Page 39 of Whispered Promises

“I’m sorry, Peter. I had trouble with my car this morning.” The lie sits like acid on my tongue, and I avoid his gaze so he can’t see through it. Sliding my bag under the desk, I sit in my chair, then start up the laptop in front of me, hoping he’ll see I’m busy and leave.

Instead, he leans against the table, perching far too close for comfort. “You’re on my way here. I can always pick you up and we can car share together.”

It comes out as more of a statement than a question, and I have to fight to suppress the urge to shiver.

I need this job.

“That’s thoughtful, but it’s okay. I can manage,” I respond, opening an email and typing a reply.

Take the hint, please.

“Let me know when you change your mind,” he says, standing and straightening his cuffs.

I blink to hold in my retort. He said when, not if.

“I’ve added a meeting in your diary for later, so I can go through the resumes you screened for the IT PA vacancy and the construction payroll assistant one too. I only had time available at lunch, so we will have to do it then. I’ll order us something.”

He walks off without waiting for my response. I have to take a second to centre myself and let go of the frustration.

I imagine it as a large, writhing, black ball, then stuff the feelings inside a large box, stamping on it for good measure, before mentally flicking the lid closed and locking it tightly.

Exhaling, I open my eyes and force my concentration back on the work I need to do. I finish the email I started, then press send. Grabbing the croissant, I savour it, enjoying the sweet almond paste intertwined with the buttery, flaky pastry.

The next few hours pass easily as I work my way through the to-do list, feeling the satisfaction thrum through me as I tick off each completed task. Then the meeting reminder notification pops up, and my mood plummets as my stomach rumbles.

Great.

Why can’t he just read through the resumes I sent him, then let me know who he wants shortlisted? Why does he have to have a meeting so we can go back through what I’ve already sent him?

It’s pointless and a waste of time.

Breathe, I remind myself, then take a second to ensure the box is locked tight and take a few long exhales.

Checking my phone, I see a couple of message notifications and click on the first one.

SunshineMax

Best friends don’t tease each other like this. What do I have to do to get one of those tasty muffins?

After a morning of work and having to deal with Peter, Max’s message feels like a small burst of sunshine on a drizzly day. Some of my tension fades, and I send a quick response.

Me

I’m sure you can bribe Brynn to make you some. Why would you choose a muffin when you could have a croissant? Far superior and the perfect breakfast option. I can confirm it was buttery and melted in my mouth.

I open the second notification, seeing it’s from Nate.

GymAlpha

Still thinking of you.

A slow, leisurely warmth glides through me. His messages feel so natural and easy. Something I could so easily get used to.

Me

Sorry for not messaging sooner. Work has been busy, and I’m just about to head into a meeting. Hope you’re having a good day. I’ve been thinking about you too

GymAlpha