Page 24 of Brassy Bigwig

“It’s okay if you can’t answer. I know some things can’t be discussed publicly.” I try letting him off the hook.

Dex sucks in a breath before answering, “Yeah, it’s… a bit of a confidential, financial, partnership.”

“Understood,” I nod.

“Well, I better get going—”

“Dex—”

I speak up at the same time as him.

“Oh, yeah. Definitely. I don’t want to be the reason you’re late. Mr. Andino would not approve. Not that he approves of much of anything I do, but—oh god. Please don’t tell him I said that.”

“It’s fine. I won’t tell him.” He smiles at me as though he finds me entertaining. “So I take it the new job hasn’t been going smoothly?”

Chloe, this is not the time for honesty.

But what if Dex takes pity on me and offers to pass along a message to Trey? Or even Mr. Andino? He could tell Trey I miss him. Or he can let Mr. Andino know I seem unhappy?

Oh my god, I’m pathetic.

Shelby was right, this is the real world. I can’t expect people to coddle me because I’m upset. But I’m planning on leaving anyway, so what could it hurt to tell Dex how I feel? Maybe it will get back to Mr. Andino. At least, then he might be nicer to his next assistant.

“Honestly, Mr. Andino is kind of a dick.”

Judging by the laugh that just escaped his nose, Dex wasn’t expecting that.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just… sometimes he has very unrealistic expectations. He’s snippy, he never tells me I’m doing a good job. He refuses to speak to me on the phone, only through email. It’s absurd. If he’s so unhappy with my performance, why doesn’t he just fire me, you know?”

Dex is leaning against my desk now, his chin propped up on his fist, listening intently as if it’s one of the most fascinating conversations he’s ever been a part of. He doesn’t, however, offer any advice. He probably feels like he can’t speak against Mr. Andino because of their partnership. He wouldn’t want anything he says to get back to him. I can understand that.

“Anyway, it doesn’t really matter. I have two interviews next week for a new position with different companies. Hopefully, I’ll be out of here by the end of the month.”

“Oh, really?” Dex seems surprised by this and slightly concerned.

It’s sweet he’s worried, but I’ll be fine. Offering him a smile, I debate asking him to give Trey a message for me. I shouldn’t. He’s already late as it is. Also, I don’t want to seem clingy. My eyes meet his, and he looks like he wants to tell me something as badly as I want to say something to him.

Is it about Trey? Has Trey been talking about me? Has he been trying to find me, too? I take a deep breath, deciding I would regret not saying something just as much as I regret leaving Trey the morning after our dinner without a word.

“Dex? Would you…” I pause. “Would it be possible for you to relay a message to Trey for me?”

“Of course,” he agrees, and the relief I feel is palpable.

“Can you tell him I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye?”

That’s not all you want to say, Chloe.

If you’re going to do it, then do it.

“Also,” I continue, my heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest.

Grabbing a sticky note and a pen, I jot down my real name and my phone number.

“Tell him I’ve been able to think of little else, other than him, for the past month. He’s consumed my thoughts and my dreams. I know he lives three thousand miles away from here, and a relationship between us would never work…” I pause briefly as I begin to get choked up. “But in the event he’s been going through the same agony I’ve been going through, and he’d like to reach out, tell him I would love to hear from him.”

Dex studies me carefully, like he’s trying to determine whether I’m being sincere or not. Biting my lip, my nerves kick in, thinking he isn’t going to take the small, square piece of paper I am holding out. That he won’t deliver my message to Trey, and I’ve blown the only chance I have at contacting him.

He removes his fist from under his chin and tugs the pink square from my hand gently.

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