CHAPTER FIFTY–THREE–Where Do We Go From Here?
“Do you remember that little café we found in New York?” she asked at one point, leaning in slightly. “The one with the amazing croissants?”
Ryan nodded, a flicker of something–nostalgia? regret?-passing over his face. “I dn. They were pretty spectacular, weren’t they?”
Laura smiled, letting her hand rest close to his on the table. “We should go back sometime. For old times‘ sake.
For a moment, Ryan’s professional facade seemed to waver. But then be cleared his throat, smoothly changing the subject. “Speaking of spectacular, wait until you see the cutting–edge software we’re using in the R&D department. I think you’ll find it really enhances your design capabilities.“
Laura tried not to let her disappointment show as Ryan launched into a detailed explanation of the software. Throughout the rest of the meal, she made a few more attempts to create moments of connection laughing a bit too enthusiastically at his jokes, letting her hand linger when teaching for the salt, trying to catch and hold his gaze.
But each time, Ryan skillfully deflected, keeping the conversation firmly rooted in work–related topics. He spoke at length about the projects she’d be involved in, the team she’d be working with, and the goals of the R&D department.
As the evening drew to a close, Laura found herself feeling a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, she was genuinely excited about her new job. Ryan’s passion for the work was infectious, and she could already envision the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
On the other hand, she couldn’t shake a sense of frustration at Ryan’s unwavering professionalism. The easy intimacy they had shared in New York seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a polite but distinct boundary.
As they finished their dessert–a decadent chocolate mousse that Ryan insisted they try–Laura made one last attempt to breach that boundary.
“This has been lovely, Ryan,” she said softly, meeting his eyes across the table. “It’s nice to have some time just the two of us, away from the office.”
Ryan held her gaze for a moment, and Laura thought she saw a flicker of something–longing? regret?-in his eyes. But then he blinked, and it was gone, replaced by his now–familiar professional smile.
“It has been nice,” he agreed, signaling for the check. “I’m glad we had this chance to discuss your role in more detail. I think you’re going to be a great asset to the team, Laura.”
As they left the restaurant, Laura tried to quell her disappointment. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the salt scent of the nearby ocean. Ryan’s car was waiting for them, the driver opening the doors as they approached.
The ride back to the penthouse was quiet, Laura lost in her thoughts as she watched the city lights blur past the window. When they arrived, Ryan insisted on walking her to the door.
As they stood outside the penthouse, Laura turned to face him. “Thank you for dinner, Ryan. And for everything else. The job, the apartment…it’s all more than I ever expected.”
Ryan smiled, his expression warm but guarded. “You’re welcome, Laura. I’m just glad to have you on board.”
There was a moment of awkward silence, both of them seemingly unsure how to end the evening. Finally, Laura stepped forward and hugged him, brief but heartfelt.
“Goodnight, Ryan,” she said softly as she pulled away.
“Goodnight, Laura,” he replied, his voice equally solt. “I’ll see you at the office on Monday.”
Laura watched as Ryan got back into his car, raising a hand in a final wave as the vehicle pulled away. She stood there for a moment longer, watching until the taillights disappeared around a corner.
Laura McKenna woke up with a mix of excitement and nervousness churning in her stomach. Today was her first day at Sivarra Tech’s R&D department in Long Island, and she wanted to make a good impression. She carefully selected a crisp white blouse and tailored navy slacks, pairing them with modest heels.
As she made her way to the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. steaming mug in hand.
“Morning, superstar,” Jessie grinned. “Ready to knock ‘em dead?
Laura managed a weak smile. “As ready as I’ll ever be.‘
Jessie was already in
already up, leaning against the counter with a
PTY–THREE – Where Do We Go From Here
Jessie pushed a plate of toast towards her. “Eat up. Can’t have you fainting on your first day.”
Laura nibbled at the toast, her appetite diminished by nerves. “Thanks, Jess. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Probably starve,” Jessie quipped. She gave Laura a quick hug. “You’ve got this. Now go show those tech nerds what you’re made of.”
With a deep breath, Laura grabbed her bag and headed out. The company car, a sleek silver Audi, was waiting in the driveway. As she slid behind the wheel, the leather seats still smelled new. She punched the address into the GPS and set off, watching the familiar streets of her neighborhood give way to the highway.
The drive took about forty minutes, giving Laura plenty of time to run through various scenarios in her head. By the time she pulled into the Sivarra Tech parking lot, she’d imagined at least a dozen ways her first day could go horribly wrong
The Long Island office of Sivarra Tech was a sight to behold. The main building was a modern masterpiece of glass and steel, its facade reflecting the morning sunlight like a giant mirror. It stood five stories tall, each floor slightly offset from the one below, creating a cascading effect that made the building appear to be in motion.
Surrounding the building were meticulously manicured lawns, dotted with carefully placed trees and shrubs. A winding path led from the parking lot to the main entrance, flanked by beds of colorful flowers that added a splash of vibrancy to the otherwise sleek and minimalist design.
To the east of the building, a small artificial lake shimmered in the sunlight. Its banks were lined with smooth stones, and a wooden. deck jutted out over the water, complete with benches where employees could sit and enjoy their lunch breaks. A family of ducks swam lazily across the surface, adding a touch of nature to the high–tech environment.
As Laura approached the entrance, she noticed several outdoor seating areas scattered around the grounds. Some were simple benches nestled among the trees, while others were more elaborate, with tables and chairs arranged under pergolas covered in climbing vines.
The main entrance was impressive, with a set of wide glass doors flanked by towering columns. Above the doors, the Sivarra Tech logo
a stylized “S” formed by interlocking circuits was etched into the glass.
Inside, the lobby was a hive of activity. The high ceiling and open layout gave the space an airy feel, while the polished marble floors reflected the light streaming in through the floor–to–ceiling windows. A large reception desk dominated the center of the lobby, its curved design reminiscent of a wave. Behind it, a massive screen displayed a rotating series of company achievements and upcoming
events.
To the left of the reception area, a sleek staircase spiraled up to the upper floors, its glass balustrade offering unobstructed views of the lobby below. For those less inclined to take the stairs, a bank of elevators stood ready, their doors a burnished bronze that complemented the overall color scheme.
The walls were adorned with large photographs showcasing Sivarra Tech’s various projects and innovations. Interspersed among these were abstract art pieces, adding splashes of color to the otherwise neutral palette.
