“Oh, I’m getting it everywhere,” I tell him. “I think there are sesame seeds in every crevice of your laptop.”

He’s still scowling at me as he moves deeper into his office. He sits down in the chair opposite of me. I’m surprised he doesn’t tell me to move, because by bureaucratic practices, I’m in charge. I’m the one behind the desk.

My power senses are tingling.

“I thought you left for the night,” I say, picking up another piece of sushi.

“I went to get coffee.”

“I was under the impression you couldn’t do that on your own.”

“I was under the impression that this was my office.”

“And yet I’m the one sitting behind the desk.” I try to chew and smile again. Asher rolls his eyes. “I’m sorry, Mr. McGowan, it’s not working out. I’m going to have to let you go.”

“We’ll see who’s getting let go if there isn’t a Philadelphia roll in this bag, Ms. Langley.”

“Why would there be a Philadelphia roll in there?”

“Why wouldn’t there be?” His frown softens when he pulls out my slice of cheesecake.

“Don’t you dare.”

“Consider it my severance.” One of his elusive smiles sneaks onto his lips as he opens the plastic container.

“That’s just rude.” I watch him take a bite. “Eating your intern’s cheesecake while she writes press releases at ten o’clock at night…”

“You should have told Alex to fuck off,” Asher says. “His clients aren’t your responsibility.”

“Dude, I need a job when this internship is over,” I laugh. “I’m not about to insult your brother.”

Asher shrugs. “I insult him daily. I still have a job.”

“Yeah, funny how nepotism works,” I say. “I don’t have the luxury.”

“If it’s any consolation, I’d do just about anything not to be genetically related to him.”

“And I’d do just about anything to have a full-time job next year.”

“Even if that means going to Levi’s party?”

The thought of a party in Tribeca is kind of thrilling. But it’s a weeknight and I’m already in my pajamas and I don’t like being treated like a consolation prize.

“You’ll be happy to know that I’ve turned down his very informal invitation.”

“You mean you don’t like it when men treat you like a Yankee Swap present?”

“Shocking, isn’t it?”

We fall into a comfortable silence. I finish my sushi. Asher finishes my cheesecake. I get three press releases done by the time eleven o’clock rolls around.

“You should head out,” Asher says. “It’s late. I’ll order you a car.”

“I still have like ten of these to send out.” I appreciate his offer, but at this point I’m probably just going to curl up under my desk tonight.