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My calm breathing faltered when my eyes landed on the bracelet tied around his wrist. I wouldn’t have expected him to keep it, much less still wear it.
“How about tonight? Over some food?” he asked. “We can get Pad Thai.”
My thoughts flashed to Parker’s smiling face, whether he would understand. I decided against canceling drinks with Parker. I had enough turmoil for one day and had been looking forward to seeing him again. He had been right last night; I was going to need that drink.
“I have plans tonight. Maybe another night.”
I also wasn’t ready to talk to him. Not yet. He eyed me skeptically; it wasn’t like me to have plans during the work week.
“Okay.”
Nathaniel knocked on my door, slowly pushing it open since my blinds were drawn.
“Hey, Erik,” Nathaniel walked in. “Can I get a minute with Blake, please?”
Erik nodded and left without question or argument. His body tensed as he walked past Nathaniel. Nathaniel grabbed my shoulders and looked down at me. We were less than an hour into the day, and I was unraveling.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I shook my head, and he pulled me into a brotherly hug. I had never let my emotions get the better of me at work, so this was uncharted ground for me. I had to figure it out since I promised Connor I could work with Erik.
My confidence was shaken, but I reminded myself that it would all be okay once the initial shock subsided.
“I’m sorry,” I wiped my cheeks. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
“No need to apologize, kid,” he handed me a tissue. “We knew this was going to be hard on you.”
“I overestimated how much I would be able to compartmentalize once I saw him. He wants to talk, but I don’t know if I really have anything to say to him.”
“Blake, after the way things ended between you guys, I agree. I think you need to talk to him. Trust me, you have things to say, and it will be the only way you can truly move forward.”
I sighed. He looked at me. Concern lit up all over his face.
“Look,” he pushed aside big-brother-comforting Nathaniel and became matter-of-fact Nathaniel. “Crying isn’t going to solve anything at the moment, and I won’t allow you to think about this right now. We need superstar Blake to see Erik as nothing more than a coworker. Then, after work, you will have drinks with Parker and let your mind relax for a minute. After that, and only then, you’ll think about Erik. But right now, I need you to do what you do best and be my superstar. Understood?”
I nodded, and he led me through some more deep breathing. Having to do this without him would have been impossible. His words landed harshly, but it was the only way to stop the spiral. He was right. I needed to focus on what I did best.
He walked out of my office, and I took a couple of minutes to breathe on my own. I texted Parker.
Me:I have to give it to you and your premonition powers. I’m going to need ten drinks this afternoon. Get ready for Hurricane Blake coming to you.
Almost immediately, he replied.
Parker:That bad?
Me:Worse than expected. Definitely shaken. Had never cried at work until today.
Parker:Please don’t cry. I really hate the idea of you crying. Anything I can do?
Me:Get me lots of tequila?
Parker:That can certainly be arranged. I’ll also make sure to bring enough tissues.
The little chuckle that escaped me helped me feel a little better.
I started out the kick-off meeting by making sure everyone on the team knew their roles and responsibilities. I would be managing the project as a whole and be the main point of contact for Truly You. Erik would report to me but was still responsible for his portion of the team.
We had twelve weeks to develop and launch the first phase of an incredible campaign for their new line. Later today, Amelia’s team would provide us with their goals and target metrics, which will help us tailor our approach.
