As the blaring alarm pierced through the room, Maya groggily reached out for her phone, hastily silencing it. As she tilted the screen to her face, her eyes widened in realization - she was running late and needed to get a move on. With thoughts of her conversation with Jesse still swirling in her mind, a smile crept across her lips, energizing her for the day ahead.
Deciding to keep it to herself for the time being, Maya gathered her composure and embarked on her journey to work. However, upon arriving at the office, she was taken aback to find Cherry waiting at the entrance. The sight of her friend standing there, wearing a frown, raised immediate concern in Maya. Why would Cherry be waiting for her, especially since she was only about 20 minutes late?
Approaching Cherry with a mix of curiosity and worry, Maya couldn't help but inquire, "Hey Cherry, what happened? Bad date last night?" Her attempt at lightening the mood fell short as Cherry's face remained serious.
In a rush of urgency, Cherry pulled Maya closer, holding both of her shoulders as she started. "Maya, something has happened. A memo was just released a few minutes ago, and you're being called to a disciplinary hearing," Cherry explained, her voice tinged with concern.
"What?" Maya's bewilderment was evident as she tried to process the unexpected turn of events. A disciplinary hearing? But what could it possibly be about? Her mind raced, desperately trying to make sense of the situation. She had slapped Anthony for harassing her but it couldn't be really because of that right?
Taking a moment to compose herself, Maya began recounting the incident between her and Anthony to Cherry as they made their way toward their office. Each step forward felt heavy, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. And as they reached the door, there stood Anthony, his face marked by a bruise and his arm cradled in a sling.
A chilling whisper escaped Anthony's lips as Maya and Cherry passed by, "You're in for it now."
The prick had done it, he had caused trouble for her. His actions cemented retaliation, Maya wouldn't take this lying down. As they entered the office eyes locked into their direction, some in glee, some in curiosity, and some in genuine worry.
The disciplinary hearing was a blur, Maya had faced her bosses with determination etched on her face, but she knew this wasn't going to be easy. She had tried to explain herself but it had all been for naught.
"Violence towards coworkers will never be tolerated."
"This is not the correct behavior for our work environment."
"You have disrupted a peaceful workplace and turned it into a toxic environment."
The outcome had already been decided even before she had entered the room. Maya was facing a suspension, along with a forced public apology to their coworkers and to her victim. Cherry had tried to stand up for her, telling anyone who would listen that Maya was not that kind of person. But, to their bosses, an example had to be made.
Maya's years of work in their company had been invalidated, and her reputation – tarnished. So in a show of rebellion, Maya made her decision. She would quit. Here and now, and get even later on.
"Maya, are you sure about this?" Cherry asked as she followed Maya who had stormed outside the office after declaring to her bosses that she was leaving
"Yes, I'm not going to stay in a corrupted environment like that," Maya replied, she wasn't going to stay in an environment ruled by nepotism. She knew that the only reason she was being treated like that was because Anthony complained to the right people, about how he got the bruise and a broken arm she didn't care. But she was going to get even someday.
"Well, if you're leaving them I'm joining you," Cherry whispered, causing Maya's eyes to widen.
"What do you mean? You're up for a promotion soon!" Maya questioned.
"I know, but I want to enjoy my life too. That's why I kept denying the promotion. If I take it I'll be more busy and less free to enjoy myself." Cherry replied, smiling as she took off her necktie and threw it to a nearby trash can for effect. "Besides, I have always wanted to be a food blogger, and with the audience I have reading my weekly posts I think I can do it," she added.
With tears forming in her eyes Maya pulled Cherry into a squeezing hug. No words needed to be said anymore as the two friends enjoyed each other's company and with a nod to each other the two friends walked away from the suffocating walls of their previous job and onwards to a better future.
-Break-
As the aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air, Jesse and Maya found themselves seated across from each other at a cozy pizza place in Los Angeles. The casual ambiance and the delightful display of various pizza toppings set the stage for their first date. Maya's eyes lit up as she perused the menu, her gaze lingering on the pineapple-topped options.
Jesse couldn't resist starting the conversation with a playful jab. "Okay, that's just not right."
Maya chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean? It's so good, even Marvin here agrees, right Marv?"
"Damn right!" The words carried from the open kitchen across from where they were seated.
"Nonono, there are just some things that don't go together, and pineapples on pizza don't," Jesse complained much to Maya's amusement.
"Okay, Marvin's Hawaiian is the best benchmark you're gonna get, so suck it up and take a bite." Maya reasoned.
"...Fine." Jesse sighed as he prepared himself to take a bite.
She watched with bated breath as Jesse prepared to take a bite of the controversial pizza. After savoring the flavors for a moment, Jesse sighed and put down the slice. Maya held her breath, waiting for his verdict.
"I'm sorry, Maya, this just isn't for me," Jesse admitted, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "It's a good pizza though, a shame pineapples ruined it."
Maya shrugged playfully. "Well, more for me then." She reached over and snagged the remaining slice from Jesse's plate. "How about this, what's your favorite pizza then?"
Jesse contemplated for a moment before answering, "If I had to pick, I think it would be a creamy spinach pizza."
"Now that's just lame everybody likes that." Maya booed playfully as she enjoyed the rest of the pineapple pizza.
Their lighthearted banter continued throughout the evening as they enjoyed their meal, exchanging stories and discovering shared interests. Maya couldn't help but find herself drawn to Jesse's warm personality and genuine charm. The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and genuine connection.
Maya would deny it but she enjoyed how she was when she was with Jesse. She could express herself as much as she could and Jesse would reciprocate and take her as she was.
"So how's the job hunt going?" Jesse asked. Maya had been avoiding that topic for a while.
Maya's face fell as she sighed, her frustration was evident. "Not too well. There aren't any companies looking for accountants at this time of the year, and the freelance market is very saturated. I doubt I'll be able to break into it without any prior contacts."
Jesse leaned closer, his voice gentle and sincere. "How about you come work with me?"
Maya's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing at the unexpected offer. "What?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and intrigue.
Jesse explained his situation, sharing how the cafe was growing busier and he needed more help. He had even put up an ad in front of the cafe to find additional staff. "I kind of need more people at the shop these days," he confessed. "Otherwise, I'll have to close the cafe on some days just so Jax and I can have some rest."
Maya stared at Jesse for a bit, they haven't known each other for long but they were close enough to be called friends. Secretly she had hoped it would evolve to something more but it was still too early to tell.
"I'm not sure I can afford what your usual salary is, but I could probably hire you on occasion as a freelance accountant for me and the cafe," Jesse continued, his voice tinged with hope. "I'll even throw in free pastries."
A wave of gratitude washed over Maya as she considered Jesse's proposition. It was an unexpected opportunity, a chance to combine her skills with her growing fondness for Jesse and the cozy cafe.
A smile spread across Maya's face as she responded, "That's... okay. I'll come work with you."
"Great! Let's discuss details tomorrow, just drop by the Cafe anytime." Jesse flashed her a smile that made her heart flutter.
Maya bit her lip at that feeling, Jesse was slowly breaking down her walls and worming his way into her heart. Yes, she wanted a little romance in life, but was it supposed to happen this fast? As fast as her heart beat she pushed it down. Trying to keep her composure. As she struggled to come up with a reply, a beeping sound came from Jesse's side. As he pulled out his phone to look at the message, Maya glimpsed a frown flash through Jesse's eyes.
"Trouble?" Maya asked slowly. A bit of sadness seeped into her voice. She wasn't ready for their small date to end.
"Yeah, I'm sorry." Jesse groaned, sighing deeply as they exited the restaurant, "I had a really good time today Maya, but anyway, Jax and I will be at the cafe by 4 am, just drop by anytime after 6, and we'll be done prepping most of the stuff by then and we'll have time to talk." Jesse added, setting their time for tomorrow as he waved goodbye.
Maya's face lit up as she nodded. "Sure thing boss, I'll see you tomorrow."
-Break-
As Jesse sat in the cab, he pulled up Maya's file on his phone, scanning the highlighted parts with a smile. The file contained a wealth of information, and yet, it seemed to reveal nothing significant. Maya, a civilian, hailed from a family of Swedish migrants who had settled in the States two decades ago. Five years ago, Maya had made the bold move to LA on her own. She was an intelligent young woman, narrowly missing Latin honors by just a few points.
Sighing softly, Jesse closed Maya's file and turned his attention to a different one. After successfully breaking George's cipher, he had conducted an extensive dive into his files. What he discovered troubled him deeply. The information about the Russian group's activities stirred up familiar concerns from his past experiences, back when he was involved in a different line of work.
When the cab pulled up at the cafe, a sense of anticipation filled Jesse. He had recently received a package he had arranged through one of his old contacts. With caution, he opened it, revealing the guns and gear he had requested. A note rested on top, bearing the words,
"Happy Hunting."
Excitement coursed through Jesse's veins as he realized he was being pulled back into the game he had left behind. Safely stowing the package away, he began formulating plans and strategies. He knew he couldn't do this alone; names to call, services to acquire, and old allies to reconnect with flashed through his mind.
"Hey, boss, evening customers are on their way. Are you ready?" Jax's voice broke Jesse's reverie.
Deciding to set his ideas aside for the moment, Jesse donned his apron and a smile, ready to face the bustling influx of customers entering the cafe.
"Game on, Jax."