I woke up to the endless chiming of my phone. I yawned and rolled over, grabbing it from the side table. Stretching slightly, I unlocked the screen.
"Huh! no... no.." My eyes widened.
The article I'd thrown together last night had gone viral. 'A taste of Grand,' how the hell did I even think of that?
There's three missed call from my boss, seven from Teejay and five from Stacy.
I inhaled. Exhaled. Inhaled again. Over a million views. Nine hundred thousand comments and lots of repost.
I paced back and forth across the room. "I can't go to work, Mrs Keene is going to kill me," I muttered nervously.
Just then, her call came in. I threw the phone on the bed. "No, I'm not picking up," I whispered, panic rising.
The phone chimed again. A text this time. I opened it.
> Zoey Blossoms, I know you're seeing my calls. Make your way to the office immediately. You have thirty minutes.
"Oh God, please save me. I promise I'll never drink again," I muttered as I ran to the bathroom to freshen up.
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Outside the office, I peeked in before stepping through the door. Everyone was busy with their work. I leaned low, hoping Mrs. Keene wouldn't notice me.
"Zoey Blossoms Faye, you're late." Her voice cut through the room barely halfway inside. "My office, now."
I swallowed hard, my eyes flicking to Teejay who was already staring at me. That's definitely the look of pity. Great.
Inside her office, I stood with my eyes on the floor.
"I'm adding a few extra grands to your pay," she said calmly.
"Okay, ma," I nodded, unsure if I should breathe or run, but I turned around anyway, ready to exit.
"Zoey Blossoms," She called out.
I paused, biting my lips slowly to hide my nervousness before turning around to face her again.
She leaned back on her chair. "I saw the article you posted, It's going viral, our blog is everywhere. That's a win for the organization."
I blinked. "But you just told me you're deducting a few grands from my pay."
"I said I added." She replied.
I paused, trying to process.
"That means you're not mad at me?"
She shook her head. "No."
"Really... not mad?"
"No, Faye."
"Ma, you're not mad at Zoey Blossoms Faye for publishing an article you trashed?" I asked. Just to be sure I'm not being delusional.
She sighed. "Get out of my office."
I turned around immediately. "I knew I heard wrong earlier." I mumbled.
"Zoey, you didn't hear wrong, I'm not mad at you and I'm adding an extra $100 to your pay and no longer cutting a penny." Mrs Keene said.
I looked at her.
"I'm confused."
"You're always confused." She shot, her tone returning to it's normal volume.
"It actually means, you're sorry for all the things you said to me yesterday right?" I inquired not wanting to meet her eyes.
She glared at me.
Spinning around, I rushed off, hearing her chuckle lightly behind me. I exhaled deeply.
Today had to be a good day.
––––––
Back at Millie's, I couldn't stop smiling. The extra hundred dollars would do a lot for me. I swayed gently to the music while cleaning glasses when I heard a customer come in.
I turned around, "Good... oh my God!" I gasped, startled.
Mr Grand.
He just watched me without saying a word.
"Are you stalking me?" The words slipped out quietly from my mouth.
He chuckled softly. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Yeah...I'm surprised. What's Mr Grand doing here?" My eyes darted around.
"I'll attend to him," Teejay said immediately.
"No, it's fine," I said, stepping forward. My eyes didn't leave him as I poured a drink.
His eyes scanned the bar. "You work here too."
"You drink here too." I replied automatically.
He smirked. "I saw the article you posted."
"I'm sorry that was just..."
"I loved it," he cut me off.
I blinked. "Why? There are better articles that actually capture who you really are."
"They just assume they know who I am. You're the first person to truly ask."
I smiled softly because I didn't know what to say.
"What came about the heading? 'A taste of Grand'?" He asked curiously.
I shrugged. "You were the only thing I could think of." The words slipped out.
I shook my head, " No... I meant the heading."
He smiled, " I know what you meant."
My cheeks flushed red.
"Go out with me Zoey."
"Zoey... Blossoms." I stammered, looking anywhere but his.
"Go on a date with me, ask as many questions as you want, make as many articles as you want... I don't mind."
I exhaled. "Ohhh... you want another interview."
"No," he smirked. "I want you."
I blinked. Tilted my head. Shrugged. Searching for something...anything to say.
He slid a business card across the counter. "Call me," he said with a smile.
"I have work."
His gaze lingered, "Tomorrow's sunday."
Then he bit his bottom lip slightly.
A sharp gasp escaped me before I could stop it, heat rushing to my cheeks. He caught it, of course, and his smile deepened. Without another word, he turned and walked out, his presence still thick in the air long after he left.
My hand hovered over the card, but I didn't touch it. Not yet. My heart was still remembering how to beat.
Teejay appeared at my side.
"What does he want?" he asked. Then his gaze fell on the counter. "Is that his card?"
I snatched it up before he could reach.
"He came to have a drink," I said, forcing my voice steady.
Teejay studied me, his brow furrowed. "Why are you like that? Why are you tensed? What were you guys talking about?"
"Teejay," I shot tiredly.
"You like him," Teejay blurted.
I glared at him, my pulse thudding so loud I could barely hear the music.
He laughed. "Relax, I was teasing."
I exhaled slowly.
Because an insane part of me had taken it seriously.