00:00A message from dad immediately popped up.
00:02Remember, don't compete with people who have money.
00:04We can't afford it.
00:05Be helpful.
00:06Get there early.
00:08Bring your boss coffee.
00:09Management will notice.
00:10Then maybe they'll hire you full time.
00:12I stared at the screen.
00:13My fingers hovered over the keyboard.
00:15I had no idea what to say.
00:17Finally, I sighed and opened social media.
00:20Vanessa had posted a selfie three hours ago.
00:22She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, flashing a peace sign at the camera with a
00:27bright, mischievous smile.
00:28Her caption read,
00:30Another productive day, thanks to my amazing boss for the opportunity.
00:34My finger paused.
00:35I couldn't stop myself from zooming in.
00:37In the reflection of the window, there was a silhouette.
00:40A man stood at the other end of the office, unaware of the camera.
00:44Even as a blurry reflection, I recognized him immediately.
00:47Callan.
00:48I stared at the picture for so long that I didn't notice someone approaching.
00:52Why are you still here this late?
00:53I jumped.
00:54A short, stocky man with round black glasses stood in front of me.
00:58He stared at me curiously.
01:00He looked familiar.
01:01After thinking for a second, I remembered our manager introducing him.
01:05He was another one of Callan's assistants, Mike.
01:08I quickly explained awkwardly,
01:09I got stuck finishing some work.
01:11I was just leaving.
01:13The assistant suddenly grabbed his stomach, his face twisted in pain.
01:17He turned to leave, then seemed to remember something.
01:19Do you have a license?
01:20Can you drive?
01:21I blinked.
01:22Yeah, I...
01:23His eyes lit up.
01:24Before I could finish, he tossed a set of car keys at me.
01:27I can't do this.
01:28My stomach is killing me.
01:30The boss's car is downstairs.
01:32I'll text you the address.
01:33Can you take Mr. Vitale's car back?
01:35Please.
01:36I owe you dinner.
01:38When you're done, take a cab home.
01:40Expense it to the company.
01:41I stared at the keys, then frantically shook my head.
01:44No, I can't...
01:44Too late.
01:45He was already running toward the restroom, clutching his stomach.
01:48I waited at my desk for a while.
01:50The assistant never came back.
01:52Eventually, I gave up and took the keys downstairs.
01:54Then I saw the car, a black luxury sedan.
01:57I'd only ever seen one on television.
01:59I took a deep breath, then opened the driver's door and climbed inside.
02:03I fastened my seatbelt.
02:04I reached up to adjust the rearview mirror and saw a man sitting in the back seat with
02:09his eyes closed.
