9-5 Love

OFF HOURS

Working with Dylan was a struggle. The first two weeks were particularly challenging, as Dylan continued to be a thorn in my side. Normally, I had Tuesdays and Fridays off when working with Mr. Devon Black, but Dylan, his son, insisted that I take an additional day off. However, I couldn't afford to do so, as I needed those days for my college commitments. So, Dylan compromised by allowing me to do as I pleased in the mornings, which meant Esther covered the morning shift from 9 AM to 12 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I would come to work after studying at the library. As a result, I still didn't have a full working week, and it was stressful to go straight to work after studying without any break.

"Hello? I have been calling you for God knows how long, didn't you hear?"

I slowly tilted my head away from my laptop and saw Dylan standing in front of me, he was looking as rough as always. With his tie not straightened and his shirt out of his pants.

"I'm sorry about that. I must have been busy with something else" I said looking down at the papers piled up on my desk. " So what is it you wanted?"

That was the only question I had for him anytime he called me, that was his attitude. Calling me whenever he needed something. It was weird that the relationship between a CEO and his assistant was awkward. He never called me for work purposes and I had started hating him with each passing day.

"Is there anything else I need to do here?" He asked running his hands through my pen cup.

"I'm sorry sorrry. I don't understand you quiet well"

"You're my assistant. What else do_ do I have to do here for the day?"

"I wonder if you would really be proud of what you do here. And I also wonder if your father didn't teach you anything about work or you were too busy partying " i retorted back at him, feeling a rising anger in me.

"Partying? Is that what you think I'm all about?" He asked thrusting his hands into the air.

"Well, yeah" I shrugged leaning back in my chair. "You've been late everyday of the week, you changed my work days, you don't take any of your appointments seriously"

"You think I wanted any of this? My dad literally didn't tell me that in twenty four, I'll be running a multi- billionaire company all by myself, so I'm sorry if you don't like anything i do" He said, looking nervous.

"You know what? Do whatever you want, I just hope your father will be proud of you wherever he is". I said standing up.

Dylan's expression revealed his surprise, while I felt a twinge of guilt for mentioning his father. But I couldn't bring myself to care - he was causing problems for everyone in the company, and someone needed to hold him accountable. I gathered my laptop and exited the office, catching a glimpse of shame on his face as I left. Exactly what he needed to feel.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but think that it was about time someone stood up to him. His constant mistakes and lack of effort were affecting the entire team, and it was only a matter of time before things came to a head. I was just glad I had finally found the courage to speak up and put him in his place.

The hallway seemed to stretch on forever as I made my way back to my own office, my mind replaying the confrontation. I couldn't help but wonder what Dylan's next move would be, but I was determined to be ready for whatever came next.

Standing in front of the building, I let out a deep sigh. My phone rang." Hey girl, I was just about to call you".

"Well, seems you're out of work" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm literally trying to flag down a cab now, you home?"

"Yeah. I'm here with Jane. Was thinking we'd go out and grab dinner".

"Perfect! I'll see you guys there in twenty, just text me the location".

I hopped into a cab and headed downtown to meet Laura at the little bar she had chosen. We both preferred places that were off the beaten path, with a relaxed atmosphere and a hint of activity. And this bar fit the bill perfectly - quiet, cozy, and with just the right amount of buzz.

As I walked in, I spotted Laura sitting at the bar, sipping a drink and chatting with the bartender. She smiled and waved me over, and I made my way through the dimly lit room, taking in the soft music and the murmur of conversations. The air was thick with the smell of whiskey and wood polish, and I felt a sense of comfort wash over me as I slid onto the stool beside her.

"Finally! Twenty minutes. Almost an hour!" Laura said Rolling her eyes.

"Come on Laura, it can happen" Jane said from behind me.

Jane, a restaurant colleague and close friend of Laura's, exuded a unique blend of rugged charm and feminine grace. Her vibrant red hair, styled in a sleek bun, accentuated her striking features. A smattering of freckles across her long face added a touch of whimsy, while her smooth skin and sparkling eyes radiated a warm, effortless beauty. Jane's fashion sense was decidedly laid-back, with a penchant for comfortable, androgynous attire that belied her feminine face and hair. The result was a refreshing, modern look that was equal parts stylish and relatable.

As she expertly juggled taking orders and serving dishes with a warm, friendly smile, Jane's effortless confidence and natural charisma drew customers in. Her easygoing nature and quick wit made her a favorite among regulars, who appreciated her genuine interest in their lives and her ability to remember their names and favorite dishes. Despite her tomboyish style, Jane had a soft spot for romance and a deep empathy for those around her, making her a beloved fixture in the restaurant's tight-knit community.

"Okay fine" Laura replied and turned her head swiftly at me "what on earth if going on girl?"

"Huh?" I asked as I squinted my eyebrows.

"Seriously, you're always a homebody, and I have to practically drag you out of the house! Now, all of a sudden, you're eager to hit the bars? What's gotten into you?"

"Yeah. Laura's right on that one?"

I let out a deep sigh and slumped against the bar, surrendering to my exhaustion. "Get me a drink and I'll tell you all about it," I said, my voice laced with a hint of desperation. And once I had my trusty vodka and lime in hand, I launched into the saga of my disastrous week with Dylan - the highs, the lows, and the utter chaos in between.

"It's almost as if I have to carry the whole company on my shoulders" I told them.

"Are you really into the job?" Jane Inquired .

I shook my head, my eyes filled with a mix of frustration and loyalty. "Believe me, there have been times I wanted to walk away, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Henry had faith in me, and I feel like I owe it to him to stick around and prevent Dylan from ruining everything he built. Plus, Henry invested in me, and I'd feel like I'm turning my back on him if I left now."

Yeah, but Dylan sounds like a total sleazeball, Kieran said, his tone laced with skepticism. "I mean, I didn't exactly follow his every move in the news, but I remember hearing about all the shady stuff he's done. What's to say he won't just keep on screwing things up and dragging everyone down with him?"

"Let's talk about something else, Dylan is a bad egg" I said gulping down the last content of my drink.

"Yeah, anything except boys. I think we all have a lot going on in our love lives" Jane said brushing my hands.

I knew exactly what she was getting at. They loved to dredge up my past relationship with Tarly, but I wasn't having it. Tarly and I went our separate ways last year, and for good reason. His self-centeredness was suffocating. To make a long story short, he got accepted into university and decided it would be "best" for us to break up so he could pursue his dreams without any "distractions." That's when it hit me - he wasn't willing to put in the effort to make our relationship work. I saw a future with us, but Tarly's priorities lay elsewhere.

"'You know what, Laura? I think it's time you found yourself a man,' I said with a sly grin. "I'm done being the only one living vicariously through you".

Jane chuckled in agreement. "She's right, you can't just sit around sulking when you could be out there taking action and meeting new people.' Laura shot us both a stern look before standing up abruptly.

'Fine, let's go out then! Let's hit a club and meet some new guys. I'm not going to meet anyone here,' she said, scanning the half-empty bar filled with couples and married men.

'You want me to put myself out there? Then let's do it!' Jane enthusiastically agreed, downing her drink and standing up. Laura turned to me with a persuasive smile.

"Come on, Emma, I know you hate clubs, but it's for me, your best friend. Just this once, please?"

We hailed a cab to one of Laura's favorite haunts, a club where she had met a few guys before. I, on the other hand, avoided clubs like the plague - too crowded, too loud, and utterly chaotic. But tonight, I made an exception for Laura, my best friend and partner in crime.

As we walked in, the music was already pulsating, and the red spotlights cast an eerie glow over the dance floor. The club was still filling up, but over the next hour, it became packed with people eager to let loose and have a good time. Lauea scanned the room, her eyes fixed on the entrance, searching for her perfect match.

"Hey, what about him?" she asked, nodding towards a guy who had just walked in. Jane and I exchanged a skeptical look. "Uh-uh, honey, he's taken," Jane said, gesturing to the girl by his side. Laura's face fell, but she didn't give up. She was on a mission to find someone special, and she wasn't going to let a little setback like that stop her.

"How about...him?" She pointed to a guy dancing in the crowd, his moves smooth and confident. Jane and I shared a knowing glance. "Definitely not interested in women," we said in unison, making Laura raise an eyebrow. "Really?" she asked Jane, who nodded in confirmation. Laura huffed, then suddenly perked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Wait, what about...him?" She pointed to another guy across the room, this one leaning against the bar, looking like a total bad boy. His dark hair was messy, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to be scanning the room for someone to catch his eye. Laura's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself scanning the crowd, hoping she'd find what she was looking for. Little did I know, the night was only just beginning, and we were all in for a wild ride.

"Well...now you're talking, Jane said slowly, his eyes fixed on the guy Laura was eyeing. I followed her gaze and spotted him too. He wasn't too bad looking, with his brown hair styled perfectly, complete with blonde highlights. His fashion sense was on point, and he carried himself with confidence, like he was trying to make a statement. He was exactly Laura's type - charming, stylish, and charismatic.

Just as I was about to nod my approval, I noticed something that made my heart sink. Oh no, I breathed out, my eyes fixed on the guy he was with. Laura's head snapped towards me, her eyes wide with concern.

What? Do you know him? she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

I shook my head, my eyes still fixed on the guy. "I don't know him, but I know the guy he's with".