I Bet On Losing Dogs

Crush

After that day, you barely see or hear from Bruce. You won't lie, you're feeling slighted or that maybe it was a prank. But why include a random tailor downtown? You keep your negative thoughts at bay as the days pass until the Gala is tomorrow. Kim calls you as you arrive to work. "Your dress is ready! I called Lucy as well, and she made arrangements to pick it up later today. I can't wait to see you in it and please shop again at Grace and Poise for all your dress needs." The call ends and your stomach drops and flips. It's real. It's really real. You steel your face as you enter the office. Rachel isn't there yet and you're grateful as you sit at your desk. Your hands stop shaking as you get your files for the day. Your applications have dwindled, but you guess it's because all the organizations that will apply have already. Your next part would be determined by Rachel but you assume it'll be an extension of Greg's job by calling people.

As you open your first file, Rachel barges in with a loud whew. She's wearing a bright purple sweater and black jeans and her hair is up in a ponytail. She got bags of treats for breakfast you all. You wonder why momentarily but you're grateful. Rachel doesn't seem like a spiteful person even if she can be a little jealous. She's human, but you don't think Alfred would have hired her if there were any negative vibes.

"Guys! I'm going on vacation next week, as you both know and I just wanted to give you a treat so we can have a little pre-vacay partay!" You cringe but Greg laughs with her. "Just what my Friday needs! Fri-yay amirite?" He's wearing a dark sweater with a white button-up underneath, khakis, and dark blue loafers. "I got donuts, cupcakes, coffee, tea, whatever floats your boat! We've been doing so well for the Foundation. We're almost about to go on the next phase and I'm so excited! Like so exciting for us." She grabs her latte and cheers with you and Greg as you grab a donut. You're glad there's positivity in the air and it dulls your anxiety. As you get to your desk, you see you've received a text. It's an unknown number and your eyes bulge.

"Lucy got the dress. I can drop it off to you at lunch or your home after work." You blink hard reading his words again and again. He did not say he'd get a car or someone else like before. You imagine him coming down and raining on Rachel's parade by bringing down that expensive dress and saying how he'd see you tomorrow. You didn't want that. She said today is a pre-vacay partay. But the other option brings tingles down your spine. Bruce Wayne at your apartment. You clench your jaw, not sure if it's the sugar from the donut or the anxiety. You stare at your phone as your fingers quickly tap out "My place would be better." He doesn't respond and you let out a soft sigh before getting to work. At least you cleaned your apartment yesterday.

The workday passes in a blur. Rachel plays pop music throughout the day and she sings them to herself. You finished your applications and sit back deciding to relax for the next five minutes. Greg left earlier to pick up his kids so you decide to leave too. As you pack your things, Rachel smiles at you in a knowingly way. "You're going to that gala aren't you?" You freeze and nod slowly. "Yeah, Mr. Wayne asked me. It's like to get more applicants and stuff." Rachel nods, "You're a good choice for it. You know that though. So did Mr. Wayne," She sighs as she puts away her papers, grabbing her purse. "I know it's for work, but you should have fun. You both should. He looks so sad." You laugh shaking your head. "He does look a little sad, but hopefully he doesn't look sad that he's with me." She pats your shoulder. "You're a good coworker. I'm glad you're around." You smile gratefully at Rachel and you both walk to your cars.

Bruce is a fast driver. You know this because as soon as you get on your straight away street. His little black car revs around you as you park. "Fucking asshole." You whisper as you slam your door. You're fumbling with your keys when you notice that he's parked across from you. You put your keys between your fingers unsure of who is recklessly driving like this, but whoever they are, you don't want trouble.