“How could anyone not notice me?” grumbled Chloe, checking herself in the mirror and touching up her plump lips. “Doesn’t matter—the office party’s coming up, and that’s when I’ll catch his eye!” This is the story of how my friend Chloe tried to win over a colleague and what came of it.
**Chloe and Her Confidence**
Chloe’s been my mate since uni. She’s 32, glamorous, always polished, and the centre of attention wherever she goes. Blokes can’t help but look her way, and she’s brilliant at using her charm. At work—this small IT firm we’re at—she’s an absolute star. She’s in marketing, always dressed to the nines, and even the most serious boss cracks up at her jokes during meetings.
But then this new bloke, James, showed up, and he became Chloe’s little mystery. Tall, handsome, proper manners—basically the perfect target for her flirting. Problem was, James didn’t seem to notice her at all. She’d asked him out for coffee, and he’d politely brushed her off, saying he was busy. Another time, she “accidentally” got into the lift with him and tried to chat, but he just smiled and left at his floor.
**“Am I Too Perfect for Him?”**
After yet another failed attempt, Chloe stormed into my office fuming. “What, is he gay or something? How can he *not* notice me?” She was fussing with her hair in the mirror, reapplying lipstick like she was gearing up for another go. I laughed. “Maybe he’s just shy, Chloe. Or has a girlfriend?” But she wouldn’t have it. “No, Emma, something’s off. I see how he chats with everyone else—but with me? Nothing!”
She decided the office party, happening in a week, would be her moment. She bought a new dress, booked a stylist, even plotted how to “coincidentally” sit near James at dinner. “That’s when he’ll crack,” she said confidently.
**The Party and the Twist**
Party night came, and Chloe looked stunning—red dress, flawless makeup, beaming smile. Every bloke in the room was eyeing her… except James, who stayed oddly distant. He danced with the other girls, joked with the lads, but never made a move toward Chloe. I could see her getting restless, though she kept smiling.
At one point, I noticed James slip out onto the balcony with our mate, Mark. They talked for ages, laughing, and then I saw James put his hand on Mark’s shoulder. Chloe spotted it too and went pale. “Emma, did you *see* that?” she whispered. “Is it—seriously?” I shrugged. “Maybe they’re just mates?” But Chloe had already made up her mind.
**How It Ended**
After the party, Chloe calmed down but still seemed gutted. “I’m not even mad, just… embarrassed,” she admitted. “I put in all that effort, and turns out he’s not even into women.” Later, we found out from coworkers that James *was* in a relationship—with a guy. Chloe got annoyed at first (“Should’ve figured it out sooner!”), but eventually laughed it off. “Well, at least now I know why he wasn’t fussed about me!”
Now, she jokes that the whole thing taught her not to be so sure of herself. She still flirts with the lads at work, just not as relentlessly. And her and James? They’re actually mates now—turns out he’s a great guy, just not into her *that* way.
Ever been in a situation like that? How do you handle rejection without taking it to heart? Or got any tips on how Chloe could move on quicker? Share your stories—we’d love to hear!
