The year-end awards shindig rolls around, and Noah's up on stage doing his thing.

He's all decked out in his suit, straight-faced, giving the whole year in review spiel. Total serious business mode.

But then, out of nowhere, I flash back to him sitting cross-legged, looking all warm and fuzzy while petting Happy.

These two versions of him are duking it out in my head, and I just can't make 'em fit.

The more I look, the harder it is not to crack up. When he furrows his brow, I'm about to lose it. I'm covering my mouth, trying not to bust a gut.

He catches me giggling and tries his darnedest not to look my way, but he can't help shooting me the stink eye.

His speech? Totally derailed.

Finally, dinner time rolls around. I've barely taken a bite when Jessica swoops in, ready to throw back a few.

She's gushing thanks left and right, then downs a full beer in one go. The peanut gallery starts egging me on to do the same.

I'm about to tip it back when I spot Noah giving us the death glare from across the room.

I'm shook, but Jessica's not letting up. I raise the glass again.

Suddenly, someone pinches the heck outta my lower back.

"Looks like this is where the party's at."

Noah bulldozes his way into our little circle.

Talk about awkward. The big boss is standing there, hands in his pockets, and everyone clams up.

Except Jessica. She's not backing down. "Perfect timing, Mr. Black. Amy hasn't had her drink yet."

Noah gives her the once-over. "Amy can't handle her liquor."

Jessica's three sheets to the wind. "How would you know that, Mr. Black? Can't play favorites with Amy, you know."

Noah shouldn't even be at our table, and now with Jessica running her mouth, everyone's exchanging looks, smelling gossip in the air.

Noah turns to me – I can't even look him in the eye – and cracks a smile. "Jessica, a word, please."

I don't see Noah or Jessica for the rest of the night, so I head home. Happy's probably stunk up the whole place by now.

But when I open the door, Happy comes tumbling towards me like a furry bowling ball.