Olivia Parker was absorbed in the world of food, unable to stop. She tried every dish with an almost childlike enthusiasm, as if everything else ceased to exist.
"That's enough!" Adrian Foster interrupted her with an amused smile, but in a tone that sounded like an order.
If I hadn't stopped her, Olivia would have kept going.
"I want you to summarize everything you tried and write me a report with your analysis," he added. "Send it to me via WhatsApp at the end of the day."
Olivia fell silent, blinked several times, and protested:
—But… it's Monday, and I have a lot of work to do.
"Let someone else do it," Adrian replied calmly. "You focus on that report."
The other employees standing around looked at each other sideways. The boss himself was giving her a special assignment, and she dared to complain. It was reckless, almost career suicide.
But Olivia didn't take it that way. Instead of feeling pressured, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
"Okay, I'll do it," he agreed enthusiastically.
After all, for someone who loved gastronomy, writing a detailed report on flavors, textures, and experiences was more of a pleasure than a punishment. It would be fun and, at the same time, give him a break from his routine.
At that moment, Adrian's attention shifted to the door. Emily Hart appeared, and immediately, everything around him seemed to lighten.
She wore a vintage black dress with white polka dots that flattered her figure in a natural and elegant way. White flats completed the outfit, giving her a sophisticated yet unpretentious air. Her hair fell softly over her shoulders, swaying with every step, and her face had a freshness that contrasted with the stifling Manhattan summer heat.
Behind her was Chloe Bennett, her best friend and assistant. She wore brown shorts with a light blouse that highlighted her long, toned legs. The heels she wore seemed unnecessary for such a hot day, but she made them work, radiating confidence and flirtatiousness with every move.
"Good morning, Mr. Foster," Emily greeted with a discreet smile and a soft voice.
Adrian returned the greeting, a little more seriously than he intended.
—Where are they going?
Emily hesitated for a second before answering:
—We're going to record a promotional video for social media. A collaboration with our star influencer.
Behind them, a couple of employees carried cameras and lighting equipment, sweating under the weight.
"Can I come?" Adrian asked, his eyes alight with a mixture of curiosity and the simple desire to join her.
Emily blinked, surprised by the question.
"Well, you're the boss... of course you can," he replied politely, though there was a hint of hesitation in his tone. "But, to be honest, it's hot today, and recording space is limited. It might be uncomfortable for you."
The atmosphere became tense. All the employees stopped moving and looked at him, waiting for Adrian's reaction.
He smiled naturally.
—It's okay, treat me like any other employee. As a manager, I'm interested in understanding how the entire process works: the content, the logistics, the effort behind each video. I've wanted to join you for a while, but I've never found the opportunity. Today is the perfect time.
Emily lowered her gaze, barely hiding a small smile. The confidence with which Adrian spoke had a magnetism that she found difficult to ignore.
The group silently organized themselves and took the elevator down to the underground parking lot together. There they ran into their first problem: they had miscalculated the space. The entire team couldn't fit in one car.
Adrian pressed the key fob of his black Tesla, and the vehicle's lights turned on.
"Okay," he said, looking at the team. "Who's coming with me?"
No one answered. The four employees exchanged nervous glances. No one wanted to be alone in the car with the boss. The tension was palpable.
Adrian sighed and broke the silence.
—Emily, do you want to come with me?
She paused for a few seconds, surprised. Then she nodded.
-Of course.
The rest of the team organized the secondary vehicles while Adrian and Emily climbed into their car. The air conditioning enveloped them with immediate relief after the stifling heat outside.
For the first few minutes of the drive, an awkward silence reigned. Emily gazed out the window, enjoying the cityscape, while Adrian drove with his eyes fixed on the road.
Finally, he broke the ice, handing her a bottle of cold water.
—Do you want some?
Emily took it with a slight smile.
-Thank you.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
—You talked nonstop on WhatsApp the other night, even sending me emojis that… well, weren't very discreet. And now you're silent.
Emily blushed instantly.
—I'm sorry… I drank a little that night. I wasn't thinking clearly and said things I probably shouldn't have. If I made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry.
"You didn't make me uncomfortable," Adrian responded calmly. "What happens between us outside of work doesn't have to be rigid. I hope we can be friends, as well as boss and employee."
She nodded, slowly relaxing.
"I don't usually drink," he said truthfully. "I only do it when the occasion calls for it."
—What kind of occasion?
—When I'm celebrating someone's birthday, or when everyone is happy and I don't want to ruin the mood.
Adrian smiled with a touch of irony.
—And let me guess… after a couple of drinks you're already dizzy?
Emily looked at him with a defiant sparkle in her eyes.
—You're wrong. I have good stamina. I could drink a lot more than you.
He raised an eyebrow.
—That sounds like a challenge.
The light conversation completely erased the initial awkwardness. Emily laughed more freely, and Adrian found himself enjoying that spontaneity.
Minutes later, they parked in front of a local fruit shop. The heat hit again as they got out of the car, a dense wave that made the air vibrate. Adrian was about to offer to go alone, but Emily got there first.
—Don't worry, I can handle a little sun. I've worked in worse climates.
Inside the store, the air conditioning was weak, but at least cooler. Emily walked through the aisles excitedly, as if she were at an amusement park.
"Look at these watermelons," he said, pointing to some huge stacks. "How much do they cost?"
"Ten dollars each," the clerk replied.
—It's very expensive!
"They're from California, premium fruit, just arrived. Shipping costs a lot," the man explained with a tired expression.
Emily picked up one of the watermelons, tapped it gently with her knuckles, held it to her ear, and then smiled contentedly.
"Can we try a piece?" he asked casually.
The clerk agreed and offered her a slice. Emily, without hesitation, handed it to Adrian.
—Try it yourself first.
He accepted it and bit into the fruit. It was juicy, fresh, and with a sweetness that lingered on his tongue.
"It's excellent," he admitted.
Emily looked at him with shining eyes, as if Adrian's confirmation was more valuable than any technical analysis.
"Then we'll take it," he said, adding mischievously, "But try to get me a discount, boss."
Adrian let out a short laugh, the first of the day.
"We'll see how convincing you are," he replied.
While discussing the price with the clerk, Adrian couldn't help but think that this simple outing, in the unbearable heat and doing something as common as buying fruit, was the most refreshing experience he'd had in weeks.