A fadedObservermug is placed in front of me, branded withThe Observer’s original motto—Small print, big difference.There’s a chip over theV.It’s been run through the dishwasher so much that it’s got varicose veins.I’ve seen it many times before on Sterling’s desk.
I follow the offering up a well-defined arm to the man in question.Sterling blinks down at me, tall enough to block out the overhead lamps.
“I guarantee it tastes terrible, but the caffeine works.”
He brought me coffee?Am I dreaming?
For a second, all I can do is stare.The coffee here is notoriously bad—bitter and burnt.There’s not a single redeeming feature about it.
I cup the mug in both hands.You couldn’t tear it from me.
“So, is this a prank or an undercover-boss sort of situation?”
Sterling slides one hand into his pants pocket and ignores the question.“How busy are you?”
That certainly isn’t what I was expecting.“Um …” Is he digging?“A little.”
He continues, checking his phone when it beeps, “The article I’m working on has become a little more complicated than I originally planned.I need a second pair of eyes to dig through the data.”
He doesn’t usually need an assistant.I wonder what the piece is.
“Will it take long?”I’ve seen the stacks of research that go along with Sterling’s investigations, the long hours he submits himself to.I’m still not convinced he sleeps.
Rest will be a distant memory if I agree, especially since I need to do my actual job as well.
“This isn’t something that can be rushed, Mia.”There’s a rough edge to the way he says my name that raises the hair on the back of my neck.“It’s extremely important, and it can’t be taken lightly.”
I swallow.
Why me?We’re not a huge company anymore, but there are still plenty of options for help, and I know at least half the office would jump at his command.But he’s not asking them; he’s asking me.
And he brought coffee.
I make the mistake of checking Monica’s office.She’s staring, and she’s livid.
“I don’t know …”
The look Sterling levels at me is serious.“Yes or no, Mia.”
This is everything I’ve been waiting for, but like all wishes, it comes with a cost.
If I say yes, I already know Monica will use it against me.
But if I say no, I’ll miss out on the opportunity to work with the man who inspired me to apply here in the first place.
What do I do?
* * *
Make Your Choice:
assist Sterling(go to 5)
turn him down(go to 8)
go back(go to 1)
I wait.
