A Toast to Tonight

I felt a warmth bloom in me. "You're not mad?"

Z seemed not to understand. "Why would I be? You're working hard. It's not like you're deliberately avoiding me. Is that wrong?"

Goodness! What an amazing partner Z was!

I was moved to tears. "You're the best, baby!"

Along with the growing sense of gratitude came resentment toward Zack.

At this moment, I'd completely forgotten why I agreed to work overtime in the first place—a compromise on my ethics by choosing money.

I just wanted to blame Zack for messing up our plans.

That evil capitalist pig!

I sat up on my couch, the anger in my voice palpable as I hissed, "I'll never forgive Zack Barlow. That scumbag!"

In the past, Z would've laughed and agreed with me. But today, he was oddly quiet.

I thought he was startled by my sudden loudness. I quickly tried to smooth things over with a giggle. "I'll only get mad over my evil boss this way, never at you. You're both completely different. He's a scumbag, but you're the best thing ever!

"I wish I could see you. But for now, just be my 'princess' in the tower. When I’m finished here, I’ll come bring you home.”

Again, this was met with silence before Z asked, "Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?"

Also? Who else had a boss named Zack Barlow? Did he and I share a boss, then?

I was stunned by this revelation and stammered, "I-Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?"

There was a moment of silence before he replied, "No."

I was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when he added, "I have a… friend named Zack Barlow."

This plunged us both into silence. So, the capitalist pig I'd been badmouthing this whole time was Z's friend? Could things get any more awkward?

Even someone as shameless as me was at a loss for words.

However, Z broke the silence first. "To be fair, he's not really a friend. We've met a few times. We're not that close, baby. You can't take it out on me over this, okay?"

He sent over a few more photos of his abs and threw in some chest shots, too. How considerate of him.

My eyes lit up. How could I possibly take it out on him? I admired the photos and spoke soothingly. "Why would I? I know you're both not the same. You're so nice.

"You should stay away. Don't let him corrupt you. Zack is bad news."

"Alright," he replied.

After chatting for a while longer, Z said he had something to take care of and hurriedly hung up.

After gaming alone for a while, I fell asleep.

The next day, I went to the office. Since I was alone, I couldn't be bothered to wear headphones. I turned on my speakers and played some music.

I shook my head while writing that proposal, muttering to myself.

When I looked up, Zack was standing at the door. I was unsure of how long he'd been there.

I was startled. I wanted to turn off the speaker, only to knock it over in my haste. That speaker, blaring a song from my game, rolled right to his feet.

I was mortified.

Zack bent down to pick it up, pushing the power button. The room immediately fell silent.

My greeting sounded rather stiff. "What brings you here, Mr. Barlow?"

He walked to my desk and set down the speaker, his gaze ambiguous. "How lively."

"Thanks," I replied. I was going to assume it was a compliment.