Relentless

Five

Quentin

"Brown shoes, or black?"

"With that shirt? Black." I told Oak, who was pacing around our living room.

"Are you sure?"

"I do this for a living, Oak. I'm sure. And could you calm down? It's just a little date." I laughed.

"Not all of us are equipped with the smooth gene. I'm not good with girls like you are."

"If you haven't fucked up yet, you have nothing to worry about."

Thursday rolled around quick, with my new job going smoothly, and no run ins with Rivers.

Usually, when I'd get home, I'd work on something I had left over from the day. Today, I'd gotten so much done there...I had nothing to do here.

This is why Oak forced me to coach him before his date with a girl he met at some convention.

"Okay, so what should I say when I see her? Like 'hi Jamie?' Or like 'wow Jamie you look amazing' orrr-"

"Oak. You'll know what to say. I promise."

"Okay..okay. How do I look?" He said, straightening out his clothes.

"Slightly better than usual."

"I'll take it. Thanks for your help, I should get going."

"Have fun out there, buddy. But not too much fun."

"I could say the same thing to you. Leaving you in the house alone makes me uneasy."

"I can assure you, no boots will be knocked this evening. I'll just be here chilling. I deserve a break."

"Well, I plan on doing the opposite." He said slyly. "See you later, wish me luck."

"Good luck," I said, as he left through the front door.

Now by myself, I resulted to scrolling through my phone. It felt weird having nothing productive to do.

As soon as I unlocked it, I noticed some texts on my screen.

"Grayson: hey Quentin, i almost forgot. welcome to the art director group chat :)"

A bunch of unsaved numbers greeted me as well.

Interesting.

I guess a work group chat would be helpful. It allows us to stay in touch in a casual way— lord knows most of them don't read their work emails.

"hey guys," I replied.

"so...are we telling him about the plan?" An unsaved number sent.

Definitely Erica.

"i will.🙂 so Quentin. You're new, and probably don't know this, but at blackscale, birthdays are hugeeee. A little birdy told me Rivers' birthday is tomorrow..so we thought we'd leave her a little gift :)"

Something tells me this 'little gift' had some type of ill intent.

I ignored the message, but my phone vibrated again.

"don't worryyyyy it's just a card, but each of us are writing a special personalized message 🙃 you wanna add something?"