Ron never called out mistakes directly. He had this way of giving low–key, feel–good reminders that


    made you want to do better without feeling weird about it.


    That’s why he was our superior. He’d joke around all day, barely looking like he was working, but


    somehow, everyone else was always hustling to keep up.


    I yed along, smiling. “If I slowed down, I’d feel guilty, letting you down.”


    He chuckled. “But I never put any pressure on you. Besides, work’s endless. No need to rush.”


    Ron’s the first boss I’ve met who doesn’t want you to stress yourself out. Kinda rare.


    Since he was being nice, I couldn’t exactly turn him down withouting off rude, so I smiled and


    said,” Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.”


    “You’ve lost a lot of weighttely. Are you sure you’re okay?” He didn’t even nce at the stack of


    documents I’d handed him, like he was more interested in a random chat.


    We weren’t close or anything, but ever since we met, he acted like we were old pals. Still, I kept


    things


    Professional. I’m fine, really.”


    “Fine? You look like you’ve been in a vampire flick–pale and all,” he joked, shaking his head before


    pulling out a neatly wrapped gift box from his desk. “Here, this is from a client. Supposed to boost


    energy or something. You should try it.”


    I looked at the box, raising an eyebrow. “This looks like something for women. You’re sure it’s for


    you?”


    For once, Ron actually seemed a little embarrassed, giving me an awkward grin. “Haha, yeah, they


    probably thought I had a girlfriend. But as you know, I’m single as ever.”


    He was always spinning some kind of story, but I appreciated the gesture. No need to call him out.


    Thanks. Guess I owe you lunch now.”


    “Deal! Don’t forget, or I’ll track you down.” He winked, making it sound more like a casual hang than


    any real obligation.


    “Okay,” I agreed, noting he wasn’t exactly rushing to sign. No point pushing it if he’d already said


    the work


    never ends.


    “Take your time with the signatures. Just let me know if you have questions.” I ced the candy I’d


    promised him earlier on his desk.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He looked at the candy, a bit amused. “You actually brought it.”


    “Of course. I try to keep my word,” I replied, picking up the gift box and heading out.


    night before closing time, Ron strolled over with the signed docs. “Ms. Kay, sorry for the dy.


    Hope it didn’t cause any issues?”


    Even though he was the boss, his rxed vibe did tend to slow things down sometimes, I couldn’t


    help it- 1 had to say something. “Can it even be a dy if you’re the one holding things up?”


    Ronughed. “Ouch, noted, Ms. Kay. I’ll work on it. Dinner tonight to make it up?”


    “Tonight’s no good, I’ve got something nned,” I said, remembering I needed to catch up with


    Steve on


    video.


    “No problem, another time.” He shrugged it off like it was no big deal.


    “Sorry, Mr. Shane,” I apologized, feeling a little guilty since I had offered him a meal earlier.


    “Apology not epted. Now you owe me two meals,” he grinned, making it impossible to feel bad.


    Iughed. “Deal.”


    After delivering the signed docs, I clocked out, only to run into Ron and Hayden as I left.


    The timing was…odd.


    Part of me wondered if this was nned, but then I remembered–Hayden and I weren’t exactly on


    speaking terms anymore. Why would he bother?


    In the elevator, the tension was thick, like it had been all day. Neither of us said a word.


    Ron, being Ron, broke the silence. “Ms. Kay, you’re looking way better than this morning, don’t you


    think, Hayden?” He nudged Hayden, who stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on me.


    Ronughed, totally oblivious to the awkwardness. “That supplement really works! Hayden should


    get the client to send over more.”


    I froze. Wait–did that mean the gift box Ron gave me was actually from Hayden?