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“You’re here early,” I poked my head in.
He stood at his desk, staring at the computer screen. He was also sharply dressed. A perfectly tailored jacket contoured his broad shoulders. His pants clung to his toned legs, ending at spotless white shoes. The shades of gray of the coat and pants differed, telling me it wasn’t a matching set. His hair was styled slicked back in his typical fashion. His usual cocky grin was replaced by a troubled look as he tapped his fingers on the wood.
“You look nice today,” I complimented him, trying to ease his mood. “Are you okay?”
“Thanks, kid. I’m fine, just a little anxious.”
“Is that why you’re here so early?”
“Yeah, I’ve been up since four. I couldn’t sleep. This is my biggest deal ever, and with the promotion almost at my fingertips, I’m feeling the pressure.”
“Wow, it’s almost like you’re a normal person, not a sales machine.”
“Hey, I have feelings. Not many, but they’re there.”
“Relax. You did your part. Let me worry about mine. I will not let you down, I promise. After this, we’ll truly be a force to be reckoned with.”
“You’re going to do an incredible job, kiddo. I know you are, even if I sounded unsure the other day. You know… I mess with you often, but I’m glad we’re friends, Blake. I’m not sure I’d be half as successful without you.”
“Aw! That’s so sweet,” I smiled. “Look at you, showing your feelings again! The sentiment is mutual for sure.”
“If you tell anyone I’m nice to you, I’ll deny it.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Oh, the love of your life is coming by to drop off muffins in a couple of hours.”
His eyes lit up with excitement. He fiddled with the edges of his jacket. It was always heartwarming to see him flustered around Gabby and see how much he felt for her.
“You also look great today, by the way. Erik will take one look at you and regret letting you walk away.”
“That’s what Gabby said. Honesty moment? I think I’m trying to impress everyone. I want people to feel confident in me; I’ve never had that feeling before. On the inside, I want to crawl into bed and hide. On the outside…I’m cool as a cucumber.”
He stifled a laugh. “You’re going to blow everyone away, kid. Today is going to be great.”
“Ah, the day is young. A lot can still go wrong.”
“Don’t be so negative. Do you have plans tonight? Maybe the three of us can get a drink and either celebrate a great kick-off or drown our sorrows in discounted margaritas.”
“Actually…as much as I appreciate the offer…I’m having drinks with Parker after work.”
Nathaniel’s smirk matched the one Gabby gave me during dinner last night.
“Seems like the handsome gym stranger has you captivated.”
“I’ve had a lot of fun with him, and it’s temporary, so there’s no chance of it interfering with my long-term goal of ruling the marketing world. I’m finally listening to Gabby.”
“You’re taking life advice from her? I love the woman more than life itself, and you know that, but I’d tread carefully around her advice.”
Nathaniel knew how much of a wildcard Gabby could be better than anyone.
“She just said I need to start living my life more, so I’ve decided to do that. I’m letting Parker show me a fun time while he’s here.”
“As long as you’re happy, I’m in your corner. I like him. He was cool to hang out with.”
“Thanks. I’m going to get settled in for the day and pray to every single deity I can think of that today goes well.”
As I walked out of his office, a similar list to earlier flashed in my mind, reminding me that my brain was still generating worst-case scenarios. These were tailored to seeing the California team.
I could break down and cry at the mere sight of Erik. That would be deeply concerning and embarrassing.
