Page 48 of Company Ink

"What're you talking about?! People love dressing up! Plus, fashion in the 20s was epic. Our clients will love it! Come on!" I clasp my fingers together and beg. "Please!"

Blake sucks in a sharp breath. "Fine, but if this goes awry, it's on you."

"Ye of little faith!" I stand up and clap my hands. "I will not let you down! This will be the best C.A.N. you've ever had. You can quote me on that!"

Blake chuckles. "You seem very confident."

"Confidence is key," I state coyly, walking towards the door. I turn my head over my shoulder, grinning. "That onewasfrom a fortune cookie."

Blake's quiet laugh echoes behind me as I close the door and head to my desk. I am far too excited for this event now! Design ideas for invitations and decorations bounce around my mind, almost making me forget the disaster that was lunch.

When I get to my desk, I'm surprised to find an adorable baby Calico Hearts succulent sitting on the table.Oh my God! She's so cute and tiny! Beside the miniature pink pot is a folded note.

Stella 2.0? – B.Pearson

My face contorts into a mushy pout as I sit down. Blake bought me a new plant? I did not see this coming. I stroke the little angel's petals while pulling up my messenger app.

Cassandra Carrington: Thank you for the plant? she's perfect

Blake Pearson: It's the least I could do. Does she have a name?

Cassandra Carrington: I was thinking Stella Junior...

Blake Pearson: Very suitable. I'll try my best not to "murder" this one

Cassandra Carrington: Just stay two feet away from my desk and I think we'll be fine

Blake Pearson: Deal

The stupid smile on my face refuses to leave for the rest of the day. Well, that is until Adrian pokes his head out of his office and waves me over. "Cassie, a moment?"

I listlessly enter his office, practicing the spiel I rehearsed in my head earlier. "Okay, before you freak out let me explain," I say, taking a seat on his couch.

Adrian props himself down next to me, an unreadable expression on his face. "Alright, let's hear it because I'm actually very curious."

I take a deep breath. "Okay, so, my parents—um, they don't know that I no longer work at NVP and I don't want to tell them until I get another full-time job," I sigh, imagining the look on my dad's face. "My father, he's not... He's just not the easiest person to please and I—I don't want him to think less of me." I squint, meeting Adrian's solemn eyes. "Does that make sense? I'm sorry...I shouldn't have put you in a situation like that. I just—I panicked."

Adrian reaches for my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "I think I understand," he says in a low tone. "Fathers can be...difficult."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," I mutter quietly, the heat of his palm relaxing me.

Adrian chuckles emotionlessly. "Something like that," he says, tightening his grip around my hand.

"We don't actually have to go to dinner tomorrow," I add. "I'll tell them that we're busy or something."

"If you do that, your mother will probably just reschedule for the following week," he says. "She kind of reminds me of my own mother."

I bury my face in my hands, leaning over my knees. I groan, "Oh my God, you're right. The woman is relentless. What am I going to do?"

"We can just go to dinner," Adrian suggests casually.

I jerk upright. "What? Go to dinner? With my parents? Hah! No. No way. They'll know within ten minutes that we're not actually dating. My father is like a human lie detector. No. I'll just tell them that we broke up."

"Cass—"

My eyes light up. "Or I can tell them that you died! That way they'd leave me aloneandthey won't judge me for another short-lived relationship! It's brilliant!"

Adrian scoffs. "You're going to kill me off? That's your solution? What if I run into them in the future? I'm sure your parents won't be happy when they found out you lied."

---