4.

Sarah walked into the office and sat on her chair with a plop. She laid the file she had gotten from her boss on her desk and proceeded to read it. Her boss had given her information on the next celebrity she had to interview and it was the daughter of one of the biggest manufacturing companies in the city, Annabel Evans.

The good part was that Annabel was a social media sweetheart. Maybe that would make the interview way easier for both of them. Anyways, she had to read more about Annabel before she went to meet her and all the information she needed was in the file before her.

Her thoughts suddenly veered to the night before and the conversation she had with the friendly bartender. He had told her that it was perfectly fine to be hurt and cry out or even lash out. He also told her that all of it was a part of a healing process that might take either a short period or a long while. And he had made a lot of sense to her, because she had gotten to her apartment, cried a while and then fallen asleep.

"Hey baby. How are you holding up?"

She looked up and saw Pierce standing in front of her desk with a concerned expression on his face.

"I'm fine, really. I look better than I did yesterday, right" she asked with a smile.

"Yeah. I don't know what that guy from yesterday said to you but he worked some kind of magic. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to go there today seeing as tomorrow is the weekend" Pierce said.

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "You are going there because you think I need someone to talk to or for a hookup?"

Pierce sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine, you got me. The hot guy from last night gave me his number and I'm meeting him today. I just hoped you'll tag along."

"Why can't you go by yourself?" 

"You need to go out, love. I'm not going to leave you moping at home while I'm having fun. Besides, I know I'm leaving you in capable hands with that gorgeous hunk of a guy" he replied.

What did she have to lose? If she declined, she would go home and eat ice cream until she couldn't anymore. Maybe binge watch romantic comedies or chick flick that would remind her of Handel. Talking to the bartender was by far a much preferable option.

"Alright, we'll go but we'll leave early enough. I need to go over the portfolio and get prepared for the interview." Sarah said.

"I do not envy you at all. I much prefer being behind the scenes than with those snobby humans. How do you even stand them?" Pierce asked.

"They are not all that bad. Some have never had to work for themselves and some are just, well naturally difficult. This one looks different though, she's rumored to be a sweetheart. Maybe it'll be fun and we'll become friends." Sarah replied with a smile.

"Whatever you say, love. We'll see at the end of the day. Catch ya later" he said and walked away.

Hours later, she looked up from her laptop and let out a yawn. Poring over questions had taken all of her time and now all she wanted to do was go home and sleep, but she had made a promise to Pierce and she kind of wanted to see the bartender again.

She stood up from her desk to walk up to meet Pierce when her boss walked up to her.

"Sarah, I need you to wait behind and see me in my office. We need to go over certain things and I need you to take down notes" he said.

Sarah saw Pierce grimace from the corner of her eyes and sent him an apologetic look. She would have to cancel her date with him. He wouldn't suffer though, he had company for the night and she did not. Ice cream would be her company for the night.

"Yes, sir. Would the editorial team be present too?" she asked.

Her boss looked at her as if she had suddenly lost her senses. "That's why you are needed, Sarah. You need to take notes for their pitches".

"Yes, sir. I'll be there "she replied as he walked away.

Pierce walked briskly towards her.

"What was he saying to you? He looked like he wanted to chew your head off"

Sarah rolled her eyes. "He looks pissed all the time. It's his default setting now. So, even if he might not want to take my head for some trophy,it would seem like he wanted to.

He needs me to take notes for the editorial team during their meeting. I don't know why, since I don't usually do it.

But, I won't be able to follow you tonight" she said apologetically

"Are you freaking serious? You are ditching me for Grouchy? I thought we were chum buddies. Plus I need someone to watch my back when I get shitfaced" Pierce said with a whine.

Sarah shot him a pointed look. "Would you rather I lose my job, huh? I follow you and I lose my job?"

"Jeez, calm down. I'm just kidding okay? I'll go alone and I'll be fine, at least I have company for the night"

Sarah rubbed her eyes in frustration. "I'm sorry, I'm just dog tired and sleepy plus I have to go and do a job I would rather not do. All I need is sleep and I can't even get it now"

Pierce hugged her and patted her head. "I'm really sorry, love. I know how hard it is for you right now. I'll come by to keep you company later, okay?"

"I would love that, thanks. I'll order pizza and reheat it when you come" Sarah said and forced a smile "Just call me before you come because I may be asleep"

"I will" he replied. Then he nudged her towards the door. "Now, shoo. Go for the meeting and take some notes before grouchy goes off with your head".

Sarah made a chopping off sound as she mimicked the gesture of head falling off.

"He's probably going to cut my body parts into chops and keep my brain"

"Scram! I'm not going to buy your body parts eBay", Pierce propelled her out.