Page 63 of Just A Little Fling

“Was it a meltdown? Was it regression?” Gabe visibly hesitated before he offered his next suggestion. “Or was it a panic attack?”

“Gabe, you cannot seriously suggest that regression is the same thing as a panic attack.” Even as my boss, there was no way I could let him get away with that bit of nonsense.

“Fuck no. I’m suggesting that maybe you started having a panic attack and your brain, to help you avoid that, decided to go into regression instead.”

Oh. At his explanation, I was left deflated. The anger that I had immediately disappeared, and in its wake was the horrifying realization that he was probably right. On the heels of that was the even more terrible thought that Gabe likely now realized he’d made a mistake by thinking I could handle a non-friend client account. He likely regretted offering me the contract.

“Assuming it was a panic attack, they happen. Sometimes, it’s a one-off, and sometimes, it’s a pattern. Either way, if you want to manage the botanical house project, it’s yours.”

“Do you honestly think I can handle it?”

“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t think you could do it. I know I won’t be lucky enough to keep you as my assistant forever.”

“What do you mean?”

“Natalie didn’t handle the lodge. That was all you. Yeah, Barrett is a friend of mine, but it was a complicated job that went well beyond personal assisting. You were the project manager for it and did a fantastic job. Granted, you could’ve been a little nicer to Tye. He’s a sensitive man and you terrified him, but besides that, you were outstanding. My question to you is, why haven’t you chosen to do anything with the talent you have?”

“Wow. I’m not even sure what to say at this point, Gabe. The opportunities you’ve given me with the lodge and this botanical house make me beyond flattered that you think I can handle it. And just to clarify, I very much want the opportunity to demonstrate that I can.”

“Wow, so formal.”

“I don’t have a great answer for you, but it’s something I’m working on getting an answer for myself.”

“Yeah, I mean, technically, it’s not my business, but I do think you have an absolute talent for it. The only thing I want is for you to be happy and fulfilled. If that means doing the job you’re doing now, then keep doing it. But if it’s project managing, then I want you to transition to doing that here at my firm. We good?”

“Yeah, we’re good. Can I get back to work now”

“Yes, but before you get started, would you please text Rory and let him know you’re all right.”

“Done.”

* * *

Nico

Hey, sorry about yesterday.

Rory

Don’t you dare apologize. Are you okay? I was so worried.

Nico

Yeah, I’m fine. My brain just moved too fast.

Rory

Or I triggered you.

Nico

No! You didn’t do anything like that at all. It just happened.

But I have something I could use some help with, but it’s a lot for a chat.

Rory

From me? Or from the group?

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