"But it did mean something to you," Emily says. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be this upset."
I close my eyes briefly. "I hate that you're right."
"I usually am." She grins, breaking the tension. "It's my special talent."
"So what now?" Lily asks.
I straighten my shoulders, finding my resolve. "Now, I go to work tomorrow. I do my job. I treat him like any other colleague."
"And if he tries to talk to you about that night again?"
I pause, considering. "Then I listen. Once. He gets one chance to explain, and then we move forward professionally. That's it."
Emily nods, looking satisfied. "That's fair."
"But I'm not expecting anything," I add quickly. "This isn't some romantic comedy where we end up together after a series of cute misunderstandings."
"Of course not," Emily agrees, though the glint in her eye tells me she's not entirely convinced.
I pick up my burger again, suddenly ravenous now that the weight of my day has been shared. "Enough about my disaster. Lily, how was your day?"
Her face lights up. "My day was actually phenomenal! The publishing house got the rights to this incredible fantasy manuscript. We're talking potential bestseller material."
She leans forward, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "The author is this twenty-something woman from Leeds who's never been traditionally published before, and I get to be the junior editor assigned to her! Me! Three months in!"
"That's amazing, Lil," I say, genuinely happy.
"The story's about a librarian who discovers she can physically enter book worlds." Her hands gesture wildly as she speaks. "The worldbuilding is stellarand the way she describes what happens when book characters become aware they're being observed... it's properly mind-bending."
Emily raises her glass. "To Lily, the literary genius whisperer!"
Lily blushes. "I'm just so chuffed they trusted me with this. My boss said my editorial notes were 'insightful beyond my experience level.'"
I feel a pang of envy at her uncomplicated work joy, but push it aside. "When do you start working with the author?"
"Tomorrow! We have our first Zoom call, and I'm terrified I'll say something daft."
Chapter nine
Charlie
Tuesday morning greets me with a pounding headache, courtesy of that third glass of wine I shouldn't have had last night. I'm at my desk by 8:15, scrolling through emails when Zoe breezes in, looking unfairly perky. She’s adorable in her black slacks and hot pink blouse. Always dressed with a pop of color.
"Morning, boss!" She drops a folder on my desk. "Final deck for the Adrenaline Athletics call at eleven. I also added those competitor stats you wanted."
"You're a lifesaver." I flip through the presentation, nodding with approval. "This looks great."
She perches on the edge of my desk. "They'd be crazy not to go with us. This campaign concept is killer."
"Let's hope they think so too." I tap my pen against the folder. "Adrenaline could triple our sports portfolio if we land them."
"You've got this." She fiddles with the stack of sticky notes on my desk. "So... did you talk to the new guy yesterday?"
I keep my expression neutral. "Sebastian? Just briefly. Why?"
"No reason." Her attempt at casualness fails spectacularly. "He just seems...interesting."
"He's a colleague, Zoe."
