#2 RECKONING

The hum of conversation in the office faded as a tall, imposing figure entered. Heads bowed in respectful greetings. "Good morning, sir," a chorus of voices echoed. "Good morning," the newcomer replied, his voice a low, resonant rumble that sent a shiver down Dan's spine.

Dan and Jay watched, mesmerized. The man was breathtaking – impossibly handsome, tall, with a physique that suggested both power and grace. Even Dan, a seasoned observer of the male form, felt a strange pull, a silent acknowledgment of the man's undeniable charisma. Jay, however, was lost in a swirling vortex of his own thoughts.

Oh my god, Jay thought, a wave of nausea washing over him. What did I just do?

Dan, sensing Jay's distress, leaned closer. "Jay, are you alright?" he asked softly.

Jay blinked, startled back to the present. "H…huh? Yeah, I'm alright. By the way, who was that man who just walked in?"

Dan's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Seriously, man? You don't know him?"

Jay tilted his head, confusion etched on his face. "No," he admitted, "I don't know him. I only just saw his face."

Dan stared at Jay, speechless. "Jay," he finally managed, "that man is our boss."

Jay's eyes widened. "What? I didn't know… I just know his name, I guess. I've never actually seen him before."

Dan's jaw dropped. "Oh my god, really? You've been here for a year, and you didn't know who our boss was?" He shook his head, a mixture of disbelief and amusement on his face.

Jay's mind raced. I didn't know he was my boss. What do I do?

"Jay," Dan asked again, concern lacing his voice, "are you really alright?"

"Y…yeah," Jay stammered, his voice barely a whisper. He was still reeling from the events of his vacation, and now this…

Before Dan could respond, a man approached them. "Excuse me," he said politely.

"Huh?" Dan replied, startled.

"Yes?" Jay asked, trying to appear calm.

"Are you Jay Williams?" the man inquired.

"Yes," Jay answered. "Is there something you need from me?"

"Well, yes," the man said. "Mr. Davis wants to see you."

Jay's stomach lurched. "Why?" he asked, a knot of apprehension tightening in his chest.

"I don't know," the man replied. "He only told me to get you to his office."

"Okay," Jay said, his voice betraying his nervousness.

The walk to Mr. Davis's office felt like an eternity. Jay’s mind raced. Did I do something wrong? Am I going to be fired?

"I don't know about that, Mr. Williams," the man who had summoned him said, sensing his apprehension.

A sharp knock echoed through the hallway. "Come in," a crisp voice called from within.

The man opened the door. "Sir, I've brought Mr. Williams," he announced.

"Okay, you can go now," Mr. Davis said, his voice still calm and measured. The man left, leaving Jay alone with the imposing figure.

"So, Mr. Williams," Mr. Davis began, his eyes fixed on Jay. Jay swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes, sir," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

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