The sounds of footsteps have long since receded when I cautiously emerge from my hiding place. I peek my head up over the partition like a meerkat and fortunately, the coast is clear. My eyes dart around the cubicle from the various pot plants, to my collage of photos and inspirational post-it notes. Tears well up at the realisation I'll probably be packing this all up tomorrow.

All of it doesn't quite make sense, and maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but how can a good thing come out of tomorrow's meeting? Mr Blake's angry tone made it seem like I'm toast. Let alone his inexplicably odd move to disclude Finn from the meeting... his son's the General manager after all. Perhaps it's because Finn seems to be the only one who had my back in the Manager's meeting?

As the shock wears off, the gravity of the situation hits me like a wrecking ball. I will need to find a new job immediately. A few weeks of unemployment will decimate my already scanty savings. And what if I can't find a job... then how would I even make rent? My mind jumps to another horrible possibility what if I need to relocate to Karratha or, worse yet, what if Dan won't put me up...?

Swallowing back the tears prickling my eyes, I seize my handbag and hightail out a back exit. It's a small victory that I make it to the bus stop without bumping into one of my soon to be ex-colleagues.

The row of street lights flicker on as dusk descends around me. A couple of people join me at the bus stop but I keep my tearful eyes downcast. Thankfully the bus arrives shortly after, whisking me away from Blake Engineering for possibly the second last time.

It's a long and lonely bus ride and the sudden urge to hear a familiar voice takes hold. Goodness knows it's probably too late to speak to my mother with the whole three hours ahead nonsense. Even though it's expected the sound of my mother's voicemail sends me over the edge and my tears streak down my cheeks.

My life has officially reached a new low. Twenty years old and crying on public transport at the prospect of being fired from a menial job. I scrub angrily at my eyes with my sleeve. Damn this all; I never wanted those photos. I'm starting to regret going to Embrz. This was all such a huge mistake.

Sniffling I try my brother Dan next. At least we're in the same time zone, but I wouldn't have a clue in regards to his work roster. For the second time tonight, a voicemail greets me and I almost curse out loud. My fingers pause on who to try next...A friend? Is it really fair unloading on any of them anyway? I tuck my phone away and the tears don't stop flowing for the rest of my trip home.

My apartment is cast in darkness as I head inside. Making me recall Shayne's at her waitress job, even though we're not close it makes me sad. Loneliness claws at me along with despair. I wish there was someone to vent to. Even though Shayne's at work still, evidence of her is scattered all over the room as I flick on the light. For the first time in a long time, the messy apartment doesn't bother me as I head straight to the bathroom to draw myself a bubble bath.

Minutes later I'm sinking into the hot water, and my tight muscles unclench a fraction. I feel so wound up it'll be some kind of miracle if I get to sleep. Thinking of that I reach for my phone perched on the bath caddy.

There's a new email on my work account, no doubt the meeting request for my exit interview. Instead, I hone in on the unread message icon, and I seize upon it like a lifeline. My amazing date last night and hectic work day chased away the memory of voicemails left on my phone. I dial message bank and put the phone on speaker as I sink back into the bubbles. "You have two new voicemails. At 9:33 pm" The robotic-sounding message bank pauses as the first recording begins.

"So..."

My heart skitters to a stop as I recognise the deep gravelly voice immediately. An electrifying thrill runs through me sending goosebumps all over my skin.

"Look. I know it's you, Kyra. I meant what I said tonight...will you think about it?"

Gulping down air I stare at my phone in utter disbelief, all thoughts of impending unemployment and homelessness disappear. Replaying the message another five times has Jay's words finally sinking in. Did he mean it for me? Was that his question to date? He knew it was me. How? I save the message and continue to the next.

"Second message 9:37 pm..." then, faintly, I hear my own voice muffled and realise Jay must have been pocket dialling me at the restaurant. Or was it in purpose? Come to think of it, he was baiting me to check my voicemail.

"No, it's not a saved number. If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail. So dessert?" The message cuts out, and the options to save, repeat or delete begin cycling. My fingers shakily select save whilst breathing roughly. How? How did he know? And more importantly, what should I say?

After hastily drying myself and throwing on a dressing gown. I finally muster up the courage to text Jay back. Nervous energy swirls around me like a vortex, and I grab a beer to help calm my nerves.

*Hey Jay, Is it really you? How did you know it was me?*

My message is succinct and direct. Firstly, I need to know how he knew it was me before getting to the important questions. Sitting up on the couch, I guzzle down the frothy dregs of my beer and move to get another when my phone buzzes.

My eyebrows raise as Jay's speedy reply comes through in two separate messages. It's almost like he was waiting for me.

*Definitely me. You had me suspicious after that kiss, but then you completely blew it when you ordered oysters.*

*I'm guessing you didn't know Elle's allergic to seafood?*

"Fuck," I mutter into the darkened room and sink my head into my hands. What a huge mistake, but how was I to know? An allergy is a rather important thing that Elsie sure as hell never mentioned. Now what, though? My mobile buzzes with another message which I rush to read.

*Another sign was when you drained my beer when I went to the bathroom... bit thirsty, were we? ;)*

He's damn perceptive. I'll give him that, but I have no idea how to respond. Goodness, he meant that winky face for me.

A minute passes, and I'm startled as my phone begins ringing. I swallow roughly as I recognise Jay's mobile number, which still isn't saved in my contact list. I need to fix that very soon.

"Hey," I answer the call and instantly hate how breathy my voice sounds. I should be sultry and inviting, not resemble someone who needs an asthma inhaler.

"Kyra," Jay's voice drifts out into the dim room, setting my nerves even more alive. It's him; there's no mistaking that deep rumbling voice that sends my heart battering.

"Jay."

"You had me worried again... that I scared you off." Is he insane? Jay couldn't scare me off if he tried.

"I'm sorry that I worried you... And about last night, I just... I don't even know how to begin to apologise."

"What are you sorry about?"

"I was meant to pretend to be Elsie, and I fucked it all up. But at the same time, I'm sorry for deceiving you... Ugh, that doesn't even make any sense."

"Why did Elsie ask you to cover?" I swallow roughly at his question. While I want to be honest, it's not exactly my business to tell him Elsie was with someone else. Yet, at the end of the day, they are over now... I shake my head to myself. No, I will not tear someone else down to claw my way up.

"She called me out of my night class to cover for her because... well, she had other plans she had forgotten about." No need to bruise the man's ego and tell him that Elsie had forgotten all about their date.

"She had a date with someone else." It's a statement, not a question. At least his way sounds nicer than a booty call with a Gymrat.

"You'd have to ask her." I'm trying my best for diplomacy and failing. With the phone pressed to my cheek, I scurry to the fridge for another beer. Goodness knows I need something stronger.

"Did Elsie mention she broke up with me today?"

"Yes, we were texting earlier, and she mentioned that she ended it... I guess that's my fault. I relayed your question to her yesterday, it scared her. I only just listened to your voicemail when I got home from work..." Gulping down some of my beer, I begin to wonder if he's upset at me. But at the time, I thought he was talking to Elsie, so that's why I told her he asked her out. I'm so confused I barely know what to think, let alone what to say.

"So you're home... you're not staying at Elsie's?" He asks, completely throwing me.

"No, I'm not at Elsie's..." Why would I be at Elsie's?

"Text me your address. I'm coming over."

"What?" I murmur out in shock while looking up at the LED clock on the wall — 7:58 pm. It somehow feels later, but it's certainly not too late. It's never too late to see Jay.

"I want to come over. We should talk."

"But we are talking?"

"In person Kyra. I need to see you... I hated leaving you last night. There's just so much I want to say."

Holy Moley.

All my fears and worries scuttle off at his words and the realisation that I desperately want to see him hits home. So, why on earth am I trying to discourage him? I tap out my address and press send before I say anything else stupid.

"There you go, address is sent."

"I'll be there in 15 minutes, baby." The call ends before my lips can form a reply, and I sit in stunned silence for the second time today.

And so begins the most excruciatingly slow fifteen minutes of my life.

~

Author's note: Howdy, so I'm if anyone reading this, I'm sorry for being an update let down at the moment. I'm failing at the whole life\ adulting thing at the moment. So I apologise... But at the same time prioritising mental health is important.  Take care and be safe xo