A party to crash

I entered the office fuming.

The empty reception gave me a reminder that I had given my workers half of the day to rest.

“I forgot,” I muttered, rubbing my temples as if that could somehow erase him from my head.

But it was impossible. That jerk’s voice persisted.

I tossed my bag on the reception counter, slid out of my heels, and sought solace on the waiting couch.

The plushy couch accepted my weight, hugging me but it offered little comfort.

I turned and twisted for a while, restless for no reason.

Or maybe there was a reason.

And that reason was him.

I jolted upright, tilting my head in dismay. “What is this mess I’ve found myself in?” I whispered to the empty room.

“Why is he doing this to me?”

“Why won’t he just leave me alone? Why?”

I leaned back on the couch, my mind racing with more questions than I could answer.

My office entrance beeped open and I raised my eyebrows, wondering which of my workers had forgotten the day off like me.

Willis walked in, and my express