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Just as I was wrapping up color-coding Mr. Fairchild's schedule for the third time, mostly because reorganizing things was a good distraction from my spiraling thoughts...a sharp knock broke through. I barely had a second to straighten up in my chair before the door creaked open, and chaos, in its most familiar form, rushed in.
Miles burst in first, his loud energy filling the room, a grin so wide it seemed HR might need to step in. He had a paper bag tucked under one arm, almost like he was smuggling snacks. Right behind him was Jessie, much more composed. Her dark curls were neatly pulled back, and her calm gaze was already assessing my face, as if silently checking up on me. Between them, my office felt instantly warmer and way less dreary.
"We come bearing peace offerings," Miles declared cheerfully, plopping down into the chair across from my desk without waiting for an invitation, the bag crinkling noisily as he set it down. "And when I say peace offerings, I mean snacks. Stress burns calories, Theo, and you looked like you were running for your life this morning."
Jessie gently closed the door behind them, placing a neatly packed container on my desk before leaning against the bookshelf, arms crossed. "Just ignore him," she said calmly, though the softness in her tone showed she wasn't really annoyed. "But he's right. You nearly tackled that intern in the hallway, and just five minutes later, you were called into the lion's den."
My shoulders sagged, despite my efforts to appear fine, clearly Jessie had some kind of sixth sense for when I was in distress. "I didn't tackle anyone," I mumbled, reaching for the container she'd brought. "I strategically avoided them."
Miles snorted. "You mean you zigzagged through the hallway like you were possessed? I saw the whole thing. I thought Mr. Fairchild had finally turned to assassin mode."
"That's not funny," I said weakly, though I couldn't help but let my lips twitch.
Jessie tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady and knowing. "So, are you okay? Because from my vantage point, you rushed into the boardroom late, interrupted a presentation, and then got personally escorted to the CEO's office. That's… not exactly your usual routine."
Miles leaned in dramatically, resting his chin on his hands. "Blink twice if you're still employed."
I sighed, rubbing my face with my hand before looking back at them. "I'm alive. Barely and yes, I still have a job."
Miles gasped, clutching his chest. "A miracle."
Jessie smiled faintly, but her eyes were filled with concern. "What happened, Theo?"
I hesitated for just a moment, then leaned back in my chair and let out a breath. "I was late. Again. And Mr. Fairchild noticed. Again."
Miles winced. "Oof."
Jessie clicked her tongue softly. "I figured as much."
"They thought he was going to fire you," Miles chimed in, narrating as if it were a true crime documentary. "We even debated who'd get your desk plant."
"His name is Gerald... you'll be getting him over my dead body," I snapped, then sighed. "And Mr. Fairchild gave me a final warning."
That did it. Jessie straightened, her expression deepening with concern as she moved closer. "A final warning isn't nothing, you know. You've been pushing yourself hard lately."
Miles agreed, surprisingly serious. "Yeah, man. You're usually so reliable and seeing you slip like this is… alarming. Like we should plan an intervention or something."
I let out a laugh, despite the knot in my chest, looking between them and shaking my head. "I'm fine. Just had a rough night. I'll sort it out; I always do."
Jessie didn't push back, but the look she gave me told me she wasn't convinced. She reached out and squeezed my shoulder, warm and grounding. "Just remember you're human, okay? Even the best assistants are allowed to stumble a bit."
Miles raised the snack bag as if toasting. "And that's why we brought carbs. Emotional support carbs. You don't mind the carbs, do you?"
I smiled for real this time, feeling some tension ease as I reached for the bag. Maybe I wasn't completely falling apart just yet. Maybe with friends like these, I'd be alright.
Jessie studied me a moment longer, her brows knitting together like she was about to make a conclusion...not the right one, of course. She crossed her arms gently, leaning slightly on one hip, and sighed like a supportive aunt who was a bit disappointed.
"You know," she said thoughtfully, "maybe you're just burnt out, Theo. You've been going nonstop for years for Mr. Fairchild and the company. It's no wonder you're slipping a bit. Maybe what you need isn't more pressure but a proper break. Something relaxing. A reset."
I opened my mouth to argue, but Miles jumped in, full of enthusiasm.
"Relaxing?" he echoed, his eyes lighting up like Jessie had revealed some secret. "Who needs to relax when you could party?!"
Jessie shot him a look. "I was thinking more like rest, sleep, maybe a spa day."
Miles waved her off dramatically, starting to pace my office as if pitching a business idea. "Okay, hear me out. There's this new nightclub in New Athens that just opened, like, actually good. Amazing drinks, killer music, lights that make you feel like the main character, and the people?" He kissed his fingers. "Top-tier. Besides today is Friday; the universe is practically telling us to unwind."
My stomach dropped. A nightclub was the absolute last place I needed to be. The thought of alcohol, loud music, and bodies pressed too closely made me feel nauseous. I could already feel my anxiety flaring up at the mere thought of it.
But Jessie looked thoughtful, tapping her chin. "Hmm. I won't lie; it's been ages since I actually went out. If it's not too crazy, I might actually enjoy that."
Traitor! Wasn't she supposed to be the calm, sensible one?
Miles snapped his fingers, victorious. "See? Even Jessie's on board."
Then he turned to me, his grin softening. "What about you, Theo? You're kind of a homebody, so no pressure, but it could be good for you."
I choked on air.
A homebody? If only he knew.
I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling as my mind raced through all the reasons this was a terrible idea. Drinks, dancing, flirty vibes, and the undeniable chance I'd wake up regretting every choice I'd made. But then I remembered the stress of the past week weighing on my shoulders. Saying no would just invite more questions.
"It'll be fine," I told myself. As long as I didn't drink too much, or dance too much, or flirt, or sleep with anyone. Which seemed… manageable. Probably.
I exhaled and looked back at them. "Okay," I said, resigned. "I'll go."
Miles practically exploded with excitement. "Yes! Knew it! It's a date, then."
Jessie laughed softly, shaking her head as she grabbed one of the snacks. "Look at us, planning a night out like actual adults."
I forced a smile, already sensing the universe sharpening its knives.
It would be fine.
Absolutely fine.
Nothing could possibly go wrong.