Chapter 61: Coffee, Chaos, and Confessions
The sound of clicking heels echoed through the Manhattan Regal’s endless hallways as Ava stormed toward the elevator. Her clipboard was clutched in a white-knuckled grip, her chest heaving as she replayed Julian’s latest smug remark. The man had somehow managed to dominate another networking session with his "algorithm is the future" speeches, leaving Ava feeling like she was drowning in a sea of data points and spreadsheets. Worse, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he was winning over some of the more impressionable competitors—and maybe even the judges.
Ryan caught up to her just as she jabbed the elevator button with far more force than necessary. "You’re gonna break that thing, Matchmaker."
"Not now, Ryan," Ava snapped, glaring at the elevator doors like they’d personally betrayed her.
"Not now, or not ever?" he quipped, stepping closer. His usual smirk was replaced by something more serious, more... concerned. "Come on, Ava. You’ve been tense all day. What’s going on?"
Ava whirled on him, her frustration spilling over. "What’s going on? Julian Ashcroft is what’s going on! The man has spent the entire day undermining everything I’ve worked for. Do you know how many people told me they’re curious about his app after his speech? Do you know how hard it was to convince Emma to stay when she started second-guessing her match with Lucas because of some stupid compatibility score Julian pulled out of his—"
"Whoa, whoa," Ryan interrupted, holding up his hands. "Breathe, Ava. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack."
Ava ignored him, her voice rising. "And do you know what the worst part is? I’m doing this all by myself! Mei’s too busy orchestrating her next scheme to actually help, Harold is just... Harold, and you—"
Ryan frowned. "What about me?"
"You’re too busy cracking jokes and smirking at everything to take any of this seriously!" Ava snapped, her words sharper than she intended. "This isn’t a game, Ryan. This is my career. My reputation."
Ryan’s jaw tightened, his usual easygoing demeanor evaporating. "Wow," he said, his voice low. "You really think I’m not taking this seriously? That I’m just here for the laughs?"
"Sometimes, yeah," Ava admitted, her voice softening slightly but still tinged with frustration. "You’re always making jokes or teasing me. I need you to actually be... useful."