Chapter 244
**Sara**
"First day, survivor!" Amy declared, packing up her laptop. "Time to celebrate. We're taking you to Dukes Bar."
"Oh, you don't have to-"
"Non-negotiable." Hailey slung her designer bag over her shoulder. "It's tradition. Plus, you managed to stay awake through Mark's two-hour Excel tutorial. That deserves a drink."
"Or three," Mark added, shutting down his computer. "I saw you nodding off during the VLOOKUP demonstration."
"I was not!" I protested, though my cheeks heated. "I was just deeply concentrating."
"Right. With your eyes closed." Amy winked. "Don't worry, we've all been there."
I laughed, gathering my things. "Fine, you caught me. Excel isn't exactly my idea of riveting entertainment."
"Before we head out," I said, glancing toward the executive offices, "is Lucas Anderson around? I wanted to thank him for the opportunity."
"Oh, you just missed him," Amy replied, leading us toward the elevators. "He flew out this morning for some big merger talks in London. Should be back in three days."
"Yeah, typical Lucas - jet-setting around the globe while we slave over spreadsheets," Hailey said with a dramatic sigh.
The elevator dinged, and we piled in. "Mark, I saw you brought your laptop," Amy pointed out. "No work talk at Dukes. It's sacred ground."
"But-"
"Sacred. Ground." Hailey snatched his laptop bag. "I'm confiscating this."
Dukes was exactly my kind of place - dark wood, vintage posters, and bartenders who knew how to pour a proper drink. We grabbed a booth in the corner, and Amy flagged down a server.
"First round's on me," Mark announced. "Consider it an apology for the Excel torture."
"In that case, I'll have top shelf," I grinned.
"Four Manhattan's," Hailey ordered before Mark could change his mind. "And keep them coming."
I settled into the leather booth, already feeling more relaxed. The first-day tension melted away as our drinks arrived, garnished with perfect maraschino cherries.
"So, Sara," Amy leaned forward, "you living in the city?"
"Yeah, got my own apartment." I took a sip of my Manhattan. "Finally escaped the roommate life after grad school."
"Living alone is the best," Hailey raised her glass. "No one eating your leftovers or using your expensive face wash."
"Or leaving passive-aggressive notes about the dishes," I added, thinking of my former roommate's Post-it addiction.
"We should totally do girls' night sometime!" Amy's eyes lit up. "My place is too crowded with wedding planning stuff everywhere."
"Wedding planning?" I perked up. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks! John proposed last month. I'm still getting used to the ring." She wiggled her fingers, showing off a sparkling diamond.
Mark groaned. "Don't get her started on centerpieces. Yesterday, she showed me seventeen different shades of blush pink."
"They were completely different!" Amy protested. "Right, Hailey?"
"Don't drag me into this." Hailey signaled for another round. "I'm still traumatized from the great napkin debate of last week."
"What about you, Mark?" I asked, trying to redirect the conversation. "Any wedding bells in your future?"
"Rachel and I are taking it slow." He smiled, clearly smitten. "But maybe someday."
"Unlike some of us," Hailey dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "Forever alone with my cat and my Netflix account."
"Please," Amy rolled her eyes. "You turned down three guys last month alone."
"They weren't my type!"
"Your type being...?" Mark raised an eyebrow.
"Breathing and employed?" Amy suggested.
I laughed into my drink as they bickered, grateful they hadn't pushed me about my own relationship status. The last thing I needed was to explain the complicated situation with Tom.
The conversation drifted to office gossip and horror stories from their early days at Westbridge. By the time we finished our second round, I felt like I'd known them for years instead of hours.
"We should head out," Mark said, checking his watch. "Some of us have actual work to do tomorrow."
I stifled a groan, knowing he was right but reluctant to end such a fun evening. The warm buzz from the drinks and easy conversation made the thought of my empty apartment seem particularly unappealing.
"One more round?" Amy pleaded, but Hailey was already shaking her head.
"Some of us have a nine AM presentation tomorrow." She poked Amy's shoulder. "Which you're supposed to be helping with, remember?"
"Ugh, adulting sucks." Amy slumped dramatically against the booth.
Despite Mark's protests about covering it all, we split the bill and spilled onto the sidewalk. The night air hit my face with a sobering chill, making me pull my blazer tighter around my shoulders.
The streetlights cast long shadows as we said our goodbyes. Amy pulled me into a tipsy hug, nearly taking us both down in her designer heels.
"Best first day ever!" She planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek. "We're keeping you."
"Down, girl." Hailey peeled her away, steadying Amy with one hand. "Sorry, she gets affectionate after Manhattans."
Mark called an Uber for Amy and Hailey while I waved off his offer to share one. "I'm good with the subway. Could use the walk to clear my head."
"Text when you're home safe!" Amy called from the car window, making me promise three times before they finally pulled away.
The subway platform was mercifully empty this late. The ride home was quick, though I had to endure one stop of a drunk guy singing "Sweet Caroline" at full volume. At least he knew all the words.
My feet protested every step of the three-block walk to my apartment. Note to self: maybe keep a pair of flats in my desk drawer like a proper adult.
I collapsed onto my couch. My feet screamed in relief as I kicked off my heels, sending them flying somewhere in the room. Who invented these torture devices anyway? Probably some man who never had to wear them.
The glow from my phone screen illuminated my face as I checked it - one missed call from Tom. My heart did that annoying little flutter thing it always did when I saw his name.
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