Page 41 of Game on, Love
Out of the four meetings I had today, including this one, all of them started in goodwill. We would start with the work bit; then, someone would say something and set the whole group off. And it was always something to do with the restructure.
By the time we wrapped up, I sighed with relief as I closed my laptop.
“Raina, you alright?” Hazel asked as she shuffled her stuff to carry back to her next meeting. Since the restructure she hadn’t known a moment of peace, and a little guilt settled in my stomach.
I knew I made it hard for her, and though I felt rightfully upset, she was also doing her job.
I waited till the rest of our team had vacated the room before meeting her eyes. “Yeah, just thinking about heading home. I was planning to make an action plan later today for everything I need to research and learn before the end of the year, but I doubt I’d be able to get that done here.”
She instantly brightened. “Ah, that’s a great idea!”
“You think?” I frowned. Hazel wasn’t stingy when I usually asked to go home and continue my work day, but she wasn’t pleased either. To her, being in the office meant you could leave your work here, and working from home meant it was harder to step away at the right time.
Hazel nodded. “Raina, I’m just glad you decided to take the role. I knew it was a gamble when the execs asked me, but when you came through, you really showed us that you’re committedto us, and I want you to see the same. The next two and half months, you take what you need to excel in the role. If you need anything from me or the team, let us know so we can help you.”
“Thanks, Hazel.” I replied, still a bit surprised.
“By the way, the new roles will be announced next week. Then, after that, if you want to be part of briefings or sit in any creative meetings for cricket, you can.”
I pursed my lips, thinking it over. “I think I’ll play it by ear. I don’t want to jump in too quickly before I know my stuff and question the wrong things. Plus, I still have the rest of the season for F1, including two more races I have to attend, so I need to focus on those.”
Hazel pondered my words and then nodded. “Alright, let me know if you change your mind.”
“I will.”
IN THE PAST TWOweeks, I’d grown to realise there were more than a few plus sides to moving with my brothers and Oliver; Like shortening my commute time by almost half, more if it was on days like today when I travelled off-peak hours—and if you’ve ever travelled using the London underground during peak hours, you get the difference it makes—but when the train pulled into my stop, I realised my favourite one, so far.
Liar.
Making my way through the tube station, a voice in my head mocked me, and I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. Okay, maybe not my favourite one. But it was definitely among the top… three, at least.
As I left the station, instead of walking straight to the house, I took a detour, in the mood for a little pick-me-up.
I spotted the familiar sign swinging in the breeze, a group of girls leaving the building, as I stepped in. What looked like just another little café from the outside was actually a hidden gem. It was the kind of place that felt like stepping into a storybook. The soft hum of the music and chatter buzzed around me as the scent of coffee, fresh bread, and sugar filled my lungs.
I glanced at their display, which was filled with rows of Lavender Vanilla Cupcakes and Strawberry Macaroons, some Half-and-Half Cookies, Braided Pastry Hearts, and classic golden croissants.
Ariyanka smiled when she spotted me. “Hey, Raina! I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“I know, I’ve been swamped! Everything looks great, though; what are you reading this week?”
Ariyanka, the owner, liked to change the display each week depending on the book she was reading, so the chances of finding the same sweets again or together were almost close to none.
“It’s a second chance romance, and it’s super cute, but it shows the flip side of their toxic relationship too, so I figured I’d mix it up!” She glanced at her display proudly, and I nodded, the opposite flavours reflecting in the treats. “It’s by the shelves, if you want to try it.”
I gave her a small smile. “I don’t think I can stay back today, but I’ll check it out next time I swing by.”
She beamed and nodded. “Sure, what can I get you then?”
Placing my order, I quickly paid and moved to the waiting side. The interior glowed as the sunshine entered the café through the big window glasses. The wooden arches were lit with low, dim string lights, framing bookshelves, and the tables filled with people reading or working on their laptops. The space breathed calm and inspiration, every corner inviting you to stay just a little longer.
The unique part about these books was you could only read them here— downstairs or upstairs where there were more books and reading nooks—but each book was annotated by readers here or around the world. You could bring your own and donate it or if you love the book you read here, you can go out to the bookstore right opposite the café, which was owned by Ariyanka’s husband, and buy it.
Carrying my drink along with the brown paper bag, I already felt a little lighter as I stepped back out onto the street and made my way to the house.
I opened the front door, and the instant welcome of voices coming from the living room made me frown. I walked into the open space, setting my drink and both bags on the kitchen counter and took the scene in front of me.
Rihaan was behind the couch, holding a pillow in front of him like a makeshift shield, his gaze hardened with frustration and slight terror. It was directed at the furry little animal that was perched up on Oliver’s chest—who also looked slightly terrified.