“I don’t see any red flags. Has Carden checked it?” Anders asked.
“It was probably designed by Mr. Carden,” Cedric huffed out.
Anders and the other engineer looked up at me, eyebrows raised. “Was it?”
I swallowed hard, unsure of what the correct answer would be. “He assisted… a bit.”
“Oh,” Anders said, the impressed look he wore earlier disappearing. “It was your task.”
“I know, and I did it.”
“Obviously. There’s no north arrow,” Cedric said, and if I was a violent person, now would be the time I’d punch him.
“Mr. Carden wanted to ensure the design was sound before we finalized the presentation.” I then ran through the guidelines we’d used and assumptions we’d made.
“All right.” Anders sighed. “But if I wanted Carden to do it, I’d have asked him.”
The heaviness of his tone tightened around my words. I stood frozen for a second before choking out, “Understood. I’ll add the arrow and get Mr. Carden to sign it, unless you have any other changes you’d like me to make?” I steadied my voice as best I could, but I was defeated and exhausted. I’d slept for around two hours, and this wasn’t how I planned the morning to go. Regardless of what they said, I was proud of this design. That stupid north arrow.
“That’s all from me.” Mr. Anders looked at the other two, who shrugged.
I rolled up the drawing and walked downstairs to the office.
Lincoln pulled the headset down to his neck as I entered. “And?”
“And the design is fine, but um”—I struggled to keep the shakefrom my voice—“they’re disappointed that I couldn’t do it on my own.”
“What? Did they say that?” His brows drew close, and that familiar frown returned.
I nodded and shook it off. “Whatever. I don’t care anyway.” I didn’t want to discuss it anymore. “I’m going out for a short coffee break. Do you want anything?”
“No, thank you,” he said, his voice clipped. Perhaps he was also disappointed in me. Well, he could join the club.
Keeping my head down, I stomped out of the office building while avoiding everyone.
I hadn’t spent much time walking around, but today I would find a coffee shop, order the most delectable drink on the menu, and gulp it down before going back to the office to figure out whether I had what it takes to be an engineer.
After about ten minutes, I spotted a neon sign that readTHE ARCADE CAFEand wandered into it. The smell of freshly ground beans was already soothing, and on one side of the store stood old arcade machines.
Coffee shops were some of the best places in the world. Aside from being an essential service, it was always hot with steam and filled with chatter and satisfied people getting their fix. And baristas were always friendly with me. Even though it was superficial, it was nice.
“Could I get a cinnamon mocha, please?” I asked.
The handsome barista nodded and offered me a somewhat suggestive smile.
It had been ages since I’d hooked up with someone. Perhaps I needed it. Maybe it would help with all the big feelings fighting for attention in my head and heart. Maybe it would get Link and Lincoln out of my head.
Yeah, right.
Sitting at one of the tables, I dropped my head into my hands and listened to the sound of the arcade machines. I was tempted to join them and play a few rounds, but if I did, I feared I may never leave. I would stay in this store and dedicate my life toPuzzle Bobbleand drink a worrying amount of coffee.
“Here you go.” The barista’s gaze danced with charm and flirtation.
Generally, I’d reciprocate. But when I searched for that feeling, it wasn’t there. I smiled at him nonetheless and sipped on the overly sweet but delicious coffee. With each sip, the warmth of the beverage melted the ice within me. And by the time the mug was empty, I was ready to go back to the office.
It was one task. I could do better next time. I could overcome this.
I’d overcome so much more.
