That doesn’t automatically mean?—
Right?
“There’s no way you’re old enough to be my boss.” I point out quickly. “So, it’s probably for the best that people don’t know that you’re a…Hale.” I swear I choke out the name. “And you’re a really fair boss I would hate for people to hold it against you.”
“Thank you.” He presses a hand to his chest. “That’s literally the nicest thing anyone’s said to me all week.”
Despite myself, I laugh.
Actually laugh. Which feels super foreign after the last twenty-four hours from hell with Jude as the main character.
“You hide your identity from everyone?” I ask. “Or just us lucky peons who work for you?”
“Mostly.” He shrugs. “People get weird about money. Easier to let them think I’m some random employee.”
“Makes sense.” I shrug. “Fly under the radar and all that.”
“Plus, now you don’t have to feel lonely at work anymore.” He leans in conspiratorially. “Unless you secretly wanted to become best friends with Gary the security guard.”
I grin. “I mean…Gary does seem emotionally available.”
“He has three kids and grills every weekend.” He points out.
“Exactly. Stability.” I laugh. “He’s the best though, his wife makes the best chocolate chip cookies. I look forward to the break room.”
“See, I don’t get stable vibes from you.” His eyes flick over me teasingly. “You seem more like a let’s ruin our lives for character development type.”
I laugh. “That’s fair.”
Charlie sighs dreamily beside him. “Keep talking.”
He points at his dimples. “These are a burden.”
“I volunteer to help carry it,” Charlie adds. “I’ve heard heavy petting does the trick, keeps them in check, keeps you semi-satisfied.”
I groan. “Wow you two really are perfect together. Try not to jump each other on the first date.” But they’re already leaning in like they’re about to kiss while I’m still dateless. Sounds about right. I drum my fingertips against the table. “Look how the universe works things out despite the world crashing down around us.” Lucky. Them, not me.
“Thank you,” they say in total unison. Wow.
I laugh again, shaking my head as warmth from the alcohol finally starts loosening the knot in my chest.
Maybe tonight won’t be so terrible. Maybe they’ll also get knocked up at the table by the end of the night as well especially with how things are progressing, at least I can survive one date without spiraling into--
“Oh, thank the dating Gods.” Charlie whispers looking over my head. “I was already trying to mathematize my time between you two,” She side eyes me. “You were losing by at least twenty percent of my time, no offense.”
“None taken, I would have thought forty so we’re good.” I nod nervous to turn around and see my date for the night.
The boss suddenly looks past me toward the entrance. “Looks like he finally made it.”
The first thing I smell is cedar, the second is mint, the third is a sudden heaviness that begins in my stomach and spreads out to my limbs.
My stomach drops instantly.
No.
Please, no.
“He?” Charlie asks excitedly. “Does he have a name?”
