Marcus

This has been one of the worst days of my life. The few texts I exchanged last night with Melanie haunt me, leaving me feeling utterly helpless. Every word, every punctuation mark, feels like a stab to the heart, reminding me of the turmoil she's going through, the pain she's enduring. And I can't do anything to ease her burden.

"I am really sorry, but I need some time to myself, to figure this out. "

My mood is awful. I'm ready to snap at the slightest provocation. I try to occupy my mind with work, but I fail miserably. Each task feels like a monumental challenge, overshadowed by the weight of Melanie's troubles. And the worst part? I can't talk about it with Adam, not the way I want to, not the way I need to. He doesn't know what's going on between Melanie and me, and I can't betray her trust by spilling the truth.

"It's not your fault, none of this is, I just can't see you for a few days."

I just hope that when I meet Adam later, after work, he'll shed some light on Melanie's situation. Maybe he'll have some insight, some reassurance that she's okay, that she'll get through this.

Glancing at my watch, I realize there's still another hour until I'm done for the day. I try to focus on filling out reports, but I make one error after another. Frustrated, I close the files without saving and stand up from my desk. I need a distraction, something to take my mind off Melanie, if only for a moment.

"I feel so guilty, please tell me you understand. "

I walk into Jason's office and slump into the chair in front of his desk. He doesn't even bother to look up from his computer screen as he says sarcastically, "Yeah, come in, sit."

I grunt in response, too caught up in my own thoughts to care about his sarcasm. Jason glances at me, eyebrow raised, and asks, "So, what brings you here?"

"I'm too fucking distracted to get any work done," I reply bluntly. "I need a distraction from my distraction."

Jason grins, leaning back in his chair. "Well, you came to the right place then," he says, amusement dancing in his eyes. "What's up?"

I roll my eyes, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. "I just need a distraction," I mutter, not sure how else to explain it.

Jason raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Distraction from what?" he presses, his tone tinged with concern.

"If I wanted to talk about it, I wouldn't have asked you to distract me, now would I?" I retort, feeling a surge of irritation bubbling up inside me.

Jason sighs, leaning forward slightly. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" he asks, his voice softer now, more understanding.

I pause, considering his offer. What harm could it do? After all, I won't be able to talk to Adam about it, at least not in the way I need to. I sigh, resigned to the fact that I might as well confide in Jason.

"Melanie doesn't want to see me," I admit, the words heavy on my tongue.

Jason's eyes widen in surprise. "Holy shit, really?" he exclaims, clearly taken aback by the revelation.

"Yeah," I reply with a weary sigh.

"What happened?" Jason asks, concern etched in his features.

I shrug helplessly. "I don't know, man," I say, frustration creeping into my voice. "Melanie met with her ex, Daniel, yesterday," I continue, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "And apparently, Daniel is so heartbroken that Melanie left him, that she now feels guilty that she's moved on with me."

Jason leans back in his chair, sliding sideways as he processes the information. "Fuck, that's rough," he mutters sympathetically.

"Yeah, it is," I agree, feeling a knot form in the pit of my stomach.

And then, finally, I admit what's been tormenting my mind since last night.

"I feel like Melanie will get back together with Daniel," I confess, the words heavy with dread.

Jason turns to face me, surprise evident in his expression. "Why do you say that?" he asks, his voice tinged with concern.

I rest my elbows on my knees, burying my face in my hands as I try to gather my thoughts. "Why was Melanie so affected by Daniel's emotions to the point that she doesn't want to see me?" I mumble, the weight of my words heavy in the air. "Maybe Melanie still has feelings for Daniel, feelings stronger than the ones she has for me."

Jason listens silently, his expression unreadable as he absorbs my words.

"I can't think of any other explanation," I add, feeling defeated.

Jason and I sit in silence for a moment, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. Jason finally breaks the quiet, his voice gentle.

"The way you're thinking about it... it's not wrong," he acknowledges, his tone somber. "It does seem this way."

My shoulders slump further at his confirmation of my worst fears.

"But," Jason interjects, holding up a finger for emphasis, "I don't believe that's the case. You probably don't have all the information. You should be a little patient. Won't your friend, Adam, know more?"

I nod slowly, considering his words. "I'll meet Adam later," I admit.

"There you go," Jason says, offering a small smile of encouragement.

I shake my head, feeling a surge of frustration. "Adam doesn't know what's going on with Melanie and me," I confess bitterly.

"Why?" Jason asks, confusion evident in his voice.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain. "Melanie needed time," I begin, my voice wavering slightly. "And she didn't want to tell her sister. We both thought Adam wouldn't keep it from Mallory."

Jason pinches the bridge of his nose, frustration evident in his gesture. "Goddamn it," he mutters, shaking his head. "You and Melanie really have made it more complicated than it should be."

He takes a deep breath, his expression serious as he continues. "It doesn't matter," he says firmly. "You'll have to be patient and calm, and ask Adam the right questions. You'll learn everything you need to know from him. And maybe Adam not knowing will benefit you. He'll have to share many details about Melanie, right?"

I consider his words carefully, weighing the possibilities in my mind. "Maybe," I reply with a shrug, uncertainty clouding my thoughts.

"It's going to be okay, Marcus," Jason reassures me, his voice filled with conviction. "There's no way Melanie or any woman would choose a douchebag like Daniel over you."

I sigh heavily, the weight of his words providing some small measure of comfort. "I hope you're right," I murmur.

"I am right," Jason insists, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. He starts tidying his desk as he speaks. "I don't want to live in a world where guys like you are left for guys like Daniel."

I manage a small smile at his words, grateful for his unwavering support. Glancing at my watch, I note that there are only ten more minutes until I leave.

I stand up from the chair, offering Jason a grateful nod. "Thanks for the not-so-distracting distraction," I say with a small smile.

Jason grins back at me. "Anytime, Marcus," he replies sincerely.

Then, his expression turning serious, he adds, "I really hope things work out between you and Melanie."

I nod, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. "Thanks, man, for everything," I say appreciatively.

Exiting Jason's office, I step into my own and immediately start tidying my desk and gathering my things. It's time to leave, and I can't wait to get out of here and hopefully get some clarity from Adam about what's been going on with Melanie.