Henry was looking at them all, waiting for a response. Katie, Grace, and Tyler looked at each other, trying to decide who should take the lead.

Katie decided she should step up, as the unofficial team leader. “The truth is,” Katie started, “it was really a team effort. But if you’re unhappy, I’ll personally oversee any changes that need to be made.”

Henry rarely called Katie to his office, let alone all three of them. When they had left three nights ago feeling victorious, Henry seemed more than satisfied with their work. And then this morning, he said he had something “urgent” to discuss and called them in first thing. 

When Henry asked with zero preface, “whose ideas were those?” Katie was nervous that the client didn’t receive them as happily as Henry did.

“I see,” Henry said evenly. “So no one here wants to take full credit...for the brilliance?” His face broke into a wide grin, revealing his true intentions. All three of them sighed a breath of relief as Henry chuckled. “What, did you think you were in trouble?”

“I mean kind of,” Grace said truthfully. “But Katie really should get credit for leading us all through an awesome brainstorming session.

“Yeah, Katie really provided the motivation to keep us going,” Tyler added, and Katie’s heart leapt.

“They’re being too modest,” Katie said. “Grace fully came up with number five by herself, and Tyler saved us all with number ten.” 

“Is that so?” Henry seemed to be ruminating. “Well, you’ll all be pleased to know that the client was so happy that they’ve decided to bring us on board their next three campaigns. I was going to make the project lead whichever one of you brought this to life, but it sounds like three projects and three of you, so why don’t you each take one?”

Tyler started to protest, “Sir, I’m just an intern, Katie should take my spot.”

Grace, her loyal best friend, also tried to shift the spotlight back to Katie. “Yeah, this is Katie’s win.”

“Before you protest too much,” Henry continued, “you should know each lead spot comes with a significant salary bonus.”

“Oh in that case,” Grace looked at Katie for her approval and of course Katie gave her the ‘go ahead’ nod. “I”d be happy to lead.”

“Tyler? Are you sure you want to donate your bonus back to Katie?” Henry asked skeptically. “I know an intern’s hourly salary here isn’t much--” 

“100 percent,” said Tyler. “Look, if I needed the money, I wouldn’t be interning. I’m here for the experience.” He shrugged, and they all knew it was true.

“Ok then,” Henry seemed satisfied. Katie, you’ll take the first and third, Grace you’ll be on the second, and Tyler, I want you supporting these women on all three. Is everyone clear?”

“Yessir!” They all seemed to exclaim in unison, beaming with pride as they began to exit the office, Katie the last to go.

“Katie?” Henry asked, stopping her. “You’re doing great work.”

“Thanks, Henry, I appreciate it, but it really was a group effort--” Katie was blushing as she replied. She had never been good at taking compliments, even if they were true.

“I know that,” Henry pushed back, “but I also know it’s a good group because you’re a good leader. Trust your instincts.”

Katie smiled and nodded, taking it in. “Thank you.”

Katie walked back to her desk, feeling better than she had in days. As soon as she entered her office, she saw Grace there waiting for her, smiling.

“We did it!” Grace was smiling, and it was hard not to join in her enthusiasm. “We’ve got to celebrate, Katie,” Grace continued. “I’m going to use some of my bonus to buy us some good champagne, and then you and Jack are coming over this weekend.”

“Yeah, that sounds great!” Katie said. And before she could get another word out, Grace was already calling out to Tyler.

“New guy!” Grace shouted in his direction.

Tyler raised his head from whatever he was reading and looked towards them. “What’s up?”

“We’re hanging out this weekend and celebrating at my place. Katie, her boyfriend, you, and me. You in?” 

Katie could have sworn she saw the slightest disappointment flash through Tyler’s eyes at the mention of her boyfriend. But maybe she was imagining things…

“Yeah, for sure,” Tyler replied, “I’d love to get to know everyone better outside of work. Plus…” he looked right at Katie, “we really should celebrate Katie.”

“That’s right!” Grace loved planning a party. “Alright, give me your cell number so I can text you the address and a shopping list. You’re on permanent snack duty--” Grace started to march out of the office towards Tyler’s desk when Katie stopped her with a hand on Grace’s arm.

“Grace,” Katie said cautiously, “Just...be careful.” 

“I always am, babe,” Grace grinned at her. Then Grace took a small step back. “You’re not...interested in him, right? You and Jack are good?”

“Oh god, yeah, of course, Jack and I are great!” Katie said, maybe a little too enthusiastically. “It’s just--especially if we’re all going to keep working so closely together, I just want to make sure we’re all a solid team.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” said Grace, looking towards Tyler again. “I’ll be on my best behavior. I promise.” Grace put her hand over her heart, but still had that mischievous look Katie knew too well. She was probably already thinking about buying Tyler some new lip balm. 

Katie relented. “Alright, I’ll see you this weekend. Although if Tyler’s coming too, maybe we should just make it a work thing? I’ll tell Jack to have a guy’s day and we can get a jumpstart on the next project--”

“No way, the more the merrier. I’d love to see Jack--and I think he and Tyler will really get along, don’t you?” Grace asked.

That’s what I’m afraid of, Katie thought, please save me.

“You need to relax! Let’s have one day that’s just about fun. I’ll text you the deets,” and with that, Grace skipped her way over to Tyler’s desk.

“Sure. Fun,” Katie said to herself, willing it to be true.