Between the Pages

Chapter - 5

Happy Reading cupcakes 🧁

Oliver's POV:

"Finally awake, sleepyhead?". I chuckle at Sydney while she sheepishly nods. We decide to go to the meeting by my car. The restaurant is a bit far and the ride is gonna be long so I decided to play some music. I play Mastermind by Taylor Swift.

Sydney gasped at me and I say, "What's wrong? Do you not like her music?". "Yeah right, who's Taylor Swift anyway? Ew". Sydney giggled. We laughed hard at the swiftie joke.

We blasted and sang along to Taylor the entire ride. This is probably the most fun car ride I've ever been on and also the most I've ever interacted with an assistant. I like to keep professional and personal life far away from each other. Why does Sydney feel like an exception though? Anyways, I push away my thoughts as we're about to reach the restaurant. I guess we're a bit late, but that's fine since Olivia and I know each other well.

Soon enough we reach the restaurant, we find Olivia infront of the entrance. As she sees me, she runs up to me and gives me one of her signature tight hugs. I wrap my arms around her as I chuckle at her behaviour. Olivia and I have been friends since elementary. The truth told, she was in the same adoption home as me. However, she got adopted by a super nice family when she was young. I am so glad she did.

We head into the restaurant when I feel a tug on my arm. Oh shoot. I forgot to introduce Sydney. I introduce both of them and we head inside. Olivia and I order cold coffee with icecream which has been our ultimate favourite since childhood. Sydney seemed a little down, nevertheless she was quite enthusiastic about Olivia's new book.

The only deal is Olivia demands top notch perfection. She absolutely doesn't tolerate mistakes. The three of us talk about her book "Dive into Love" which is a competitive rivalry to lovers romance and the last book of her romance book series. Olivia presented the draft infront of me and I was beyond impressed. Nothing new coming from her.

I assign Sydney her very first big project that is editing Olivia's book draft. She was really excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity. We talk some more when I notice Syd tensing up. I look at the time and realise it's way past 10:30pm.

Olivia and I have had meetings beyond 11pm as well so when I bid her goodbye so early she looks at me confused. "Is everything okay?". Olivia asks. "Yeah, everything's perfect. I'll talk to you later." I say and assure her we'll meet sometime soon.

Sydney and I leave the restaurant. "Could you just drop me home right now? I'll pick up my car tomorrow." She asks. I nod and we get into my car as I drive away. She looked really anxious and I wondered why. Anyway, I don't think I have the right to meddle in her personal life.

Ten minutes into the ride and she asks again, "Could you please drive faster?".
"Yeah yeah, is everything alright Syd?". I grow worried and the nickname subconsciously slips from my mouth. "Wait, I'm sorry for calling you that, Is everything alright, Miss Floyd?". I mutter out quickly.
"Actually Noah's home alone and he gets really uneasy and you can call me Syd, no worries". Syd explains.

Five minutes later, we finally reach her house and she gets out hurriedly waving me a cute good bye. Wait no-
What's wrong with me man? She's just an assistant. However, I figured out she lives alone with her brother and she might have trouble getting back her car tomorrow morning.

So, I called up Liam to the office and together we dropped Sydney's car back to her home. Then,  we head back to my home in my car where Liam plops on the bed and sleeps in an instant. It's too normal for him to stay over now. Even his parents know, that he's here more than his own house.

I was a little worried about Sydney, as a boss ofcourse. So, I text her.

Me
Hello, Miss Floyd. I hope you're doing okay. I'm sorry for extending the meeting too late. I hope everything is fine. If you need any help, you can contact me. Thank you.

Miss Sydney
5 on 5!

Me
Huh?

Miss Sydney
For the formal letter, you just wrote.

Me
Oh haha

Miss Sydney
I'm alright, thankyou for checking in.

Me
Ah that's great! Well, I'll head to sleep then.
Goodnight, Syd.

Miss Sydney
Goodnight, Oli💙
*Oliver

Did she just call me Oli? That's funny. I accidentally say it out loud. "Why are you blushing, grumpy?". I look at Liam peeking from the connecting window. "I'm not. Shut up and sleep. Goodnight." I say.
"Goodnight OLI!". Liam shouts. I will kill this man.