Chapter 2: The Office Reunion No One Asked For

But just when I was about to let go of that regret, she came back. And became my direct boss.

Fate, are you trying to kill me? Because if you are, at least buy me dinner first.

Seriously, if there’s a cosmic puppet master out there, I hope they’re having a good laugh. I thought I’d finally moved on—or at least convinced myself I had. And then, boom: Savannah Langley, Director, walks into my life in a crisp blazer and heels sharp enough to make me forget how to breathe.

After all these years, she was even more distant—and somehow even more beautiful. I tried to hide behind my computer screen, but the boss called me out: “Autumn Delaney, you’re our senior here—show Director Langley around.”

Her voice was smooth, no hint of recognition. My coworkers glanced at me, impressed I’d been singled out. I forced a smile, thinking, Why me? Why now? Playing the lead in a play I never auditioned for.

There was no escaping it. Our eyes met. She looked at me like I was a stranger. My anxious heart went dead quiet. If she wanted to pretend not to know me, I wasn’t about to make a fool of myself.

A flicker crossed her face—regret? Nostalgia? Or maybe it was nothing. I straightened my blazer, pasted on my best fake smile, and nodded. “Of course.”

After the meeting, I showed her around the different departments. Mostly I did the talking; she’d just give the occasional indifferent “Mm.” When the tour was done, I went back to my desk, and she retreated to her private office. That was our reunion after all these years—awkward, stiff, like we were strangers all over again.

I pointed out the break room, the HR corner, the best coffee machine (third floor, right by the window). I filled the silence with cheerful trivia. She responded with polite nods, not a single personal word. When I finally sat down at my desk, my hands shook so badly I nearly spilled my water. Nice going, Autumn.

I was distracted all afternoon, barely making it to the end of the workday. My teammate, Zoe, invited me to dinner. I glanced at Savannah’s office—she was still there.

I watched the clock, heart racing every time her door opened, but she never left. My emails were a disaster, and I almost sent a report to the wrong client. Zoe, ever the extrovert, finally snapped me out of my daze.

Zoe couldn’t wait any longer and came over, looping her arm through mine and urging, “Girl, what are you spacing out for? If we don’t hurry, we’ll be stuck waiting forever.” Her voice was a little too loud, and Savannah glanced over at the sound, then looked away.

I must be losing it—after that quick look through the glass wall, I was actually worried she might be hungry.

She was probably fine—she always forgot to eat when she was deep in work. Still, old habits die hard. I couldn’t help wondering if she’d eaten, if she still took her coffee black with one sugar.

At dinner with Zoe, my mind kept drifting until she finally snapped. “Autumn, you’re acting weird today.”

I stabbed at my fries, forcing a grin. “No, I’m fine.”

She didn’t buy it. “You’ve been off ever since the boss announced the new director this afternoon. The previous director left, and by seniority, you should’ve gotten the promotion. But suddenly someone new parachuted in—anyone would be upset.”

If it were anyone else, I’d probably be annoyed. But if it was Savannah, I didn’t mind. I’d seen her intelligence and drive back in college. We both slacked off in class and crammed last minute, but she always pulled off the top score. And I was always dragging her into conversation or playing with her fingers during lectures. Back then, before anything was said, she indulged all my whims as a friend. She even helped me study when I was up late cramming, tugging my hair and threatening to end me if I bombed, but she’d still go over the key points with me. She was cold to everyone else, but always made an exception for me. I felt special, even if I never said it out loud.

She was good-looking, smart, and kind. Liking her was only natural.

Sometimes I wondered if she ever realized how easy it was for me to fall for her. I’d watch her scribble notes in the margins of my textbook, or listen to her mutter under her breath during group projects. She was so real, so present. I couldn’t help myself.

But…

Looking at Zoe’s indignant face, I suddenly started to worry. Did everyone on the team think she’d stolen my promotion?

My stomach twisted. Office politics are brutal, and I didn’t want anyone thinking Savannah had gotten ahead unfairly. I felt weirdly protective of her, even now.

I hurried to explain, “Don’t overthink it. Director Langley is really capable—I believe she’ll take our department to the next level.”

Zoe studied my face and, seeing I was sincere, relaxed. “Good, I was worried you’d get stuck on it. But you really respect Director Langley, huh? That’s high praise.”

I smirked. “Guess I’m just a model employee.”

Zoe dropped the work topic and started recommending dishes. “Try the grilled catfish—it’s the house specialty.”

She waved the menu at me, eyes sparkling. “Seriously, Autumn, you have to try it. Life-changing.”

With so much on my mind, I ate quickly. Before leaving, I had the kitchen make a fresh order of the specialty catfish to go.

I fiddled with my napkin, barely tasting the food. The to-go box was warm in my hands, the smell sharp and savory. My stomach twisted, nerves jangling.

Zoe looked shocked. “You like it that much? But I barely saw you eat any.”

I’m not much of a fish person, but someone else really likes it. I dodged her question, feeling a bit awkward. “I’m tired today, so I won’t walk you home. You okay by yourself?”

She waved it off. “No worries, my girlfriend’s picking me up. You go rest—your dark circles are showing. Drive safe.”

She gave me a quick hug before heading out, leaving me on the curb with the warm box in my hand. I hesitated, debating with myself.