Apparently, I wasn't going to meet my manager just yet. Ethan mentioned he was away on an urgent business trip, so our first introduction would likely happen tomorrow or perhaps the day after. Because of that, my first day was surprisingly relaxed. The core team consisted of about twelve people, and thankfully, the colleagues neighbouring my cubicle were incredibly welcoming.
I was flanked by two guys, but directly across from me sat a very stylish girl with impeccably manicured nails.
"Layna, you're very lucky to arrive at this time of year. It's the season when the office drama finally settles down," Ben, the neighbour to my left, remarked. He was leaning back in his chair, looking entirely laid back while sipping a steaming cup of coffee. He winced suddenly, burning his tongue in his haste to dish out the local gossip. "Ah! Mmm—uff! Bloody hell, this is hot. Phew!"
"Are you okay? Do you want me to grab you some water?" I asked, leaning over the partition.
"Oh, no dear, I'm alright. This happens to me all the time," he laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "I have a bit of a cat tongue and I always forget. But as I was saying, you're very lucky. We've just cleared a massive deadline, so you'll be able to take your time and learn the ropes peacefully around here."
"He's right. I envied you the moment you walked in, Layna," Tyler added from my right. He looked like he was vibrating on a frequency of pure exhaustion, sporting massive dark circles that even his thick-rimmed glasses couldn't hide. "When I first started, a huge corporation requested a total brand renewal because they'd changed owners. Gosh—just thinking about that workload makes me want to kill myself."
"Oh. I guess I really am lucky then," I replied with a small laugh.
The two of them were incredibly warm, helping me navigate the systems even though my task list was light. Everything went well. Truly well. My first day at work finished successfully without me collapsing from a lack of sleep.
I'm liking this place already. It did get busy over the next few days, but people are mostly nice. If they aren't, I simply ignore them and focus on doing my work to the best of my ability.
I find myself reflecting on this now that I'm slowly settling into the routine. Thankfully, I haven't had any negative interactions that would make me dislike the environment. As the days have slipped by, I've grown much closer to the guys in the office.
"I know," Ben trilled, his voice lilting with a hint of drama. "When I started working here, I had to buy an entirely new wardrobe because of the company's formality. It was awful having to blow my first paycheck on blazers and slacks—but it was worth it. I swear."
He was responding to my story about how Sophie had been acting as my personal stylist, lending me clothes since I didn't have anything professional to wear.
"Yeah, I think I'll have to do the same eventually," I admitted. "My friend lent me these pieces, but I can't keep them forever. She didn't exactly do it for free, either. I'm sure there's a catch."
"Oh, then it's best if you return them as soon as you're able to. I've seen girls end decade-long friendships over borrowed clothes. You should be careful."
"Pff," I scoffed, a small, dismissive sound escaping my lips. "I don't think that will happen in my case, but thanks for the warning. I'll probably buy her a few new pieces as a thank you. Who would actually end a friendship over a dress? Sounds a bit cra—"
"Patricia did." Ben cut me off mid-word, his eyes widening as he gestured toward the stylish girl sitting across from us. "Right? It was with your childhood friend, wasn't it, Patricia? That's why you cut ties?"
"Yeah. That b*tch," Patricia replied coldly. Her expression soured instantly at the memory, and she suddenly punched her desk in a fit of lingering rage. "I kept thinking I had goblins in my house hiding my stuff. But it was her! That darn b*tch! She stole my most expensive designer dresses and then went on a date with the guy I liked to top it all off! Darn Molly—I swear she owes me several grand if I count the years we were friends."
"It's a sensitive topic. Let's not dig into the wound any further," Ben whispered cautiously. He gave me a pointed tilt of his head, silently highlighting the heroic save he'd made by interrupting me before I called the situation 'crazy.'
I nodded in frantic agreement, feeling truly grateful. The force with which she'd hit the desk made my own monitor tremble. As we tried to steer the conversation toward safer waters, Tyler finally shuffled back to his desk. He was dragging his feet, looking more like a zombie than a marketing professional. Lunchtime had finally arrived.
"Guys—food."
"Dude, why are you so pale? Did you meet the devil in the breakroom?" Ben asked, sounding genuinely annoyed by Tyler's ghostly pallor.
"I'm just so hungry," Tyler groaned.
"Haha, let's just go before Tyler actually faints," I suggested, grabbing my bag.
"I'm dying—but I can't go yet. I have to finish these samples before four o'clock."
"Me too. Count me out," Patricia added, her anger at Molly replaced by the crushing weight of her to-do list.
"I actually have to archive these documents," Ben sighed, looking apologetic. "Could you go ahead and save us a seat in the canteen, Layna? I'm sorry about this."
"It's fine. Drink some water first, Tyler. I feel like you've turned into a dry branch." I handed him a fresh bottle of water, feeling a pang of sympathy. He was clearly struggling with a nasty bout of insomnia.
"Thank you. I'll drink it slowly."
Leaving the exhausted trio behind, I headed toward the elevators to secure a table at the staff canteen. My timing was perfect. After a month on the job, I'd realised that beating the rush was the only way to survive. When the clock hit one, a literal flood of people descended upon the canteen and the local cafes.
"It's still early, so I won't be smashed by a crowd today—I hope." I pressed the elevator button and offered a small prayer to the glowing red floor indicator above the doors.
I felt a prickle of nerves, as I've always hated cramped spaces. When the doors slid open to reveal a mostly empty elevator, a wave of relief washed over me.
"Good afternoon!" I chirped as I stepped inside, greeting the man and woman already standing there.
"Good afternoon." The man checked his wristwatch and returned my greeting almost reluctantly. The woman standing slightly behind him merely offered a curt nod.
I caught a glimpse of them in the polished metal of the elevator walls after I pressed the button for the second floor. A cold, oppressive vibe began to radiate from them, making the small space feel suddenly very tight. My heart began to drum against my ribs. To distract myself, I stared intently at the floor numbers counting down. The more time passed, the more I felt like I was sharing a lift with high-ranking executives I'd failed to recognise.
The elevator went straight to my floor without stopping. As soon as the doors parted, I rushed out, throwing a hasty farewell over my shoulder.
"See ya!" I squeaked, my voice tight with nerves. I was halfway down the hall when a deep voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Wait."
I heard the heavy thud of a hand blocking the closing doors. Ugh! Damn it. Please, let him not be a big shot. Please, please, please!
"Yes, Sir?" I turned back slowly, cursing my luck.
I met the man's eyes for a moment—a moment that stretched out far too long. My mind went completely blank, the air in the hallway suddenly feeling very thin.
Oh my god.
"Are you a new employee in the Marketing department?" he asked.
It's Xavier.