An Invitation

Ash's POVI watch Zane walk back into the office after lunch. He's been working here for a while now, and I can't deny that he's become a valuable asset. He's still rough around the edges, but there's something refreshing about his candidness, something that makes him... different.I close the file I've been reviewing and lean back in my chair. I've been trying to pinpoint what it is about him that sets him apart. Most people around me are either trying too hard to please or stay out of my way, but Zane's not like that. He doesn't flinch when I criticize his work, nor does he shy away from confrontation when he thinks he's right.He's... bold.And for some reason, I find that intriguing.Just as I'm about to turn my attention back to the report on my desk, my phone buzzes. It's a message from my sister, Camila.Camila: Family dinner tonight. Don't even think about skipping this one.I groan inwardly. Family dinners are always a mess. Camila's always pushing for some kind of connection, and while I love my family, they can be... overwhelming.Still, I know I can't get out of this one. It's been too long since the last dinner, and Camila won't let me hear the end of it if I don't show up.Then, out of nowhere, a thought crosses my mind.I grab my phone and type out a quick response.Me: Fine. I'll be there.Before I can second-guess it, I step out of my office and head towards Zane's desk. He's typing away, his brow furrowed in concentration. I stop in front of him, and he looks up, clearly surprised to see me standing there."Ash?" he asks, looking a little confused."I need a favor," I say, getting straight to the point.Zane raises an eyebrow. "Uh, sure. What's up?""There's a family dinner tonight, and I'd like you to come with me."His eyes widen. "Wait, what? A family dinner?"I nod, keeping my expression neutral. "It's not an official work event, but... I could use some backup. My family can be a bit much."Zane stares at me, clearly caught off guard. I can't blame him. It's not like I make a habit of inviting my employees to personal events, but for some reason, the idea of having Zane there seems... less daunting."I... don't really know what to say," Zane mutters. "Are you sure? I mean, that sounds kinda... personal.""It is personal," I admit. "But I trust you to handle it. If you don't want to come, that's fine. But the offer's there."There's a moment of silence as Zane processes what I just said. I can see the hesitation in his eyes, but there's something else, too—curiosity."Okay," he finally says. "I'll go. But, uh... what's the dress code? I mean, should I be, like, fancy or...?"I suppress a smile. "Casual is fine. It's just family, not a corporate event."He nods, still looking slightly bewildered by the whole thing. "Alright, then. I guess I'll see you later?""7 p.m.," I reply. "I'll send you the address."With that, I turn and walk back to my office, leaving Zane to sit there and undoubtedly overthink the entire situation. I can't say I blame him. I'm still not entirely sure why I asked him to come. Maybe it's because having him there will keep the attention off me. Or maybe...I shake off the thought before it goes any further.It's just dinner. Nothing more.Zane's POVDid that really just happen?I watch Ash walk away, my brain still trying to process what he just asked me. A family dinner? He's inviting me to his family dinner? That's... weird, right?I mean, it's not like we're friends. We barely know anything about each other outside of work. So why would he want me to come to something as personal as a family gathering?I sit there, staring at my computer screen, but I can't focus on anything. My mind keeps replaying the conversation, and the more I think about it, the more I feel like I've been pulled into some kind of alternate universe where Ash Gonzalo is actually... human.After what feels like an eternity, I finally manage to get back to work, but my thoughts keep drifting back to tonight. What's his family like? I bet they're all just as intimidating as he is. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they hate me?By the time 6 p.m. rolls around, I'm a bundle of nerves. I quickly change into a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt, hoping it's casual enough but not too casual. Ash did say it wasn't a formal event, but I don't want to look like I just rolled out of bed either.I grab my phone and check the address Ash sent me. It's in a pretty upscale neighborhood, of course. I shouldn't be surprised. Ash screams wealth, and I'm about to step right into the middle of it.When I pull up to the house, I'm greeted by a sprawling mansion with perfectly manicured lawns and a driveway lined with expensive cars. Great. Just great. I feel even more out of place now.Taking a deep breath, I walk up to the front door and ring the bell. A few seconds later, the door swings open, and I'm greeted by a woman who looks like she just stepped out of a magazine. She's tall, beautiful, and there's no mistaking the family resemblance. This must be Camila."You must be Zane," she says with a friendly smile, stepping aside to let me in. "Ash told me you'd be joining us tonight. I'm Camila, his sister.""Uh, yeah," I stammer, stepping inside. "Nice to meet you."She leads me through the massive house, chatting casually like we've known each other for years. I try to keep up, but my mind is racing, trying to remember every detail so I don't make a fool of myself.When we reach the dining room, Ash is already there, seated at the head of the table, looking as composed as ever. He glances up when he sees me and gives a small nod."Glad you could make it," he says, and I can't help but notice the slight tension in his voice.Something tells me this dinner is going to be... interesting.