“So cut the shit and tell me what’s really going on at Dreamland,” Declan snaps.
I turn my focus from Iris back to my brother, finding his shoulders tense beneath his suit. What about Dreamland unsettles him this much?
Probably the same thing as you.
I go off, sharing my actual report from last week, minus my growing attraction toward my employee.
16
Rowan
My phone vibrates at the corner of my desk. I grab it and open the message without checking who it’s from. There’s only one person who messages me during working hours and it’s sure as hell not my brothers.
I’m surprised Zahra’s able to get her work done with so many interruptions. I’d question her work ethic but based on some of the timestamps of her messages, she’s up past the time when I go to bed.
Zahra: Mayday!!!
Zahra: I have another meeting this Friday and my sketches look like something from a kindergarten showcase.
Me: Give the kindergarteners a little more credit. Their drawings aren’t that bad.
I lean back in my chair and wait, fighting a smug smile.
Zahra: Remember when you said you’ve never been called funny in your life?
Me: Yes.
Zahra: Turns out everyone is right. You’re awful.
Me: Is this how you proposition those you want favors from?
Zahra: I’m glad you asked because I’m ready with my next offer.
Of course she is. I’d expect nothing less from her.
Zahra: I’ll buy you pizza and a six-pack of your favorite beer if you help me. I’m BEGGING you.
She doesn’t ask before sending a photo. She’s right. Whatever mock-up she created is absolutely hideous. I can barely make out whatever idea she originally had.
Me: Is that a dying cat? That’s a bit morbid for a children’s theme park, don’t you think?
Zahra: Ha. Ha. Ha. It’s supposed to be a menacing dragon for your artistic information.
Me: At least you nailed the scary part.
She follows up my message with one single knife emoji.
Me: Are you threatening my life? That’s something HR would frown down upon.
Now I’m jokingly threatening her with HR? I’m fucked. So positively fucked.
Zahra: Slip of the finger. I meant to send this.
She follows up with a series of praying hands. I rub a thumb across my smile.
Me: Liar.
Zahra: All right, you’re playing hard to get, so here’s plan C.
Me: Only two away from selling your kidney.
Zahra: You really pay attention!!
Zahra: But I think you won’t be able to resist this one, so my vital organ could be safe and sound if you only agree.
Zahra: How about pizza, beer, and a year of unlimited access to my TV streaming accounts. I won’t even change the password in a few months to spite you.
A whisper of a laugh escapes me. Her offer is ridiculous, especially seeing as I’m the one who acquired any streaming service worth paying a subscription for. It’s my pride and joy.
Regardless, I’m impressed by her perseverance despite all my rejections.
Zahra: Do you accept the challenge?
Me: Tell me more about your idea and I’ll think about it.
Every siren in my head sounds off in unison, warning me away from her. Yet I can’t find the will to send a follow-up message revoking my offer.