Isla's POV
I stepped out of Patel Dynamics into the cool evening air, the city lights already bright around me. My legs felt steady now after the short conversation with Mr. Patel. That slight teasing comment about "Sir" had made my stomach flip, but I pushed the thought down hard and focused on walking to the bus stop. No more getting carried away tonight.
The ride home was quiet. I sat near the window, watching the streets pass by, and pulled out my phone. Work was done for the day, but I needed to hear a familiar voice. Someone who knew the real me.
I dialed Lena first. She was my oldest friend from back home the one person who had never treated me differently after I told her about my HIV. We had met in high school, and she had stuck by me through all the verbal bullying and lonely days.
The phone rang twice before she picked up. "Isla! Finally! How was the fancy new job? Tell me everything."
I smiled as I leaned my head against the bus window. "It was… eventful. First day I bumped into this rude woman in killer heels who called me a bitch. Then I slipped and fell right in front of the CEO like a total clown. Papers everywhere. Skirt riding up. Pure disaster."
Lena burst out laughing. "No way! Did he laugh?"
"He was surprisingly nice about it. Helped pick up my papers. But I kept calling him 'Sir' like an idiot. It just slipped out." I lowered my voice so the other passengers wouldn't hear. "And today he asked me to be his personal assistant for a business trip to Tokyo next week. I volunteered so fast everyone looked shocked."
"Tokyo? With the CEO? Girl, that sounds intense. Is he hot?"
I hesitated, feeling my cheeks warm even though no one could see me. "Yeah… he's really good-looking. Tall, sharp jaw, always in these perfect suits. Cold on the outside but he seems caring in his own way. Hardworking too. The whole office gets quiet when he walks in."
Lena made a low whistle. "Sounds dangerous. You be careful, okay? Don't let the fancy job and hot boss make you forget who you are. And… have you told him yet?"
My stomach tightened. "No. Not yet. It's only day two. I'm there to work. Besides, you know how it goes. Once they find out, things change."
"I know," she said softly. "But you're smart, funny, and tougher than anyone I know. If he's worth anything, he'll see that. Just don't rush into anything that hurts you."
We talked for a few more minutes about her day and silly stories from our old neighborhood. Hearing her voice made the weight on my chest feel lighter. She reminded me I wasn't completely alone.
When I got home to my small apartment, I kicked off my shoes and changed into comfortable clothes. I took out my pill case, swallowed tomorrow's dose early just to be safe, and set the alarm on my phone. Biktarvy every day no skipping, no forgetting. It kept my viral load undetectable, which meant I couldn't pass it on, but I still lived carefully. Always had.
Before bed, I sent a quick text to my other close friend, Mia. She was the funny one who always made me laugh even on bad days.
Isla: First two days at the new job were wild. Slipped in front of the CEO. Volunteered to go to Tokyo with him as his assistant. How's your week going?
Mia replied almost immediately.
Mia: TOKYO?! With the boss?! Spill the tea right now. Is he single? Is he nice? And please tell me you didn't actually fall on your butt in front of him.
I laughed softly and typed back.
Isla: I did fall. Papers flying, me on the floor, calling him "Sir" like a weirdo. He's cold but friendly. Very hardworking. The trip is for business, nothing else. I'm just excited for the opportunity.
Mia: Sure, sure. "Nothing else." Just don't come back married or something. And remember, you're amazing. Anyone who can't see that doesn't deserve you.
Her words made my eyes sting a little. I replied with a heart emoji and put the phone down.
Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling. The friends I had were small in number, but they were real. They knew about my illness and stayed anyway. That mattered more than anything.
Still, as I closed my eyes, Davis Patel's face kept appearing in my mind. The way he had noticed when I squeezed my legs together yesterday. The firm way he spoke about expectations. The quiet "Good work" today.
I turned onto my side and pulled the blanket higher.
I was bold. I was funny. I was hardworking. And I wouldn't let a crush or whatever this was make me forget the reality of my life.
But deep down, a tiny part of me wondered what it would feel like if someone like him chose to stay anyway.