The office was unusually quiet that afternoon, save for the rhythmic tapping of my pen against the desk. The bouquet of white tulips Jeff had sent earlier that week had begun to wilt, their once vibrant petals now drooping—a visual metaphor for my dwindling patience. The unanswered questions, the lingering glances, the unsolicited gifts—it was all becoming too much. I needed clarity, and there was only one way to get it.
I picked up my phone, my thumb hovering over Jeff's contact. Before I could overthink it, I pressed 'Call'. The line rang twice before his familiar voice answered.
"Demi?"
"Jeff, we need to talk. Can you meet me at the park near the office in an hour?"
There was a pause, then a soft sigh. "I'll be there."
The park bench was cold beneath me, the late afternoon breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. I spotted Jeff approaching from the corner of my eye, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, his expression unreadable.
He sat down b
