"A black tie event?"

  Esme poured pumpkin bread batter into a disposable loaf pan. A collection of similarly-filled pans baked in the oven behind her, filling the aesthetically modern apartment with the heady scent of autumn spices.

  Kaitlyn nodded as she whisked a bowl of glaze. "Yeah."

  "That's awesome! Are you planning to go?"

  "Well… I'm not actually sure," Kaitlyn admitted. She tasted the glaze, then grimaced. Not quite. It's gonna need to be a bit more sweet to pair with this bread. The consistency needs to be a bit firmer, too.

  As she dumped in a little more powdered sugar, Esme spoke again. "Why not? It sounds like a great opportunity! It's not too far, is it?"

  "No, it's actually really close. Apparently Meridian Tower's not even twenty minutes away. But… I've never been to a formal event like this. And besides, I just started there. I barely know anyone."

  Those two factors alone would be enough to ward her off. However, the fact that Kaitlyn also worked remotely for the company certainly didn't help either. The very nature of remote work made casual conversations and the like difficult to engage in. Most of her interactions with other people were restricted to video calls in meetings or private messages asking for clarification or help on projects. Sure, those interactions had been nothing but amicable, and the people seemed great, but that didn't mean she really "knew" them..

  Esme scoffed. "Isn't that exactly why you should go, then? This is how you get to know people."

  "I guess." Kaitlyn just shrugged. Getting to know coworkers that she would only see in person once every four months didn't entirely strike her as worthwhile. It never had been at the previous companies, either. "I'm just not sure if it's my thing."

  "Well, that's all the more reason to give it a try. I think these are good, by the way." Esme poured the last bit of batter into a pan and straightened.

  Kaitlyn looked over, comparing the levels of the different pans with an approving nod. "Wow. You got those really even."

  "Thanks!" The girl brightened, tossing her black ponytail over her shoulder. "Want me to do anything else with them?"

  "Not yet. I think we're good until the next batch comes out… If you want, though, I think the first loaves might be ready for glazing?"

  "Perfect! Teach me your ways, oh great baker of sweets."

  Kaitlyn couldn't help but laugh at the girl's serious expression. Given how their baking hangouts had gone last time, it was a no-brainer to continue in this loop as well. What she didn't expect was for the girl to be so enthusiastic about helping with Kate's Kitchen's dessert prep. It was one thing to make a cake or decorate a small batch of cookies, but baking in bulk? The repetition and sheer volume tended to be significantly less enjoyable to most people. Even if the results were still just as delicious.

  I really wish she'd let me pay her or something. Giving her freebies and whatnot is one thing, but with how much help she's giving me, she really deserves more.

  Inwardly, she shrugged. That particular issue wasn't exactly a sticking point. Especially not with the specter of the Enforcers looming over her shoulder. Besides, Esme genuinely seemed to enjoy the work, so perhaps it wasn't all bad.

  As Kaitlyn demonstrated how to artfully drizzle glaze atop the loaves, Esme picked up where she'd left off. "So… that work event…"

  She let out a long sigh. "I really don't know, Esme. It's not just being awkward and not knowing anyone. It's also the whole 'formal' thing. It would be one thing if it were some casual lunch meeting, but I've never been to something like this. I have no idea how to act. What if I break some unspoken etiquette rule and completely embarrass myself? In front of my boss, or worse, the CEO? I'd bet they'll both be there."

  Despite the significant portion of her brain pointing out that it didn't really matter—even getting fired wouldn't exactly be a problem so late in the loop—the idea still bothered her. Embarrassment and emotional damage had a way of persisting between the loops like nothing else. And being the youngest, most out of place member of the company shoved into a completely foreign environment sounded like a perfect recipe for just that.

  Esme gave her a long, unreadable look. "Well… why not practice?"

  "How? Am I supposed to just go around and find a bunch of other fancy parties to sneak into?" Kaitlyn shook her head. "I wouldn't even know where to start."

  "I mean, you could do that. Or you can just ask Elli. He's great at this stuff."

  She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Her initial reaction was to dismiss the idea, but…

  That's… actually a good point. He probably has way more experience with stuff like this than I do. If anyone could help me figure out what to do, it would be him.

  Of course, asking for help with something like this might feel a little odd. It also ran the risk of triggering his "everyone wants something from me" instincts. But they were on good terms. Maybe he would actually agree.

  "What's the worst that can happen?" Esme paused for a moment to work on the loaves, continuing after Kaitlyn gave her attempt an approving nod. "He says no? I seriously doubt it, Kate. He definitely wouldn't mind helping you with something like this."

  Katilyn considered it for a long moment. "...Ok. Let's say I did want go," she allowed. "I decide to ask Elli for advice, then go and rub elbows with a bunch of fancy investors and corporate people that I have pretty much nothing in common with—"

  "—And eat their free food," Esme interjected.

  "—And eat the free food. There's still a problem. What would I even wear? What's ok for a black tie event?"

  Kaitlyn's wardrobe contained all of one fancy outfit—the lacy white blouse and black slacks that she often wore to the career fair. It was nice enough, but somehow didn't feel quite sufficient for an outing of this caliber. Not to mention that she'd never entirely liked the outfit.

  I've got plenty of money to buy something else, but clothes have never been my thing. And if there's one thing money can't buy, it's fashion sense.

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  "Oh, well that's the easy part!" Esme grinned. "We go shopping!"

  "I mean, I'll have to. But shopping for what? Do I just… buy a dress?"

  "That's why I said 'we,' Kate." Esme nudged her playfully. "You're always talking about paying me back for the help, right? Well, if you let me take you on a shopping trip, then I'll call us completely even!"

  "That doesn't make any sense," she argued. "How would it even out anything? Unless we're shopping for you, too—"

  Esme stopped in her tracks. "Kate. Don't tell me… you've gone dress shopping with friends before, right?"

  "Er…" She shifted uncomfortably. Obviously, it was something that she knew happened, especially when high school prom and homecoming came around. But had she ever taken part, personally?

  Seeing the answer on her face, Esme clutched at her heart. "Oh, no. You poor, poor soul! Ok, it's decided. Whether or not you actually go to this thing, we're definitely taking you dress shopping. This weekend. No excuses! Oh, and feel free to invite any other friends you want! With this kind of thing, it's always the more the merrier."

  The sudden firmness of the girl's demeanor had Kaitlyn nodding before she even realized it. Not that she would have objected anyway. Esme seemed more excited about this than she'd ever seen.

  What am I even hesitating for? Heck, this is just the kind of variety I need right now. I can't pass these chances up just because I'm nervous—either of them.

  Kaitlyn chastised herself for the momentary indecision. Still, Esme's comment about inviting friends did spark a few ideas. There was one girl in particular that Kaitlyn knew would leap at the opportunity. She might even have some ideas for stores to visit.

  ***

  "Mornin', Kate."

  "Morning," she called over to Elliot as he stepped into the lab. The heavy doors thudded shut behind him, briefly masking the sounds of whirring machines beneath it. "I'm surprised to see you in so early. Don't you still have midterms coming up?"

  Elliot shrugged his backpack off his shoulders. "Eh, just a couple. Genetics and the Intro Bio Lab. Neither are big deals, though."

  Kaitlyn couldn't help but agree with the assessment. It wasn't just that she knew from previous loops how the guy would fare, either. Those two classes were the absolute least likely to give someone like Elliot any problem.

  "What about you? I know you've still got Genetics, but any others?"

  "A few. But I'm not really worried about them, to be honest. I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

  Elliot chuckled. "I'd believe that."

  He donned his lab coat before turning down the hall toward the growth chamber. A few minutes later, he reappeared, pushing a cart laden with potted plants in front of him.

  Kaitlyn waited for him to park it at his bench and get situated. It gave her time to finish her own task as well—getting her VIGS plasmids purified. The little tubes of clear liquid containing the keys to her latest scheme sunk into her ice box.

  There we go. Now all I have to do is talk to Christa about scheduling… And Professor Adams. I have no idea when that specialty equipment we need is available, so maybe they can help me get some access to it. If nothing else, I'm sure Christa will want to be around for my initial tests.

  Nodding to herself, she swiveled around. "Hey, Elliot?"

  "Hmmm?"

  "I've got a favor to ask."

  He bent over his plants, carefully clipping leaf samples off them one by one. "What's up? I've kind of got my hands full at the moment, but I'll try."

  "No, it's not an immediate thing. It's not even lab related." She pressed forward before she could talk herself out of it. "Have you ever been to a black tie event? Something formal like that?"

  "Sure. Plenty of times." He stuffed another leaf sample into a tube, then dumped it into a canister of liquid nitrogen. The container hissed angrily for a moment before settling down. "I'm guessing you got an invite to one?"

  She nodded. "It's for work. I kind of want to go, but I have no idea what I'm doing."

  "Mmm. It's nothing special, really. Just act like you belong." He shrugged. "Besides, it's just coworkers you'll be hanging out with, right? That's easy. That cuts way down on the politics and maneuvering. Unless you're asking about what to wear?"

  "No, Esme's got me covered there. She's decided that we're going shopping this weekend. I'm really more worried about the etiquette stuff. And she said you might be the guy to ask. So…" She shifted, a little uncomfortable. "Do you think you could teach me? Help me practice or something?"

  Elliot straightened, crossing his arms. His green eyes seemed to bore through her for a moment, alarming in their intensity. After a long moment that couldn't have lasted more than a few seconds, he nodded. "...Sure. I mean, it's really not as big a deal as you're making it out to be, but… I don't mind."

  Kaitlyn let out a long sigh. A tension she hadn't noticed suddenly lifted from her shoulders. "Oh, thank goodness. Thank you, seriously. It means a lot."

  The ginger just chuckled. "Seriously. Why are you so worked up about it?"

  "Because… I dunno. I don't like asking for favors. Especially from you."

  "Really? Am I that big and scary?"

  She just rolled her eyes. "Yes. Obviously. That's why I hang out with you, to overcome my irrational fear of intimidating gingers."

  He chuckled and stretched toward the ceiling above, the white glow of the fluorescent lights not entirely able to wash out the color of his slightly tanned skin. As he relaxed back into his seat, he let out a slow breath. "Well, happy to help then. By the way, where's this event at?"

  "Meridian Tower? It's not too far from here."

  He whistled appreciatively. "Dang. Nice place."

  "You've been there before?"

  "Yup. It's not too uncommon for businesses to rent it out. The ones doing well, at least. That certainly lines up with them paying you well, though." A bemused expression crossed his face. "Either they're really rolling in it or they're making some very questionable decisions with their money. Either way, good for you."

  That certainly made sense. Given everything she'd learned about John Avenue Capital, they fell squarely into the former category—and she'd researched quite a bit to ensure that they were a reputable company. The fact didn't do much to lessen her nerves, though.

  "As for how we're gonna teach you… do you have any preferences?"

  Kaitlyn could do little more than shrug. "I have no idea. Is there some rulebook I should be studying from? Maybe you can tell me what I need to know and I'll try to memorize it?"

  He barked a laugh. "Seriously, Kate. I know you're good at studying, but that doesn't mean it's the solution to everything, you know? It's not an exam." She ducked her head sheepishly as he shook his head. "How about we go out and practice a bit? If you're worried about feeling out of place, then we just need to make you feel more at home in swanky joints and the like. I can think of some restaurants that might work, if you're game."

  "Oh." Kaitlyn blinked. "Er… yeah. That works."

  She'd been half-joking with Esme about going to other fancy events. But when put that way, it really did seem like the easiest place to start. It wouldn't be a perfect analog for the work party, but it would be something.

  …Besides, restaurants are way easier than scouting out parties and stuff like that. You can just book a reservation. It's totally normal.

  "Perfect." Elliot smiled at her, the expression a mixture of amusement and surprising warmth. "I'd assume you've got a few weeks before this thing happens, right? I'd prefer to start after midterms are over. Celebrate and practice at the same time. Two birds, one stone and all that."

  They spent a few minutes hashing out a plan and discussing the details of the event. Then, they each returned to their work in earnest. Kaitlyn, for her part, couldn't suppress a smile as she gathered some materials from the freezer.

  All right. This is turning out really well! With Elliot's help, I'm gonna feel way more confident about this whole thing. Now I just need clothes, and we'll be all good.

  It wasn't just that she felt less nervous, either—at this point, Kaitlyn was starting to feel genuinely excited about the whole thing. There were so many new opportunities headed her way, ones that she'd never even considered before. All that was left was to actually follow through.

  Which means… I have to survive a shopping trip.

  Patreon if you're too eager to wait---there's also another collab story I've been working on for the very top tier over there, though it's way different than Alone!)