Eira's perspective
As I drove Keith to work, my mind wandered to our unexpected coffee break. His apology still lingered, warming my heart.
Why did his words affect me so deeply? No one had ever apologized to me like that before.
I thought back to yesterday's tension and Keith's sudden change. His eyes, once cold, now held a hint of kindness.
"What's changing you, Keith?" I whispered to myself.
As I waited patiently for Keith to finish work, I chose to explore the company rather than idle away. Most drivers would use this downtime for personal errands, but I had nothing planned.
Impressed by the company's sleek structure, I strolled through the halls, noticing Keith's office had exceptional security measures. Accessing him required clearance from his secretary, stationed in the adjacent office.
Standing in the cafeteria, watching employees enjoy their meals, I whispered to myself, "Must be nice to be wealthy."
My stomach growled as I watched employees enjoy their meals, a pang of longing hitting me. As a non-employee, I couldn't partake.
Just then, Anna appeared before me. "Anna!" I exclaimed.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
She stared at me with her icy expression "I should ask you the same."
My gaze fell upon her employee ID card, sparking surprise.
"Anna, you got a job here?" I inquired.
She nodded affirmatively. "Yes."
I was indeed happy for her. Because we do not really talk to each other, she did not tell me she got a job already and I didn't get the chance to tell her I got a job as the CEO driver.
Anna's gaze narrowed. "And what about you? What brings you here?"
"I also got a job here, I'm the CEO's driver," I replied.
Her expression turned chilly. "That's convenient. You get to see him daily."
I forced a smile, feeling awkward. "Guess so."
An uncomfortable silence fell between us, lasting several seconds.
Anna broke the silence. "What were you doing here?"
"I was just...admiring the food," I replied.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
Before I could respond, she interrupted. "Follow me."
Anna led me to the cafeteria. Initially hesitant, I appreciated her kindness.
She returned with two generous portions. "Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful.
As we ate, I observed the employees hastily finishing their meals. Anna, too, seemed rushed.
"Why the hurry?" I asked.
"The CEO might show up," Anna explained. "He always says we prioritize food over work."
She glanced at her watch. "I have five minutes."
"Five minutes?" I raised an eyebrow.
"He arrives at 1:25 pm," Anna replied. "It's 1:20 pm now."
She swiftly downed her water, finishing her meal while I'd barely had two bites.
Suddenly, a harried employee burst in.
"CEO's coming!" he shouted.
Pandemonium erupted. Chairs scraped against the floor as employees scrambled to exit. Anna swiftly rose, her eyes darting toward the door.
"I have to go!" she whispered hastily.
Before I could respond, she vanished into the sea of departing staff.
I sat stunned, surrounded by abandoned trays and silence.
Moments ago, laughter filled the room,now, my solitary presence echoed.
The CEO's impending arrival sent shivers down my spine.
Why such urgency?
I remained seated, unsure what to do.
Would Keith notice me?
Should I leave?
My thoughts swirled as footsteps approached.
The cafeteria door swung open.
My heart skipped a beat.
Keith entered the cafeteria with Ethan, scanning the empty room.
"Is lunch break over already?" Keith asked, checking his watch.
"No, they've got thirty minutes left," Ethan replied.
Keith's gaze landed on me.
"Why are you sitting alone?" he asked.
I shrugged. "No idea."
"They scrambled out when they heard you were coming," I added.
Keith's brow arched. "Why would they?"
"I don't know either." I shrugged again
"They mentioned you always scold them for eating," I added.
Keith's brow arched.
"I do?" he asked, seeking Ethan's confirmation.
Ethan avoided eye contact.
"Do I?" Keith pressed.
Ethan nodded reluctantly.
"Yes, you do."
Keith sighed and sat across from me. "I should ease up, they need time to eat."
"Why scold them?" I asked, taking another bite. "They need energy to work," I added.
Ethan walked over to order food.
Keith shifted topics. "How did you become a driver?"
"I had no other options," I replied. "I didn't attend college," I explained.
Keith's curiosity piqued. "Why not?"
"I was an athlete and I thought it'd last forever," I explained. "College was tough financially. I'm an orphan, and both sides of my family don't get along with me. My story is kinda sad, isn't it? I had quite a life which is why I just do any job that comes my way."
Keith's expression turned sympathetic. "Sorry."
I brushed it off. "No big deal."
Ethan arrived with food, handing Keith his dish.
"Your favorite," Ethan said.
Interestingly, Keith's meal matched mine.
Ethan smiled. "Great minds think alike, huh?"
Keith smiled, intrigued. "Same taste, huh?"
"I guess," I replied.
Ethan chuckled. "Keith's obsessed with chicken parmesan."
Keith laughed. "Best dish ever."
I grinned. "Can't argue with that."
Keith took a bite. "So, what made you choose this today?"
"I craved something comforting," I said.
Ethan nodded. "Food nostalgia."
Keith's eyes sparkled. "What's your favorite childhood meal?"
I thought for a moment. "Mom's homemade spaghetti."
Keith smiled wistfully. "Family recipes are special."
Ethan shared, "My grandma's fried chicken still beats any restaurant's."
The conversation flowed effortlessly.
I stood beside the car, parked in the shadows, gazing up at the illuminated windows of the building. Night had fallen, casting a serene silence.
Keith emerged, his figure cutting through the darkness. I opened the door, expecting a routine departure.
As he approached, his stride confident, our eyes met. Keith's gaze softened.
"Ready?" I asked.
Keith nodded, his hand reaching for the door handle.
Suddenly, his fingers intertwined with mine, sending shivers.
"Wait," Keith whispered urgently. "It's not safe tonight."
My heart skipped a beat.
What's wrong?" I asked.
Keith's eyes darted around, cautious.
"We can't go anywhere now. It's dangerous."
His grip tightened on my wrist.