Starting to Settle In
890 Words
The first week at her new job passed faster than Savannah expected.
There was a rhythm to the office that took some getting used to.
Emails.
Meetings.
Deadlines.
Coffee breaks that somehow turned into ten-minute discussions about campaigns.
And more information than Savannah could absorb in a single day.
Still, she loved it.
For the first time, she wasn't working simply because she needed the money.
She was doing something she had actually studied for.
Something that challenged her.
Something that made her feel like all those exhausting years at university had been worth it.
Felicia had been exactly as encouraging as she had seemed during the interview.
She gave Savannah room to learn without constantly reminding her that she was new.
By Friday afternoon, Savannah had already contributed ideas to two campaigns and helped rewrite a piece of promotional content that Felicia had liked enough to use.
"You have a good instinct for this," Felicia told her that afternoon.
Savannah smiled.
"I'm still figuring everything out."
"That's normal."
Felicia closed the folder in front of her.
"Don't lose that uncertainty completely. Sometimes it's what makes people ask better questions."
Savannah nodded.
"I'll remember that."
Felicia smiled before returning to her work.
Savannah glanced across the office.
She had seen Damien several times throughout the week.
Never for long.
He seemed to move constantly between meetings, offices, and phone calls.
Sometimes she would catch sight of him through the glass walls of a conference room, speaking with someone while studying a document.
Other times he would appear beside Felicia's desk, exchange a few quiet words, and disappear again.
She still wasn't entirely sure what his role was.
Everyone seemed to know who he was, though.
And everyone seemed to be careful around him.
Not afraid.
Just... respectful.
Savannah had decided it wasn't her business.
She had enough to worry about.
Like finding her place in the company.
And like figuring out why she still thought about a certain black card far more often than she wanted to admit.
She had kept Brian's number.
She hadn't called him.
Not once.
But she hadn't thrown it away either.
That annoyed her more than it should have.
She was packing her handbag when her phone buzzed.
Savannah glanced down.
An unknown number.
She hesitated before answering.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Savannah."
Her stomach tightened.
She knew that voice.
"Ethan."
There was a brief silence.
"I've been trying to reach you."
She closed her eyes.
"I've been busy."
"I know."
His voice sounded different.
Less confident.
"I'm sorry about what happened."
Savannah didn't answer immediately.
She had spent the last few days trying not to replay that night.
"I shouldn't have pressured you."
"No," she said quietly. "You shouldn't have."
"I know."
Another silence.
"I just wanted to see if you're okay."
"I'm okay."
"Are you sure?"
Savannah looked around the office.
The last few employees were beginning to leave.
"I'm fine, Ethan."
"Where are you?"
She frowned.
"Why?"
"I just wanted to know."
She didn't like the question.
"I'm working."
"Already?"
"Yes."
He laughed quietly.
"You always did work hard."
Something about the familiarity in his voice made her uncomfortable.
"Ethan, I have to go."
"Wait."
She stopped.
"What?"
"I really am sorry."
Savannah looked down at her handbag.
Part of her still remembered the Ethan she had trusted for years.
But another part remembered the person chasing after her through those dark streets.
"Goodbye, Ethan."
She ended the call.
For several seconds, she stood completely still.
Then she exhaled.
She needed to stop letting him take up space in her head.
Savannah slipped her phone into her handbag and headed toward the elevators.
She didn't notice the man standing several feet away.
Damien had just stepped out of a conference room.
He watched her disappear through the elevator doors.
His expression remained thoughtful.
He had noticed the change in her face when she'd ended the call.
And although he had no idea who had been on the other end...
He knew something had upset her.
---
Outside, Savannah stepped onto the pavement and took a deep breath.
The evening air was cool.
She looked up at the city lights.
This was her life now.
New job.
New apartment.
New city.
She should have been happy.
And she was.
Mostly.
Her phone buzzed again.
This time, the message came from a number she recognized immediately.
Brian: How are you settling in?
Savannah stared at the screen.
She hadn't given him her number.
She had called him.
Of course he had it.
She typed a response, erased it, then typed another.
Savannah: I'm doing okay. I started my new job.
The reply came surprisingly quickly.
Brian: Good. I was hoping you would.
She smiled despite herself.
Then another message appeared.
Brian: Do you like it?
Savannah hesitated.
Savannah: I think I do.
A pause.
Then:
Brian: That's what matters.
She looked at the message for several seconds.
There was something strangely comforting about talking to him.
Even when he said so little.
She slipped her phone into her pocket.
She didn't notice the dark car parked across the street.
Or the man inside watching the entrance to her building.
Brian hadn't come to interfere.
Not tonight.
He had simply wanted to make sure she was safe.
And as Savannah disappeared inside, he finally started the engine.
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