Jack POV

I had been working in the same company as Alex for a week now and I was expecting to see his boss any time. I was nervous as hell. I tried not to show it but I think I did a pretty bad job because I tend to turn green when I’m sick which is kind of hard to conceal.

I was sorting through things as always and telling Alex what to put in the computer, I had to read out lots of numbers and names which he then typed up. But I couldn’t concentrate well, I messed up various times. He looked at me after some time and sighed.

“Do you wanna take a little break? You look kind of sick,” he said. I shook my head, I didn’t want to have Matt coming over when I was taking a break. Alex looked at me for a bit longer before nodding. I started to read out the data again but I was even more nervous now and fucked up more. I was trembling too now and Alex turned towards me.

“Jack, it’s no point in continuing when you’re like this. Come on, I’ll give you something to calm you down,” he sighed. He got out a little bottle of pills and handed me a small pill. It was pinkish. I looked at him questioningly but he just nodded.

“I’m not taking some weird meds, Alex. I can get through this,” I whispered. Alex stared at me.

“Are you sure? They do a great job at calming me down when I need it,” he said. I gave the pill back to him and there was no time for further discussion as Matt arrived.

“Good morning Alex and Jack. Jack, would you be as kind as to come with me for a second?” he said.

“Good morning Matt,” I said, shakily getting up. Alex looked at me reassuringly.

“Should I come too?” he offered.

“No, Jack and I are gonna do that alone, aren't we?” Matt said with a wide smile. I forced a smile too.

“Of course,” I said, hiding my fear. Alex nodded and Matt and I started walking. I looked back at Alex and saw him mouth a “Good luck,” with both his thumbs up.

Matt pushed open the door and let me enter in his room. I awkwardly stood next to the chair in front of his desk while he walked around the table.

“Please, sit down,” he invited me. I did as told and after some more shuffling, Matt cleared his throat. “So, Jack. You’ve been working here for a week now. How do you like it?” he asked.

“I like it very much,” I said. He looked at me expectantly and I forced a smile. “I especially like the nice atmosphere here,” I added.

“I’m glad you do but I have to inform you… We won’t keep you here,” he said.

I felt everything inside me collapse. My eyes burned and my throat tightened. I just looked at Matt, extremely careful not to let any tears escape my eyes. I was unemployed. Again.

“But,” Matt said. A shimmer of hope appeared in my heart but I killed it right away. I was probably going to be disappointed anyways. “A friend of mine wants to hire a help cook for the little restaurant he’s starting. He checked out many applicants but they all were too professional for him. I told him to check you out,” he said with a smile.

I breathed out. Oh my god.

“But what if he doesn’t want me?” I said shyly.

“Then you can still work in our canteen’s kitchen or I’ll see what I can do. We’ll figure it out, don’t worry. Do you need a tissue?” he offered. I realized that I was crying and nodded. He handed me over a tissue box and I took one. I patted off my tears.

“Thank you so much, Matt,” I said. He smiled.

“You’re welcome. I got you well, didn’t I? You’ll get your money for the week here on your account. Here is my friend’s number and email address. Oh, and it’ll be a little French restaurant,” he replied, handing me a sheet of paper. I took it and got up. I was still shaky but so happy.

“Goodbye and all the best,” he said, shaking my hand. I nodded.

“Thank you,” I said one last time and turned around. I walked over to Alex’s desk in a haze. He looked up when he saw me coming. He looked worried when he noticed my red eyes. I reached his table.

“Jack?” he asked carefully.

“I’m not working here anymore.” His face fell. “But I have good chances to get a job as a help-cook,” I said, watching as he broke out in a big grin.

“You scared me! But wow, that is great! Congratulations,” he said as he got up to hug me. I wanted to hug him forever but I knew we were just allowed to make it a quick “best friends” hug.

“How about popping some champagne later?” Alex offered. I smiled.

“I’d love to,” I said. He winked at me and got back to work.

Notes

Ooh did I get you? ;)

-Laura