TW: mentions of suicide.

Henley

I hummed to myself as I sat at Bennett's desk, leaning back in the leather office chair, using my foot to spin myself. Since Bennett was away on another business trip, he'd let me move into his office temporarily. I figured no one would dare sneak into his office and I could relax and not have to worry about any unwanted gifts. So far, there hadn't been any weird instances. Not even anything left in my office. Not since Bennett had found the last bouquet that had then sat in the lobby for a week until it wilted and was disposed of.

I stood from the chair and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The setting sun cast an orange glow across the buildings. Had these windows inspired the windows in his house that overlooked the lake? Bennett seemed to love natural light. There were plants scattered around his office, too, which sort of didn't fit his personality, but at the same time oddly suited him.

A knock came from the door and I twirled around, startled, only to see Lee poke his head in. "Oh, hi, Lee."

"Are you busy?" he asked, shutting the door behind him.

I shook my head. "Nope. I finished my work for the day. What's up?"

"Bennett asked me to show you how to work CRM software," Lee told me, smiling sheepishly.

I walked back over to Bennett's desk, sighing. "Well, it's not like it's time to leave yet, anyway. You should also show me how to use the customer service portal thing."

"Are you sure you don't mind taking this over, too?" Lee asked hesitantly, stopping by the edge of the desk, looking rueful. "The CRM is one thing, but checking on customer complaints is an extra responsibility I took on myself, we can leave it to the team, so you don't have to feel obligated—"

"It's okay," I assured him, holding my hand up to stop him. "Really. Bennett is overpaying me. I should put in the work so I actually deserve that much. And it would give you peace of mind, right? To make sure everyone is treating the guests properly regardless of their status?"

"It would, but..."

"I won't overwork myself," I told him. "Besides, you know Bennett. He wants to be out of here before five o'clock even hits."

Lee frowned. "Right."

"Drag a chair over," I said. "I've looked around it a bit, so I should be able to figure out how to work it quickly."

For the next hour, Lee patiently explained how everything worked, showing me all the tips and tricks he knew. When he began to describe how the customer service management system worked, he kept going on little tangents about the different guests he'd helped. While most would consider this a mundane and boring task, Lee talked about it like he was honored to have the opportunity to handle it. It made me feel a little bad for not finding anything but his stories interesting.

But his enthusiasm kept me from regretting my offer to take over. Lee really enjoyed helping people. That much was obvious. Although I couldn't imagine the majority of guests were pleasant to deal with. Most people only contacted companies when they wanted to complain.

"If you get confused, don't go to Bennett. He never likes handling these types of things, so he'll be useless," Lee said as he closed the programs down. "You could call me, or ask one of the customer service reps downstairs."

"I'm not going to bother you when you're taking time off to get away from this place," I said, rolling my eyes.

Lee stared at me. "I'm not trying to get away from this place."

"You've been acting strange ever since coming back from the jail."

"I haven't..."

I gave him a knowing look. "You're coming to work on time— not early like usual— and you've been clocking out right at five."

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Are you keeping tabs on me?"

"Bennett's gone. You're the only one I can bother."

Lee almost looked annoyed for a moment. I blinked. That was weird. I'd never seen Lee look annoyed with me. It made me feel uneasy. I didn't want to make him have that expression again. Was it really so bad I knew when he came to and left work? I just happened to match his schedule this week and noticed.

Lee sighed, rubbing his forehead. "No. You're right. I don't think..." He trailed off, setting his jaw, dropping his hand. "I don't think I want to work here anymore."

My eye widened. "What?"

"Please don't say anything to Bennett or Henry or anyone."

"I mean, I don't blame you for not wanting to work here, but—"

"You don't?" he asked, cutting me off, looking surprised.

"Why would I?"

Lee hesitated. "Because I'm in a position of privilege. Because I have job security that others don't. Because I didn't have to work for this—"

Now it was my turn to cut him off. I jumped from my chair, grabbing his shoulders. "What are you talking about? Lee, you worked your ass off here for years. You put your everything into this job. Everyone knows that. You deserve your position. Even more than Bennett does."

Lee avoided my gaze, turning his chin to the side. "That's not true."

"Yes, it is," I said. "Henry told me what Bennett used to be like. It sounds like this place would have burned to the ground if he'd tried to do what you did for seven years."

"Still..."

"You put all that work in, only for that witch to hand everything to Bennett and try to get rid of you," I said, my grip tightening. "She probably planned that from the beginning."

Lee looked back at me, grimacing. "Um, you're hurting me a little."

I immediately released him. "Oh. Sorry. I just get heated when I think of Dolores."

"...I am beginning to understand that feeling," Lee said quietly, folding his arms over his stomach. "And to be honest, when I think of all the years I spent working so hard for his company, putting in seventy-hour work weeks sometimes, taking on extra responsibilities, dealing with the wrath of that woman when something went wrong, risking my health, risking my sanity. I just. Why did I do that?"

My heart clenched. "Lee."

"And I feel like I'm falling into that same pattern, again," he admitted, running his hand through his hair. "Even though Bennett is here with me now and pulling his weight, there are so many people who are working to get rid of me. No matter what I do. No matter how much effort I put into this damn place, I'm the outsider. Did everyone know from the beginning? That I wasn't that woman's son? When I think about how she used me, knowing Bennett would inherit the company no matter what, I'm so ashamed and embarrassed."

"No, Lee—"

"Or is it because I tried to kill myself?" he asked, clenching his fists. "Am I seen as weak, now? Not mentally capable? That's shit. I'm better now. I worked hard to fight against that terrible sickness. I refuse to be criticized for it. And maybe sometimes that feeling comes creeping back, but I know better now. I know that I need to prioritize my mental health over anything. Even if means leaving this company."

I put my hand on his arm, squeezing it gently. "You're not weak, Lee. You were struggling."

"I didn't even want to end my life," he said. "I just wanted to end the way I was living."

I didn't say anything, knowing he didn't say that for a response.

"That's why I think I have to leave this company all together," Lee continued, pacing the room, biting his lip. "I need to choose a life that makes me happy. I need to get rid of things that upset me. Yes, at one point, I loved working here, but now that I know everything... I want to cut my ties."

"I think that's a very reasonable decision," I said, leaning against the edge of Bennett's desk, watching him pace. "You have so much talent and experience. A great personality. And no doubt the degrees you need to find a job you'll actually enjoy. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their company. And if it makes you feel better, that's what is the most important."

Lee paused, glancing at me. "Are you just saying that?"

My mouth nearly fell open. "What? No! I meant that, Lee. I wouldn't say things I don't mean."

"I'm worried about how Bennett will react."

"You shouldn't. It's your life, Lee."

"But..."

"No buts. Bennett will figure it out. People leave jobs all the time for other opportunities. And besides, you know he would push you to choose your health over work, too."

Lee pursed his lips, obviously not convinced, but didn't try to argue the point any further. "Do you want to get dinner together by any chance?"

I raised my eyebrows. "That's quite a topic change."

"Well..." He trailed off and walked toward me and I heard his stomach rumbling. He flushed. "I'm suddenly hungry. I think it's because I feel better and less anxious after talking to you."

I grinned. "Okay, yeah. I'm hungry, too. Let's go get dinner. Let me grab my jacket."

As we walked toward the elevators, Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking a little sheepish. "Hey. Um. I'm sorry. I usually just talk to my therapist about these things. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable—"

I pulled him to a stop, making him face me. "Sharing your feelings with me would never be uncomfortable," I told him. "It's actually the opposite— I'm happy you trust me enough to tell me these things. I'm happy to be able to give you support."

He smiled, ruffling my hair with his hand. "Bennett is lucky to have you."

"Why are you talking like you don't have me, too?" I said, pushing his hand away and fixing my hair. "You'll have me for the rest of your life."

"Bennett would die if he heard you say that."

"Yeah, he would," I agreed and we both laughed. "Do you want to eat at McKellan's? Or somewhere else?"

"McKellan's is fine. Want to drive there together?"

"I'll take my car," I told him. "Since it's on both our ways home, I don't want to make you drive me back here."

"Want to take my car and I'll drive yours?" he offered as the elevator doors dinged.

I glanced up at him, trying to decide if he was serious or not. "You sure about that—" I cut myself off, coming to a dead stop as I realized someone was already on the elevator. Someone dressed all in black, a baseball cap pulled over their eyes, a medical mask covering their mouth, a small vase of roses in their hands.

Lee already had one foot inside the elevator. With adrenaline flooding my veins, I yanked him back out with all my strength. Not expecting it, he stumbled backward from the force, losing his footing, and falling into me. We both hit the ground hard, his chin smashing into my right eye. Pain radiated through my skull and I squeezed my eye shut, using my uninjured one to look back into the elevator.

The doors were just beginning to close and I noticed the person had their phone out now, the camera pointed straight at me.

Were they taking pictures? Or was I just paranoid? Anger flared through me and I shoved Lee off me, deciding not to be scared. "Who do you think you are—" I started, trying to stop the elevator doors from closing, but being a second too late. I immediately smashed the up button a dozen times, trying to get the elevator to come back, but after a minute of it continuing to descend, I realized I'd missed my chance.

I glared at the elevator doors. There was no doubt that was the person who'd been leaving flowers in my office. They had roses in their hands. But... they didn't even try anything— it was me who reacted violently.

"What's going on?" Lee asked, an edge to his voice as he pushed himself to his feet.

Heart racing, I turned to him, trying to calm down. "No. It's nothing."
Lee pinned me with what I could only describe as an I-know-you're-lying-right-now look. "Did you know that person?"

"No. I mean. I don't know." Swallowing, I lowered my chin, not brave enough to look him in the eyes. "I think that person may be stalking me."

"What?" Lee asked sharply.

"Let me emphasize that I only think this. I don't think I'm in actual danger. I think it's just an admirer who is taking things too far."
Lee gave me a look of disbelief, his posture tense. "What do you mean by that? And there's no such thing as too far for someone who thinks it's okay to stalk someone. They'll just get braver and braver."

"They're just leaving flowers, it's not a big deal—"

"Then why did you freak out just now?"

I could feel heat creeping up the back of my neck, my chest getting tight. "I didn't mean to. I just was surprised. That's it." My hands shook as I clasped them together in front of me. "Sorry."

"Henley," Lee said, making me look back up at him. "You don't need to feel ashamed. Wasn't I just honest with you? Be honest with me."

I squeezed my hands tighter together. "I don't really feel safe in my office anymore," I said in a rush. "I know it's not a big deal, they're just flowers, but I can't stand the smell of them anymore. It makes me want to vomit."

"It is a big deal if you feel unsafe," Lee assured me, looking pissed. "When I find out who this person is they'll be lucky if security gets to them before I do."

My heart skipped a beat. "No! No, you don't have to go that far. I haven't received any flowers in a while. I think they might be over it. I texted them a few weeks ago and told them I was uncomfortable."

"That person had roses."

"They might not have been for me," I said, but didn't really believe it myself.

Lee shook his head. "No. I'm telling security and we'll watch the footage back and find out who it is."

"No!" I said, grabbing his hand. "It's fine!"

"Ow!" Lee cried suddenly, yanking his hand free.

Startled, I fell back a step. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I grabbed you that hard."

"You didn't." His face contorted in pain as he rotated his wrist. "I think I might have hurt my wrist when I fell."

Horror flooded through me. "Oh my God. Lee, I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay. But I think I might need to go to the on-call—"

"Let's go to the ER," I said, my blood turning cold as I looked at his wrist that was already swelling up. I picked up the briefcase he dropped when I made him fall and hit the elevator button again frantically. "What if I broke it? You're just about to take some time off and I ruined it because of some stupid—"

Lee put his uninjured hand on my lower back. "Calm down for a second."

I could hear my pulse in my ears and my mouth was dry. Why was I reacting this way? I tried to force myself to calm down, taking slow and steady breaths. I wasn't even the one hurt. I needed to chill out.

"Do you mind driving me to the urgent care center?" Lee asked. "We can still take my car."

"I'll drive you," I said instantly and not because I wanted to drive the Maserati. "I feel really bad."

"Hopefully it won't take too long there and then we can still get dinner."

I wasn't expecting it to be a quick trip, and it made me feel even more guilty when we were there for over three hours. I couldn't imagine how much it sucked to sit there with a hurting rest and hungry stomach. I'd probably ruined Lee's day.

"On the bright side, it's just a sprain," Lee said as we exited the urgent care, Lee's wrist in a splint. "And I don't need surgery."

"I can't believe I sprained your wrist," I said, putting my face in my hands.

"It was an accident. Don't worry about it."

"Henry is going to kill me. Have you told him yet?"

Lee chuckled. "No. He's trying to meet a deadline right now. I don't want to distract him."

"Hurting yourself isn't a distraction, Lee."

"Okay, fine, in a different situation, maybe not. But really, this is no big deal. Don't beat yourself up over it."

I let my head fall back, groaning. "I shouldn't have pulled you, no matter how startled I was."

"Pay for dinner and we'll call it even."

"That's really all you want me to do?"

He thought about it for a moment. "And tell me if that person bothers you can. Whether it's just leaving flowers or not. Anything. Let me know. Or Bennett."

The uncomfortable feeling started to come back and I did my best to shove it away. It wasn't my fault someone was being weird toward me. "Okay, yeah. Also, if you need help at home, let me know."

"I have Henry, don't worry."

Sorry Henry, I bid silently. At least it was Lee. I couldn't imagine what Bennett would do if I had to wait on him hand and foot. Even just imagining it...

I shuddered.

McKellan's was surprisingly busy and Lee and I just barely managed to find a table for ourselves. Conversation was nearly impossible with the chatter from the people filling up the room and the shouts from people watching the sport's game on the T.Vs. But we were too hungry to try to find somewhere else to eat, so ended up ordering anyway.

I glanced at the bar where Wilson was running around, whipping out drinks to customers with impressive speed. Someone else was behind the bar, too, with their back to me. Their shirt was rolled up to their sleeves, revealing tattooed skin.

I did a double-take. Was that Trav?

And upon doing a double-take, I noticed someone else was behind the bar, too.

I stood up from my seat, shocked. "What the heck?"

Lee looked up at me and then followed my gaze. "Is that Brandon?"

I left the table and headed to the bar. What the heck was Brandon doing behind the bar? He noticed me approaching and gave a small wave. "Oh, uh, hey."

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"I decided to try bartending for a little extra money."

"Why? Don't you make enough at the hotel?"

Brandon shrugged. "I make a decent amount, but not enough to live on my own comfortably."

"What? You want to move out?" I asked, my heart falling. "Why?"

"No, no. I don't," he said quickly. "I just figured you'd be more willing to move in with Bennett if you knew I'd be okay..."

"I'll decide when I'm ready to move in with Bennett on my own. Don't do this because of me. Working two jobs is really hard—"

"I'm sure you know," he responded. "You worked two jobs. Because of me. I can handle this, Henley. I'm doing it for both of us, not just you. I want to build my savings."

My lips curved down. "Don't overwork yourself."

"I won't. Besides, I'm making mad tips. I bet it's because I'm hot."

"That's gross," I said, wrinkling my nose. "Never say that in my premise again."

Trav appeared beside Brandon, smirking. "You know, I thought you looked kind of familiar to me. Henley is your sister?"

Brandon and I both recoiled. "We do not look alike," I said. "That's an insult."

"Yeah, Henley is way uglier than me."

"Brandon don't make me climb over this counter."

"I dare you."

I glowered at him. HE was lucky I respected Wilson and didn't want to fall for his depths. "Did you just get a job here?" I asked, turning my attention to Trav.

Trav nodded. "Yep. I saw an ad in the paper and figured I'd like this place more than Michelangelo's."

"And you just got hired too, Brandon?"

Brandon nodded. "Yep. Saw the ad online."

Wilson hired two people in such a short amount of time? I surveyed the pub again. "It's definitely way busier than usual."

"Weird isn't it?" Wilson said, joining the conversation. "And hi, Henley. I saw you come in, but as you can see, it's crazy in here. It's been like this since the other week. I wonder if someone advertised the place somewhere or did a good review?"

"Maybe," I said. "It's great that it's so busy, though."

"It is indeed," Wilson agreed. "The new hires aren't half bad, either. Brandon, I need you on the other side, though. Save chatting for later."

"On it," Brandon said with a thumb's up. "See you at home, Henley."

"I'll let you guys get back to work," I said.

"Oh, Henley, hold on," Trav said. "Are you still down to hang out? I'm sorry. I've been kind of busy lately, but I actually have some free time this weekend. Would you be interested in doing something then?"

I waved him off. "No worries. I know how busy life can get. But yeah, that sounds good. I'm free."

He grinned. "Cool. I'll text you."

I returned to my table and realized the food had arrived while I was gone. Lee and I ate quickly. I think we were both ready to be done with the day. I yawned as we headed out. "Are you going to be okay driving back to your house? Should I bring you and just Uber back to my car?"

"I think I'll be okay now that my wrist is in the splint," Lee said as he walked to the driver's side of his car.

He drove me back to the office parking lot and dropped me off in front of my car. I said goodbye and then walked to my car, noticing Lee was idling there, probably waiting until I got in to leave.

When I reached for the door handle, I realized the door was already open. For a moment, I stood there, terrified, but then remembered the lock was going. I slowly opened it to find my center console and glove box open, my things scattered about.

I stared down at it, thankful I didn't keep anything valuable in my car.

Not wanting to worry Lee, I shoved the stuff out of the way, sitting down in the driver's seat. Feeling paranoid, I took out my cell phone, turning on the flashlight to check the backseats.

No one would be in here, I told myself, trying to get the courage to look.

I did it quickly, turning the light toward the back seat, relaxing immediately when I saw there was no one waiting.

I let my head fall back against the headrest. It was just someone trying to steal from my car because they realized it was unlocked. Nothing else.

Still...

I turned the key in the engine.

Tomorrow I'd be buying a new car.

Henley is buying a new car, and I want to buy one , too. Am I just writing my wishes into this book? Maybe. I just want heat in my car for winter for the first time in eight years, sob. No A/C or heat is soul-sucking smh. Why can't I be a fictional character? 

If you were Henley and the person you were dating offered to buy you a car, would you let them? I 100% would. Because I'd do the same for my significant other if I was rich lol