Chapter 177

Olivia

I stifled a yawn, staring at my computer screen while stretching my arms above my head. My back cracked in three distinct places as I twisted side to side. After hours of tweaking, our concept boards were polished to perfection.

“And we’re officially finished, I announced, saving the file one last time.

Dylan pumped his fist in the air. “Thank god. I was starting to forget what sunlight looks like.”

Ava closed her laptop with a dramatic thud. “If I had to adjust that logo placement one more time, I might have thrown myself out the window.”

“Top floor,” Marcus reminded her, gathering his sketches. “You’d definitely die. And then who would make our presentations look pretty?”

“Someone less talented and twice as expensive,” Ava replied, flashing a tired grin.

I checked the time on my phone, 9:37 PM. We’d been at it for nearly fourteen hours straight.

The team began gathering their belongings, moving with the slow, dazed movements of people who’d been staring at screens for too long.

“Anyone want to grab a drink?” Brandon suggested halfheartedly.

A chorus of groans answered him.****

“My bed is calling,” Ava declared. “And it’s saying very dirty things about how good it’ll feel to collapse into it.”

“TMI, Ava,” Marcus laughed, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder.

one, they said their goodbyes and filed out of the conference

you need me to stay and help clean up?” he asked,

enough.” I waved him off.

“Thanks,

the silent conference room, taking a moment to breathe. The quiet felt good after hours

I collapsed back into my chair and pulled

just left.

reply came almost instantly,

Congratulations. Still at the

Yep. About to

come get you. Don’t drive yourself when you’re

I’m fine to drive.

I insist. Wait for me.

in the parking garage, perfectly capable of getting me home. But the thought of Alexander coming to pick me up sent

Okay. See

headed down to the lobby, waving goodnight to the security guard who looked as tired

late again, Mrs. Carter?” he

presentation tomorrow,” I explained, settling into one of

you work overtime?” he

“Technically, yes. But I

alone at the curb, taking

distant hum of traffic, each car’s headlights slicing through the darkness in a brilliant flash as they

with a text from

tomorrow? Girls’

winced, recalling last night’s chaos at O’Malley’s: Ryan’s confrontation, James stepping in, and Alexander showing up unexpectedly with his

the day after tomorrow instead? And maybe somewhere other than

Her response came quickly.

us someplace new and fancy. Maybe that

Just text me the

Btw, how did things end with Alexander last night? You two seemed…

her

tell you everything the day after tomorrow.

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