I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by a blinding light that pierced through my skull like a dagger. My head throbbed with a relentless intensity, as if it was about to detach from my neck. I winced, trying to recall the events of the previous night.
"Where am I?" I mumbled, struggling to sit up.
The room spun around me, a blur of unfamiliar furniture and sterile decor. Nathan's voice cut through the fog.
"You awake?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.
I turned to face him, taking in his disheveled appearance. His hair was damp, clinging to his forehead, and he had a towel draped over his right shoulder.
"Yeah..." I trailed off, my gaze drifting around the room.
This wasn't my bedroom, the bed, the dresser, even the curtains, everything was foreign.
"Where am I?" I repeated, desperation creeping into my voice.
Nathan's expression turned serious.
"You're in the company's employee dorm. Get ready, we have to be at work in 40 minutes," he said, pointing to the clock on the wall.
Panic set in, ow did I end up here?
"What happened last night?" I asked, rubbing my temples.
Nathan burst into laughter, his eyes watering. "Man, you're one crazy dude, but you're bold, I'll give you that." He wiped tears from his cheeks, chuckling. I cringed, recalling my previous drunken escapades. The last time, I'd called my mom, convinced I'd lost both arms.
"Hope I didn't embarrass her," I muttered.
Nathan's laughter intensified. "You did more than that!" He gasped for air.
"After insisting you had something to say to her, she gave you her attention. And then... you puked all over the table." Nathan's grin spread wide.
My face burned.
"Not only that," Nathan continued, "you also insisted on giving Mia a lap dance because you felt she was hard on you... because she liked you." Nathan's words dripped with amusement.
Horrified, I buried my face in my hands.
"I think I need to write my resignation letter."
Nathan's laughter subsided.
"You'll be lucky if you're not thrown out of the company, Nate." His tone turned serious.
"But I think you're good. She wasn't angry. She just told me to take care of you."
Relief washed over me. I was dying of embarrassment, my face aflame with humiliation. How could I face the team, especially Mia, after last night's fiasco? It seemed she was always present during my most mortifying moments. Just as I rose from the couch, my phone pierced the silence, shrill and insistent. The screen read "Eva." My heart skipped a beat.
Why was she calling me? And so early?
Memories I'd tried to bury surged to the surface.
"Eva," I said, my voice cautious.
"Hello Nate," she replied, her voice a soft, melodious whisper.
It was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing yet unsettling. The sound transported me back to a time I'd rather forget. I had never truly gotten over her; I'd merely learned to coexist with the ache. Her departure had left a gaping wound, still tender and raw. Determined to shield myself, I adopted a professional tone.
"Good morning, Doctor. How may I help you?"
The formality was a fragile barrier, but it was all I had. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not again.
Eva's laughter was low and husky. "Doctor, Hmmm, I see, well, Nate, I want us to meet, and I want us to meet today. What time do you leave work?"
Her words dripped with familiarity, assuming an intimacy I no longer shared with her. Just as I'd imagined, she knew I had a soft spot for her, and that I still harbored feelings. She was capitalizing on those emotions, knowing I wouldn't refuse her invitation.
But she was wrong this time. I wasn't the same vulnerable Nate she'd once pushed around and taken advantage of. My resolve hardened.
"I don't think I'll be able to see you, Doc," I said firmly. "I'll be very busy with work today, I have a deadline to meet, so anything outside work is on hold."
Eva's pause was brief.
"Remember our secret hideout we had when we were young?" Her voice was laced with nostalgia. "I'll be there by 7 pm today. I'll wait till you come. Bye, Nate. Have a wonderful day."
The line went dead. I stood frozen, Eva's words echoing in my mind.
"Nate, don't give in," I warned myself, stealing my resolve. "Remember how she hurt you."
I repeated the mantra, fortifying my defenses against the tidal wave of memories threatening to engulf me. As the day unfolded, my mind remained captive to Eva's invitation. Would she truly be waiting for me?
I doubted it.She was a doctor, after all.Her demanding schedule wouldn't allow for sentimental reunions. To shake off the distraction, I immersed myself in work.Taking on extra duties, I poured over reports and data.
Mia's absence brought both relief and concern.Her empty chair seemed to stare at me.Every creak of the entrance door made me turn.Expecting Mia's arrival.
Nathan noticed my restless glances.
"She had a family issue," he whispered. "She'll be coming late."
My curiosity piqued.What family issues?
Did she have a loved one struggling?
Or was it something more serious?
Pushing aside my worries.
The team's seamless collaboration carried me through the day.Each member worked in harmony.Everyone knew their role.Delivering flawlessly. As the newest member.I stumbled occasionally.The team's guidance.Helped shape my work ethic.Their support.Built my confidence.
A few minutes later, Mia glided in, her elegance commanding attention.
Her black suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating her poised frame. Every step exuded refinement, confidence, and authority. As she passed me, her gaze met mine.
"Hello, Nate. Can I see you in my office?" she asked.
Her voice was calm, yet authoritative. I rose from my seat. My heart skipped a beat.Hope I'm not in trouble.Losing this job would be devastating.
Had Mia finally lost patience?
I smoothed my clothes, and followed her. The soft click of her office door sea
led my fate. Mia gestured to a chair.
"Please, Nate, have a seat."
Her expression revealed nothing.