Shadows of deceit

3.

"What?" Branch asked as he sat in the office of his boss. He clocked into work normally this morning, going right to his office, responding to all emails, and helping with clients that same throughout the day, but right before Lunch, his boss happened to just call him into his office. so now, there he was, sitting face to face with the man who just happened to alter EVERYTHING he even mustered to think about yesterday, let alone the e last 5 years. "He.. wants me to... what?" Branch asked again, just trying to come to terms with what was being told to him. 

"Peppy Springblossom of Sparklecorp has asked for you to come in as a financial analyst for the company directly. I think this would be a great opportunity for you, seeing your background from your resume, having a degree in accounting, and working as a private investigator, granted unlicensed at the time, but having that background will be great, especially working directly under the CEO." Sky Toronto, Branches Boss mentioned. 

Branches eyes went wide once again, "Directly under the CEO?" he asked. "Peppy Springblossom. He wants ME directly under him?"

Branch sat there, processing the unexpected turn of events. Working directly under Peppy Springblossom, the CEO of SparkleCorp and also the father of his high school ex-girlfriend, was a mix of surprise and intrigue for Branch. He had never imagined such a connection would resurface in his professional life.

"Peppy Springblossom," Branch murmured, more to himself than to Sky Toronto. Memories of high school flashed through his mind, along with the bittersweet recollections of his relationship with Poppy. The abrupt end to their romance had left a mark on him, one that had taken years to heal.

Sky nodded, noting Branch's reaction. "Yes, Peppy specifically asked for you. He believes your background in accounting and your experience as a private investigator could bring a unique perspective to the financial analysis team. Plus, your familiarity with investigative work might prove valuable in some of the projects SparkleCorp is handling."

Branch leaned back in his chair, absorbing the implications. Working at SparkleCorp was a prestigious opportunity in itself, but being directly under Peppy's wing added a layer of complexity he hadn't anticipated. It was as if fate had orchestrated this reunion, not just with Poppy but also with her influential father.

"Thank you, Sky. I appreciate this opportunity," Branch finally said, his mind racing with thoughts of how this new role could potentially intertwine with his personal history. The prospect of delving into the inner workings of SparkleCorp while navigating the dynamics of his past relationship intrigued and daunted him in equal measure.

Sky smiled, sensing Branch's mix of emotions. "Take some time to think about it. It's a big decision, and we want to make sure it's the right fit for you."

As Branch left Sky's office, he couldn't shake off the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The offer to work directly under Peppy Springblossom at SparkleCorp had opened a door he hadn't expected, one that led not just to professional growth but also to a potential reconnection with a past he had thought long buried.

Once Branch returned to his office, he settled into his chair, idly swiveling it from side to side as he contemplated the whirlwind of events. Eventually, he straightened up, retrieving his phone to send a brief text to Cooper 'Lunch?' he sent, devoid of any context but knowing that it was Saturday and Cooper would likely be free.

While waiting for Cooper's response, thoughts of Poppy flooded Branch's mind. The prospect of working directly under her father meant crossing paths with her daily. Could he handle facing her after all these years? What would he even say to her, if anything at all?

His pondering was interrupted by the buzz of his phone, signaling Cooper's agreement to meet for lunch. Branch let out a sigh of relief as he clocked out for lunch, leaving the bank behind and heading to their usual spot.