Beyond The Lie

Chapter 64: The Outburst

Eryx.

I stepped into the office, the familiar hum of computers and muted chatter enveloping me. It was July 4th, and the summer heat outside seemed to dissipate as I walked through the air-conditioned space.

As I made my way to my office, I nodded to my colleagues. The routine was comforting, a reminder that some things remained constant despite the turmoil in my personal life.

I'd been back at work since the end of June, trying to establish a sense of normalcy. The past few weeks had been a blur of long hours and intense focus, but I knew it was only a matter of time before the distractions began to seep in.

As I settled into my chair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds, but my mind was elsewhere.

I tried to focus on the stack of files in front of me, but my attention kept wandering. Brief moments of distraction, lost thoughts – it was becoming a habit.

Ryker, my friend and partner, walked into the room, a cup of coffee in hand. "Morning, Eryx. How's it going?"

I forced a smile, trying to appear more composed than I felt. "It's going. Just trying to get through this backlog."

Ryker nodded sympathetically. "You've been pushing yourself hard since you got back. Maybe take a break, grab some fresh air?"

I shook my head, feeling a twinge of irritability. "I'm fine, Ryker. Just need to focus."

As I delved deeper into the files, my gaze drifted to the news feed on my computer. Adeline's name caught my eye, and I felt a familiar pang in my chest.

She was back in New York, her return splashed across the media. I'd known it was coming, but seeing it in black and white made it feel more real.

My mind began to wander, thoughts of Adeline creeping in like a slow-moving tide. I tried to push them aside, focusing on the task at hand, but it was no use.

For a moment, I just sat there, frozen in time, my heart heavy with emotions I couldn't quite process. Then, with a quiet resolve, I shut down the news feed and refocused on my work.

The distraction was brief, but the impact lingered, a subtle shift in my demeanor that I hoped no one would notice.

***

Asher, Ryker, and I lounged on the rooftop, enjoying the warm summer evening. The city skyline stretched out before us, a twinkling expanse of lights and steel.

Asher leaned back in his chair, cradling his drink in his hands. "I'm telling you, Ryker, that was the best game of pool I've ever played."

Ryker chuckled, shaking his head. "You got lucky, Asher. That's all."

I smiled, taking a sip of my own drink. "You two are impossible."

Just then, Alex walked onto the rooftop, greeting us with a nod. "Hey, guys. What's up?"

Alex took a seat next to Asher, ordering a drink from the bartender. "So, how's it going? Anything exciting happen this week?"

Ryker smiled. "Just the usual. You know how it is."

Asher leaned back in his chair. "Actually, we were just discussing our latest victories. Ryker here thinks he's a pool shark."

Alex chuckled. "Oh, yeah? I'd love to take him on sometime."

I shook my head, smiling. "You'd probably win."

The conversation flowed easily, the four of us chatting and laughing together.