Chapter 91 Shit! He's coming with us
June
"You said earlier you were happy to see me, which was why you hugged me, right?" Tobias asks, pushing himself lazily on the swing.
I bite down on my straw, still reeling from his gaze—that sharp tilt of his head, then the quick, dismissive nudge he gave Vanessa before striding off.
He saw me hug Tobias.
What reaction was I even hoping for? From someone who doesn’t give a damn about me.
Ugh. I’m tired. That’s it. I’m done with whatever this is—whatever I’m feeling or craving. If I crave him so badly that I’ll take this kind of insult, then I’ll just force myself to uncrave him. (If that’s even a word.)
I know, I know—you’ll say I’ve said this before and never follow through. But this time, just trust—
"Are you listening to me, June?" Tobias’s voice cuts in, pulling me out of my spiral.
Ugh– Distractions.
This is why I told him to eat in the cafeteria. But no, Tobias insisted on coming out here with him, to the company garden.
"You don’t look that happy here," he says suddenly.
I force a smile, pressing my straw to my lips. "No, I'm happy. I've just a headache. Sorry if I took you unaware with the hug,"
He waves it off. "It's fine, and by the way, Leila and I went on a walk yesterday,"
My head snaps up. "Wait—what? How did that happen? Where did you see her? Did you stop by the house?"
He fumbles, scratching the back of his neck. "No. No. I just…saw her by chance."
I narrow my eyes, squinting. "Tobias, do you…like my Leila?"
His eyes widen, and he shakes his head quickly. "It’s not like that. We just ran into each other. She…she said you’ve been acting different these days. She’s worried it might be office stress."
"Oh–" my jaw tightens, but I keep my voice even. "Don't mind her, she always acts like that. Too worried. I’m fine."
He studies me, and then I add a little laugh, forcing lightness into it.
Tobias chuckles with me, letting it drop. Then he leans back on the swing. "So…are you attending the three-day retreat tomorrow?"
"Retreat?" I blink at him, genuinely lost.
He tilts his head, brows lifting. "You don’t know? Didn’t your team mention it?"
I shake my head, straw still between my teeth, when suddenly my brain finally clicks. My head jerks up. "Oh my God—the retreat."
I sit forward on the swing, heart giving a little leap. Of course. The annual three–day retreat. It’s always been one of those shiny bullet points in Apex’s internship brochure. One of the things I’d circled and daydreamed about even before applying.
"It’s the yearly thing," I explain quickly, excitement warming my voice. "All the departments, all the employees…we all come together, like, out of the city. Seminars, workshops, team games, dinners—it’s basically Apex’s way of making everyone bond."
I let out a breathless laugh, shaking my head at myself. "I can’t believe I almost forgot. It was one of the things I actually looked forward to the most."
Tobias grins at my sudden spark. "Well, glad I reminded you."
He then leans back on the swing, a boyish grin spreading across his face. "You know, back at the New York branch, they had a massive prize for the winning team every retreat. And just so you know…" he pauses, flashing a playful smirk, "I won every single one."
I whip my head toward him, eyes wide. "You’re kidding."
He shakes his head, looking smug. "Nope. Every year. Trivia, obstacle courses, strategy challenges—you name it."
I blink, then laugh, jabbing him with my straw. "Then that settles it. We’re teaming up. No way am I letting anyone else snatch you. We’re winning this one, Tobias."
His grin widens. "Deal."
I sit back, a little thrill in my chest. For the first time today, my headache dulls, replaced by the strange bubble of excitement. Retreat, competition, and winning. This is exactly what I need.
I’m all set, bag packed and zipped, waiting for Tobias to show up and pick me so we can head to the company bus together. Kayla eyes my small luggage like a jealous little sister.
"You’re sure we can’t bring a plus-one? Like a non-employee?" she pouts, crossing her arms.
I shake my head. "Nope Kayla. It's strictly employees only."
Her mouth droops dramatically, so I roll my eyes and toss her a lifeline. "Fine. Take my tube dress—the green one. Go out, flirt, make some poor guy regret his life choices."
Instantly her expression brightens. "I knew I loved you!" She snatches the dress from my drawer like a thief.
Leila, more grounded, leans against the doorway. "Take care, and actually have fun, June. Don’t just stress yourself."
"Oh c'mon La. You know I love to have fun," I say, zipping up my jacket.
"Obviously, I was just –"
The doorbell rings, cutting her short.
"It must be Tobias." I say as we head for the door.
Leila hands me a small bag. "Here—packed lunch for the road." She flashes Tobias a knowing smile as we leave, which earns her a side-eye from me.
On the bus, Tobias and I slide into a seat together, the big vehicle buzzing with chatter and the smell of cheap air freshener. He scrolls through his phone, showing me his latest painting. Colors, bold and messy, spilling across the screen. I force a smile, trying to concentrate, and not let my mind wander, or think about Hermes.
I don't want to think about last night, and how I ignored his text, his request for my presence. Like I said everyone: I mean it this time.
Still I cave. "Uhm– do you think the CEO will even come to this?" I ask Tobias, trying to sound casual.
He shrugs. "No clue. But people in my department said his dad never attended. So, maybe not?"
Relief loosens the knot in my chest. I think I’ll actually survive these three days.
Just then I hear footsteps. A hush spreads across the bus like a ripple in water.
Hermes Grande steps in, in full business, pressed black suit, dark shades hiding those cold, merciless eyes. He walks down the aisle, every head turning, the air thickening with his presence.
My breath catches, nails digging into the strap of my bag.
My worst fear just came true.
Shit! He’s coming with us.