safe trip home, Aurelia.” Mrs Juniper bids me farewell, and Matthew graces me with a shy smile.

I was just about to leave when Caspian offered to drive me home. I couldn't refuse, thinking that maybe, just maybe…tonight was the night I finally gained the courage to take our friendship to a whole other level.

In simpler terms, I might just get laid tonight.