If only I hadn't looked, it would've saved me the heartache., Just as I was about to divert my attention, I caught Conrad turning around. His gaze shot through the glass of the floor-to-ceiling window, his brows furrowed in a clear sign of displeasure., I didn't linger on him, though, and instead, turned to Ernest, who had just finished ordering and handed me his phone to review our selections., And there it was, a list full of my favorites., But how could he know? We weren't close enough for him to know my food tastes. Did he share the same taste as me?, I lifted my gaze, intending to ask, but then hesitated. Asking too much might show I cared more than I should, and I couldn't afford to let Ernest see that., So instead, I asked,

"How about a drink?

",

"I don't drink,

" he declined, adding,

"Plus, I've got some errands this afternoon.

", Right, he was going to see some apartments., I assumed it was because of his plans he refused the drink, so I said,

"No worries. I can come with you to check out the places, make sure you don't get swindled.

",

"No need, I've already...

" He paused, and I looked at him, waiting for him to finish., Our eyes met, his gaze steady,

"I've decided to look around by myself, see more options.

", I nodded, secretly relieved. I wasn't too keen on tagging along anyway, fearing any mishap could somehow be blamed on me., With alcohol off the table, I ordered us soft drinks instead and placed our order., Suddenly, the room dimmed and a voice I knew all too well filled the space,

"Aren't we on a tight schedule? What's with the leisurely lunch?

", Conrad, that piece of work, had decided to grace us with his presence. I could only wonder what Haley had told him to rile him up this time., His words annoyed me. Did he think we didn't even deserve a break for a meal because of work?, I was about to retort when Ernest beat me to it,

"We're off today.

", Conrad's icy gaze shifted between us, landing on me.

"Who approved this day off?

",

"I did,

" Ernest spoke up before I could., Conrad's expression darkened.

"You? You're just a lighting technician. What right do you have to demand a day off? You're supposed to ensure the lighting setup is completed and approved without delay.

", His words were a clear insult., I flared up.

"Mr. Wagner, I'm in charge here. I approved the day off. What, do you expect us to work like mules without a break?

", My analogy might not have been perfect, but it was fitting., Ernest then chimed in,

"I might just be a technician, but surely Mr. Wagner, you understand the urgency here?

", Conrad, cornered by our joint rebuke, turned a shade of iron blue.,

"Fine, enjoy your break. Consider this meal on the company,

" he spat out before storming off to settle the bill at the front desk., I couldn't help but mock,

"Mr. Collins, did we under-order?

", Ernest didn't reply, his gaze making me somewhat uneasy. Just as I was about to look away, he said,

"You got a text.

",

"Did I? Let's see,

" I followed his cue and checked the message., My ears burned red as I read the message from Fanny:

"Is Mr. Collins not into you? How could he possibly share a room with such a knockout and not make a move?

", I instantly regretted my nosiness., This morning, after sneaking out of Ernest's room, I'd spilled the beans to Fanny about my awkward sleepover. She hadn't replied until now., She could've kept her silence, but no, she chose the exact moment Ernest had my phone to send that message., Embarrassed, I couldn't even lift my head as Ernest's voice came through, low,

"For the record, I'm in perfect health, and everything functions just fine.

", I was speechless., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.