So I look into her eyes instead and beg her to let me, to ask me. There’s conflict in there for a moment, and I can tell she’s torn. “Not yet,” she whispers, either for herself or me. “And you couldn’t handle meright now,gringo,” she humors, releasing me and straightening up. “My mouth would feel like fire to you.”
She’s probably right, yes. But she’ll forever be the kind of spice I can handle. The kind I’ll always crave. The one I’ve never had to get used to.
The only one I’ll ever need.
During the drive back to Kelex, we debate which programming language is best. Turns out we strongly disagree. I swear by dynamic typing and Python’s flexibility, while Lex prefers the structure and performance of statically typed languages like C++.
“You’re so old school,” I tease. “Next, you’ll tell me you actually like semicolons.”
He scoffs. “Some of us appreciate a little discipline in our syntax. Not everything needs to be loose and freewheeling.”
“Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your ancient C++ while I write readable code.”
By the time we arrive, we still haven’t changed each other’s minds, but we do the mature thing and agree to disagree—even though I know I’m right and he’s wrong.
I’m coming up with a list of arguments in Python’s favor when I reach my desk, right on time for the end of my break. I’m determined to send it to Lex, but a message awaits me when I boot up my computer.
I let out a small sigh of relief and bring my hands to my keyboard.
Kevin Langley: Hey, Andy. Could you come to my office when you’re done with your lunch?
It’s the first time Kevin has summoned me to his office like this, so I can’t help the twinge of fear that sparks in me. I don’t see him as my boss—not as much as I do Lex—but he’s still very much in a position of power. Does he… does he know that Lex and I are reconsidering things? Kate knows, but Lex is much better than me at keeping secrets, so Kev might still be clueless.
Maybe he just wants to see me about my app or something. Yes, that’s probably it. I’m worrying for nothing. I’m still nervous as I walk to his door, and my hand shakes a little when I knock.
“Hi, Andy,”he greets me when I enter.
He stands and joins me as I observe his office, which I’ve never seen before. It’s the same size and configuration as Lex’s but warm and cozy, with woods, colors, and more creative designs.
“Hi,” I salute back once he’s with me.
“How was lunch?”
Fuck, does he know?!“Good, thank you.”
“Please, sit,” he offers. I obey while Kevin settles in the armchair opposite me. His couch is way more comfortable than Lex’s—low, cushiony, and with beautiful colors.
“I see you’re worried about why I’ve asked you here, so I won’t torture you longer. I’m in a pickle, and I need you to do me a favor.”
That definitely doesn’t help clear the air, and I stare at him with even more confusion.
“Do you have any plans next week?” he asks.
“You mean… The whole week, or a day in particular?”
“A big chunk of the week, actually. From Monday to Thursday.”
“I, uh… I don’t think I have anything specific, no. Why?”
“I need you to replace me in Korea.”
My jaw goes slack almost comically. “You—What?” He gives me a little more time to process the information, and when I can finally assemble proper sentences again, I wonder, “Did Lex put you up to this?”
“No, he doesn’t even know I’m asking you.”
“But …why?”
“Well, Michelle isn’t doing too well. She’s been struggling with postpartum depression, and I don’t want to leave her alone if I can help it.”
