Warmth

07 Everything Has Changed

As I Damien met with Marcus and Matt in the conference room, I made my way to my new desk, situated next to Matt's and Marcus'. I settled in, reviewing my tasks for the afternoon, when my phone rang, bringing a smile to my face. It was Jaten Dimsdale.

Excitedly, I answered the call, my voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Mr. Dimsdale! I mean Jaten! I mean-" I stumbled over my words, but Teddy chuckled, his voice warm and familiar. "Princess, you know I like it when you call me Teddy."

I laughed, feeling instantly at ease. "Hehe. Alright, Teddy. So, anything I can help you with?"

"Oh nothing much. But..." Teddy paused, seeming hesitant to broach the subject. "I heard from Marcus about what happened with TBD. Are you alright? Need me to beat up your old boss for you?"

I chuckled at his offer, touched by his concern. "That's sweet of you, but I'm fine."

Teddy continued, his tone shifting slightly. "You know, you can always come back to Warner?"

I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Oh, don't worry. I have a new job now! You're currently speaking to Smosh's newest Production Assistant. I can also help Matt with editing but it's not my main role."

"The YouTube channel? That's great, princess! Maybe I should stop by sometime and we can have dinner? My treat."

I felt my cheeks flush at his suggestion, the playful banter between us never failing to make me smile. "Are you sure, Teddy? I could be the one to go over there to you?"

"Hell yeah. I'm not too busy yet so I can come over sometime this week. I'll DM you when I'm gonna head over."

"Sure thing! I-" An alarm on my phone interrupted our conversation, signaling that lunch was over. "I'm so sorry, Teddy, but our lunch break is over. We can video call tonight, if you want?"

"No prob. See ya tonight, princess."

With a fond farewell, the call ended, leaving me with a fluttering heart. Okay. First day, er, afternoon, Aria. Let's do this. I gathered my office tablet and made my way to the conference room first, where Damien was, as it seemed that he was needed on set for some videos this afternoon.

"Mr. Haas, you are needed on set in ten," I informed him before heading off to relay the message to the others. I'll need to keep in mind that there will also be a filming of Try Not to Laugh afterward.

Working up a sweat as I went about my tasks, I decided to take off Matt's jacket and wrap it around my waist instead.

***********

As the cast for the Smosh Games video was recording their episode, I went to Marcus intending to ask about his and Matt's conversation with Damien. "Markie." I said without too much volume so as not to disturb the filming. He looked up from his clipboard with a smile. "Aria! Hey. How's your first day coming along?"

"Oh, so far so good. Haven't broken any equipment yet, but still eager to prove myself." He hummed. There was a slight pause before I continued. "I, uh, I wanted to thank you by the way, for telling Teddy about TBD. I don't think I could've brought myself to tell him." Marcus seemed to look guilty, but I reassured him he did nothing wrong. "Oh, and, he says he's gonna come pick me up for dinner later this week! I'm so looking forward to that."

He seemed to perk up at that, which relieved me, too. "Really? That's great, Aria! I'll make sure Matt doesn't send out a search party then. Just tell me when you're getting picked up." I nodded. "Oh, and, uh... how did things go with Mr. Haas?" His eyes widened at that question. I was a bit confused but it didn't show on my face.

"Ah, that. It went fine. He just wanted to ask us some stuff. Nothing really important, though." He said, slightly nervous. I shrugged it off. "Alright then? Anyway, would you happen to know where Mr. Grossman and Mr. Leak would be? I've yet to see them in the office."

"Oh don't worry about those two. They'll be here soon. Just worry about the current video and I'll help you later when they arrive."

"Thanks, Markie."

After that, I went back to watching the cast. They looked like they were having so much fun, especially Damien. He seemed like he was in his element and it was a pleasure to see. Watching for a bit, I noticed he looked in my direction really quickly and, looking around making sure it was me, gave a quick wink when I looked back. I could feel my face warming up.

Oh my goodness. He just winked at me?! W-was he flirting? With me? But he's-... there's no way! It's not a big deal. Just brush it off. You have work to do. Don't overthink things, Aria. Besides, we're coworkers now. And he's way out of my league...