Say Please

Stitious

Monday morning came. I threw on my usual attire—a simple, flowery cotton dress with pastel pink sandals. With a deep breath, I let my apartment door close behind me. My stomach was in knots thinking about the two men, and my stomach twisted for opposite reasons.

The thought of seeing Chan after our kiss—one I had neglected to inform Mark of—made me tingle with excitement and nerves. With the alcohol long gone, my confidence faltered. He seemed so sure of himself, and that scared the shit out of me. I couldn't keep up with that. I automatically thought of every physical and mental flaw I consisted of. Yes, it wasn't ideal, but it's just what I knew.

The thought of getting back together with Mark both scared and comforted me—if that duality could even exist. I knew I was inviting more of his nonsense into my life. If I took him back now it might mean that he would do this to me again. But, he looked so remorseful while he was talking to me. He could actually want to change.

"Hey girl!" Bri smiled as I walked into the office. Her smile faded slightly as she read my face. "What's up? You don't look like someone who had a great Saturday night."

"It's, erm," I hesitated, remembering the choice words Bri used to describe Mark a few days ago, "Mark."

"Skye, don't tell me you're thinking about getting back with him. He cheated on you. There's no going back from that."

I sighed, "I know. But he was so upset yesterday and really willing to change. I'm not making any decisions right now."

"There shouldn't even be a decision to make." Her eyes softened. "However, I get that you guys have a history. I can't make the decision for you, so let me give you a word of advice. You need to come with a list of demands or changes. But, once again, I wouldn't even entertain his request." I nodded, knowing she was right.

I silently walked to my desk, careful not to make eyes with any certain male who held most of my mind captive. I sank into my chair and opened my laptop. A notification popped up immediately, reminding me of our small team meeting with Voss at nine o'clock sharp. He had mentioned last week that he had some exciting news in the works for a few people.

"Uh, hey." Chan's voice from behind made me startle. I cleared my throat and smoothed my dress—something that had become quite a habit around him.

"Good morning," I responded, daring to gaze into his eyes. They were warm, inviting. Yet, they offered a moment of hesitancy. He wrung his hand around his neck.

"I feel like I should just get this out of the way to clear up anything. I'm not sorry for kissing you. It was nice. I understand if you don't reciprocate those feelings. I know it maybe wasn't the best thing to do since you and Mark had just ended things, but I just wanted to let you know I don't regret it."

"Oh, uh, I don't regret it either, don't worry." Heat flooded my cheeks. Not the way I saw our morning conversation going. "It was a fun night. We were caught up in the heat of it all." I winced at my lie. I wasn't just caught up in the moment. That was a moment I'd dreamed of happening many times.

He chuckled, "yeah, I guess. Are you ready for our mystery meeting?" I was thankful to change the subject. I wasn't sure how much more embarrassment I could handle reliving one of the best nights I'd had in a while.

"Not really. Any idea of what his exciting update could be?"

"I think I know, but I don't want to jinx anything," he grinned.

"Superstitious, are we?" I winked.

"I'm not superstitious. But I am a little stitious." He cringed after he spoke. He added, "please tell me you know that reference. Or did I just make a fool out of myself?"

"Of course I do! I spent most of my day yesterday with all the episodes in the background while I cleaned." My heart leapt at his Michael Scott reference. As if he couldn't be more perfect, I smiled to myself.

"Ready?" Chan asked as Voss walked toward the conference room. I nodded and followed him into the room. Lyra was already inside, jotting quietly in her notebook. As we took our spots at the small, round table, Chan leaned in and whispered in my ear. "You aren't wearing pajamas."

——

"So," bellowed Voss, "who wants to know the exciting news?" He waited expectantly, a dramatic expression of delight painted across his face. We all gestured we were, and he pulled up his powerpoint.

"So," he began, "every couple of years there's a huge convention where writers and editors come together to mingle and make new connections. This year, the conference is being held in LA." He clicked to the next slide. In big bold letters, it read 'drumroll, please.'

Brody enthusiastically drummed his fingers on the edge of the table, eliciting a beaming smile from our boss. He clicked to the next slide and continued.

"You're going to Hollywood!" His theatrically sent us all into a laugh. "But actually, I want your team in LA for the conference. It's next weekend, so I'm sorry for the late notice. If you aren't able to I will adjust accordingly. And you will, of course, be compensated for your time."

I didn't have any issue going. My biggest worry was seeing Chan in another out-of-formal-work context. And that was something I didn't want to avoid. Plus, I would just need to figure out what I wanted to do with the Mark situation before then to have some clarity.

"I can go," I responded. "It seems like a really cool opportunity. I'm always down to travel!"

"Great! Can you two go?" Voss turned his gaze between Chan and Lyra.

"I'd love to," Chan replied.

Lyra frowned. "I don't think I can. My in-laws come into town this weekend. We've been planning a mini trip with them. I'm sorry, Voss."

He raised his arms up. "No worries! I know it's pretty last minute. As long as I have an editor and a rep from the marketing team we should be fine."

My heartbeat quickened. Chan and I were going—alone—on a trip. Granted, it was a work trip and there wouldn't be much else. Somehow I couldn't tone down the excitement within me.

"I'll figure out itinerary and send it to you by Friday. For now, I'd like you both to work together on new ways you can market the company. Skye," his attention turned to me, "can you put together some new business cards and pamphlets to hand out this weekend? I'll have them printed ASAP." I agreed to do so and stood, walking back to my desk filled with anticipation and excitement.