"Of course."He smirks."Book time like everyone else, right?But I feel like I deserve special treatment, considering who I represent."
I angle my tablet toward the corridor, already planning my exit line, when a light touch lands on my shoulder.
Thomas.
Calm.Casual.Effortless.
"Hey," he says, eyes on me, tone easy."Brenner's asking about the morning slot.Kat, got a sec?"
I don't reply.Just nod and let him steer me out of the moment.
As we walk away, Felix calls after us, "Guess I'll have to schedule in advance next time!"
Thomas doesn't look back."Exactly," he says.
We pass the mixer tables and slip into the corridor near the stairwell.
Finally, quiet.Just the low hum of distant voices and the soft thud of carpeted steps.
I exhale.Not dramatically, just enough to let my lungs catch up with my spine.
Thomas walks beside me like we've done this a hundred times before.Same pace, same rhythm.He doesn't press.Don't joke.
I stop at the far windows, where the peaks glow faintly under the afternoon light.
He waits, half a step behind.
I don't turn right away.
Then I do.
Arms crossed.Steady voice.
"You didn't have to step in."
“I know.”
"I had it under control."
"You always do."
The silence that follows feels almost honest.
So I ask, "Then why?"
He shrugs."You looked like you shouldn't have had to."
I study him.He's not smirking.Not softened.Just steady.Not expecting anything.
"Fair enough," I say.
Then quieter: "Thanks."
He nods."Don't make a habit of it."
It makes the corner of my mouth twitch before I can stop it.Just barely.
“You still owe me the sit-down,” I say.“Off-script.”
