The table explodes with laughter.
i want to disappear. My chest feels tight, and the sudden memory of the way he smelled like cedar and rain outside the gate yesterday floods my senses.
Nadia just raises an eyebrow, sliding a napkin across the table for my spilled coffee.
Priya sits back, satisfied. "You're red."
I want to disappear. I want to rewind to last night and delete the text.
I want to go back to the version of this conversation where I was still in control.
I furiously dab at the spill. "I am flushed from the stress of a compromised timeline."
"You're flushed because the guy with the excellent bone structure is actually good at his job," Liv corrects.
"Fine." I toss the napkin down, my voice coming out tight
"Fine." My voice comes out tight. Defensive. "Yes. He's attractive. Once. Maybe twice. I noticed."
He saw the sightlines to the waterfront. That’s the value he brings.
"It doesn't matter if he's attractive," I say it firmly. Like that will make it true. "Working with him is going to be chaos."
Liv's still grinning. "Chaos how?"
Facts. I can do facts.
"He changes camera angles without asking. He adds shots that weren't on my list. He told me my four-year running schedule might not be as reliable as I think."
Priya's grin fades. Her arms uncross. "Does he ignore your shot lists or does he improve them?"
I freeze. That's what I've been avoiding all weekend.
That's the part I didn't want to say out loud.
"He... improves them."
He was right.
My throat tightens. "But he doesn't ask first. He just does it."
Liv nods slowly, a smile spreading across her face. "So he's not chaotic. He's confident."
She pauses and lets that sit for half a second.
"And you're used to people waiting for your permission." Nadia adds. Her voice may be quieter than Liv's, but her point feels sharper.
"And now you're attracted to someone who doesn't." Priya smirks.
My stomach drops. I shake my head. "I'm not—it's professional. I'm processing friction."
Priya doesn't buy it. She never does.
"You texted for a vote. What's the question?"
I exhale. My hands are wrapped around my coffee cup. I don't remember picking it up.
"We have to prep a joint Board presentation every Wednesday before the Thursday meetings. I'm drafting the structure tonight to make sure we're aligned."
