Lucas: 24/7

I'M ALMOST done scanning the last page of my magazine when Iris comes back, makeup different as though it has been retouched.

"She really liked you," she announces, stepping inside my office and tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The hint of emotion in her voice doesn't escape my notice. I can tell she's been crying.

"Were you crying?" I ask, about to stand and walk to her, the sudden urge to hug her overwhelmingly settling in my head, but she gestures for me to sit down.

"You really don't like her at all? I kinda feel bad for taking her man."

"I avoided her because I didn't like her, Iris. And as far as everyone at this company knows, I'm your man."

"Doesn't change the fact that I took you from her," she argues.

"I was never hers to begin with."

"You could've at least agreed to one date, you know...just to settle her dying hopes."