Chapter 5: A Wild New Life

When I woke up the next day, the bed was already empty. There was a new friend request on my phone, followed by a message.

Ty: [Emergency at the company. Call me if you need anything.]

I sighed. These days, it’s rare to find a boss so considerate.

Before I could reply, my best friend called. The moment I answered, she roared:

"Aubrey! Where the hell did you go? Don’t you know you have a meeting with Blue Ridge Media today? If you screw this up, I’ll kill you!"

I rubbed my ear and checked the time—it was already ten. I jumped up in shock. Damn, my side job was too exhausting, I forgot about my main job.

I tripped over my heels and nearly face-planted on my way to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth in record time, pulling on last night’s jeans. I grabbed a cold Pop-Tart and a travel mug of coffee—breakfast of champions. Who has time for breakfast when your paycheck is on the line?

After graduation, my best friend and I started an ad agency together. The Blue Ridge contract is our biggest, worth half a million. My best friend reminded me over and over:

"Aubrey, once we land this deal, we can go to Europe and enjoy life."

The Blue Ridge deal is her lifeblood. I rushed to the office, but was still three minutes late. The lobby smelled like fresh paint and burnt coffee. The receptionist had the kind of no-nonsense stare you only get after twenty years of customer complaints. She stopped me cold.

"Sorry, your appointment has passed. Please reschedule."

Her lips were pursed tighter than a high school principal on prom night.

My best friend gritted her teeth: "You’d better have a good explanation. What did you do yesterday?"

I stammered: "I... took a part-time job."

She sneered: "What part-time job is more important than half a million?"

Uh... Not really important, just a minimum of four million.

I gave a weak shrug and tried to look apologetic, but she just rolled her eyes at me so hard, I thought they’d get stuck.

The elevator doors opened, and a group of people walked out in single file. The man in front was handsome, cold-faced, and exuded authority. My best friend, sharp-eyed, dragged me aside and rushed over with a smile: "Mr. Bennett, I’m Natalie Lee from Starlight Advertising. Please have a look."

Tyler Bennett didn’t even slow down or glance at her. His assistant stopped her: "Sorry, please reschedule. Mr. Bennett is busy."

My phone buzzed.

Ty: [Home in twenty minutes. What do you want to eat?]

He sent a burger emoji and a winking face, which was honestly more flirting than I’d gotten in years.

I looked at my best friend, desperate, then at Tyler, walking quickly with his head down. Timidly, I raised my hand: "Um..."

As soon as I spoke, Tyler stopped and looked up. His gaze was deep, Adam’s apple bobbing. His face flushed, and I felt a little jealous. Damn, guy who dresses up, living so well.

He stretched out his hand: "Give it here."

Natalie hurriedly handed over the proposal: "Mr. Bennett, this is the first draft. If you’re not satisfied, we can revise it at any time."

Tyler didn’t take it: "The contract."

I quickly pulled out the contract. Tyler didn’t even look at it, flipped straight to the last page, signed his name, and handed it back to me.

"Wait for me at home."

His voice rang out across the marble-floored lobby. Suddenly, every head in the Blue Ridge building turned my way. There was a beat of pure silence before the whispers started. I tried to stand tall, but my cheeks felt like they were on fire. My best friend was already bouncing with joy.

"I told you, if you’re thick-skinned enough, there’s no deal you can’t land. Tonight, I’ll treat you, and invite your old college buddy too. Let’s have a celebration dinner!"

The stares intensified. Now it was: Wow, amazing, the boss is being cheated on.

My phone buzzed again with a smiley face and a pizza emoji from Tyler. I wondered if I’d just landed a deal or a sitcom.

Tyler turned around and stood right in front of me. The corners of his mouth curled into a half-smile, his eyes glinting like a wolf’s: "I love celebration parties the most. Count me in."

I swallowed a laugh. Somehow, this was going to be the wildest ride of my life. And if I survived, maybe I’d finally get that trip to Vegas.