After a while, we went home.

Owen seems fine again, and he's holding my hand while driving. "So, what happened?" I ask. I know he doesn't want to talk about it, but I need to know.

"Look, I just got panicked, okay?" he sighs. Yes, that's why you were having a panic attack. "And why's that?" I ask gently, playing with his fingers.

I don't want to push him but... "There was too much going on. I hadn't seen you in a long time, since you were out with Dylan, a child was crying, miss Summerold was rambling on about something. Then an old woman was asking me something and meanwhile my phone was ringing. It just- It was too much."

 I feel bad now. I tuck away a strand of hair from his forehead. "I get that, sweetie. But why didn't you just say so when I called you at lunch?"

He looks at me, a single tear in his eyes. I hate seeing him like this, and I know he hates showing how weak he is.

"Because I knew that Dylan let you alone so much, and I knew you needed a friend. That's why," he sighs. I lean into him, hugging him from beside.

He lays his head on mine. "Sorry," he whispers. I squeeze his hand. "Don't say sorry, sweetie. You did nothing wrong," I sooth him.

We get out of the car and walk inside, hand in hand. The rest is sitting on the couches and are watching some game on TV. 

"Hey guys!" I smile, sitting down next to them. Owen snuggles into my chest and closes his eyes. I think he's going to sleep...

Jordan nods at him, questioning, but I just shake my head. He nods and looks back at the TV.

After a while, I'm getting bored. Elijah is next to me, so he's my first victim.

"Elijah," I whine. He nods, not taking his gaze off the game. He takes a sip of whiskey.

"I need attention," I pout. He doesn't react. Rolling my eyes, I look around, searching my next victim.

I settle on Ethan.

"Ethan, baby?" I innocently ask. He glances in my direction, smiles, waves and looks back.

Ugh. Useless.

Owen would have given me attention, but he's asleep and I don't want to wake him. He needs to rest.

I look at the other couch. Two more to go. "Aaron?"

He smiles at me, takes a sip and looks back at the game with anticipation.

Sighing, I look at Jordan. "Jordan?" I squeal. I see his lips tilt in a smirk and know I got his attention.

He jumps up and walks to me. "I've been waiting for this, baby. Why am I your last man, hm?"

I shrug. I gently untangle Owen, and this time he doesn't wake up. Jordan picks me up and settles me on his lap.

I smile and hug him, happy I'm getting attention. He gives me kisses all over my face.

"Hm, I'll miss you this weekend," he hums. I frown and pull back. Miss me?

He gives me another kiss. "Yeah, we were about to tell you after the game. But since my team clearly is losing, I can tell you now."

I nod, intertwining our hands. "We have this job in Belgium this weekend. You can't come, it's very dangerous," he adds when he sees my face. I sigh.

"But, your favorite will stay here," he smiles. I cross my arms over my chest. "He's not my favorite! I love you all equally!"

He smiles. "That's nice to hear. We were going to let Owen stay, seeing his state, but we need him."

"But he doesn't even work for you anymore," I frown. Owen can't go...

Elijah rolls his eyes. "Thanks again, sweetheart. Now I know you love me," he says sarcastically.

I blow him a kiss. He catches it and blows one back, then turns to the game again.

I look back at Jordan. "No, he doesn't work for us. I know that. But he-" I scoff.

"But what?" I snap. Owen is not going. "Baby, we need him. We need his thinking. I've noticed, now he's gone, that we miss creative ideas," he explains.

I roll my eyes. "Well, that's too late. He wasn't capable of keeping an office job, right?" I mock.

His shoulders slump. I look besides me, seeing Owen stare at us with wide eyes. Wide eyes, filled with tears.

"That's why I- why I didn't have an important job?" he asks, voice silent.

He looks around in the room, everyone cautiously eyeing him. He sobs. "I thought it was because five would be too much! Because I had the least ideas when we started!" he yells, standing up.

I quickly stand up too, and take his hand in mine. He looks at me. "You knew?"

He sounds broken. I shake my head and hug him. Thank God, he hugs back.

"I said they should give you a chance. I always defended you, Owen," I whisper.

I feel him nod in my neck. "I believe that. Thank you," he softly says.

I lead him back to the couch, and notice he doesn't glance at anyone. He's mad, I understand that. Of course he is.

"I suggest both Owen and Elijah stay," I speak. Jordan tenses. "Scarlett, this isn't something we can do with three. We need four men."

I shrug, "Take Jules. I don't care about him." He rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well, Jules can't handle this."

"Dante?"

"Fine. We'll take Dante," he sighs. Satisfied, I give Emijah and Owen a kiss. They both smile at me, but Owen's looks weaker.

"And," I start. Jordan rolls his eyes. "And I don't want any bad words about Owen anymore. You've been so mean, cutting him out, and he deserved more."

They look at Owen, who's gulping, and they seem sorry. Good.

"And Owen isn't coming back. Unless he wants to. And then he'll get the same job as you," I let the words fall. I eye them, but only Jordan seems to have a problem with that.

"Baby-" "No, Jordan, I'm not stepping back on this," I warn. I feel Owen squeeze my hands, as if saying it doesn't matter.

But it does. He does.

"We only have four offices," is Jordan's weak excuse.

I shrug. "So? I'm sure there are other meeting room. Or cut it in half."

He nods, sheepishly. "Okay. If Owen wants to come back, he can."

I smile, proud of myself. I look at Owen, who's grinning. He gives me a kiss and whispers, "Thank you, darling."

But then, he frowns. "I'd still like to work at the shop," he sighs. I smile, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Parttime work, sweetie."