Next thing I know, I'm moving into this swanky new pad. Happy even comes for sleepovers sometimes.

Tom tells me not to sweat the rent. Just take care of Happy, and we're square.

I look around, and this place is decked out. Top-of-the-line everything, all the creature comforts you could want, even a custom-made work desk that looks like it was built just for me.

Well, well, well. Guess that's how the other half lives. Even the cat sitter gets the royal treatment.

You bet I'm gonna take good care of Happy. He's not just some pet - he's my meal ticket... I mean, my furry little boss.

So, I finally got to be the big cheese on a team project. When we wrapped it up, I scored a sweet bonus. As per tradition, it was my turn to treat the gang to dinner.

Everyone's chowing down, having a blast. At first, there's some shop talk about the project, but once the booze starts flowing, they forget why we're even there.

I'm surrounded by this rowdy crowd, glasses clinking overhead, when suddenly I feel a little... off.

My folks are in some far-off city. Sure, I can ring them up to brag about my bonus, but what I really want is someone to high-five in person, you know?

Don't get me wrong, the extra cash is great, but that sense of "I did it!" is what really gets me going.

The more I think about it, the more I start feeling like the odd man out. I sneak outside for some fresh air.

Lo and behold, there's Tom waiting outside. He hops out of the car and hands me a bouquet like he's been practicing for the Flower Delivery Olympics.

"Way to go, Amy! Knocking it out of the park with that project. You're crushing it!"

I'm not gonna lie, I got a little misty-eyed. I give Tom a big bear hug. "Tom, you're the best!"

Tom freaks out, pushing me away like I'm on fire. "Whoa, whoa! This was all Mr. Black's idea. A meathead like me wouldn't think of this stuff. He's tied up with some bigwigs, so he sent me to congratulate you."