Craig continues talking about the opportunity with so much excitement, and I understand. If it had been three months ago, I would’ve been ecstatic. I started working at Arcade when they were only a start-up, believing that the company would go far. And apparently, that’s what’s happening now. Except I’m nowhere near able to work all the hours it will take prior to a meeting of that importance. I drag a hand through my hair, sighing softly so he won’t hear me. This is the worst timing they could’ve picked.

“That’s great, Craig,” I end up saying, my voice not even remotely excited, “but I—”

“You’ll have a proper primary design ready for us by then, Aaron, won’t you?”

Double fuck. Craig was one of the first people to believe in me in this industry. Wanting to work in the video game field is a lot of people’s dreams, and there aren’t that many jobs to begin with, especially in the design departments. He’s never made me regret my choice to work there. I couldn’t have wished for a better boss.

Which also means that I can’t disappoint him.

Plus, this project is rapidly becoming a favorite of mine. There’s a lot of new designs I want to draft for specific challenges the players will need to do in pubs and old churches and fairy pools. I need to tell him I can’t do it. I also one hundred percent need to do this project.

“Sure, no problem,” I lie. I know for sure I’ll regret the shit out of this promise in a few weeks, but saying no to Craig about this is impossible. I’ll find a way to make it work. There’s no other choice.

“Ah, I knew I could count on you. This is going to be fucking fantastic!”

Nervous laughter comes out of my mouth. “Sure will.”

“I’ll let you get back to it, then. Bye, Ron!”

“Bye.” After putting the phone down, I try to get back to my drawing, but my head isn’t in it anymore.

It’ll be okay, I keep repeating to myself. I’ll find a way. I always do. And after this project, I’ll drop Arcade and move here full time. The transition can wait a couple months. In the meantime, I’ll keep doing both.

Once I’ve succeeded in convincing myself of the feasibility of this plan, I get back to drawing, and this time, I’m able to focus. That is, until three faint knocks come from the door behind my desk.

“Yes?” I say, turning in my chair.

The door opens slowly, revealing the tall woman with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes I’ve come to see almost every day.

“Sorry to bother you,” Wren whispers. “Can I come in?”

I stand fast to my feet. “Of course.”