Destroyer - Chris Evans

Work, lunch and a favor

Iris' POV

Since we posted that teaser to our ad, it's been a non-stop fuss about it. I've gained a shit-ton of followers on all my social media platforms. I already had a decent amount, mostly from being featured on Chris' socials, but also from my model career. I like to imagine at least. It's nothing against the amount I've gained now. Also, both Chris and I have had a ton of requests for comments from journalists etc. It's been a crazy couple of days. I've even stumbled upon a few articles about it, and as if the fuss about the shoot itself isn't enough, it has sparked off new rumors about us. Which I should have anticipated, to be fair. It's been quite a while since the media and fans were speculating on whether Chris and I were dating. Chris' fans seemed to have finally settled, knowing we were just friends, years ago. Now I've seen a couple of tiktoks about us, where people are saying they don't believe that we have never dated. That we must be "something" now, at least.

Then there's the thing that I can't wrap my mind around... Chris' breakdown. Since I left the day after, we haven't hung out, but we did talk on facetime a couple of times. Neither of us have brought it up again, and I'm not going to. I'm sure it's a sensitive subject for him. I could tell from the way he was struggling to find his words when he apologized. It's strange to have witnessed him in such a vulnerable state. I've seen him sad, angry, and anxious before of course, but I've never seen him like that. Never once seen him cry. I'm glad I went there though, so I could be there for him.

I'm at work. Sandra and I are going out to lunch together, in our break.

"Hey, Iris!" she smiles widely, giving me a peck on the cheek as I step out of the elevator at first floor.

"Hi! How's work today?" I greet her back, before we make our way out of the building. I notice one of the guys from her floor is watching us intently.

"A lot to do, but all very exciting stuff!" she replies, her eyes crinkled.

As we reach the door, we're passing the guy that's still watching us. "Hi, James." Sandra greets him.

"Hey!" He throws his head back a little before he turns towards me. "I don't think we've met.", he reaches his hand, forcing us to stop.

I take it, but before I get to say my name, he speaks again. "Iris, right? Iris Abraham?"

"Indeed." I nod. "You've done your research."

He lets out a short laugh. "Not difficult, you look great in that Klein underwear." His eyes glide over me, and I feel a twinge of discomfort. "I'm James Archer."

I have no idea what to reply to that, and I'm rendered speechless for a moment. "Thanks, I guess." I shrug, turning towards Sandra. "Maybe we should get going."

"Definitely" she agrees, and as we walk away, she shouts over her shoulder. "Not the best way to make an impression, James."

We both giggle as we walk out into the sunny streets. "God, I had no idea what to say..." I shake my head.

"Ugh, he sounded like an ass..." Sandra rubs her forehead. "You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you that he's quite nice, usually?"

"You're kidding, right?" I laugh.

Sandra shakes her head. "He can be cocky, but he's quite funny, to be fair. But also, as most guys he can be a dick, like you just experienced."

"Why o' why?" I roll my eyes.

We order our food and sit down by a table a bit in the back of the café. "How's your day been?" Sandra asks, taking a sip of her smoothie.

"I've been planning that trip to New York, but other than that, it's been pretty quiet." I admit.