“I’m working, but Sophie and Ryder are going.” I always take duty for community events and holidays, so the people who work for me can attend with their families.
But something tells me that’s about to change.
Sophie grins. “You and Hailey will come with us.”
“Great. It’s settled, then,” Mary Beth says before anyone can change their minds. “It’s at Sam’s. We’re all helping with decorations and setup. You should come, and we can have fun with it. We’d appreciate a helping hand.” Mary Beth turns to her husband. “Let’s go. We have things to do.”
Tommy doesn’t even think about disobeying and, like the big golden retriever he is, follows her out onto Main Street, where they proceed to jaywalk across the street to the garage.
“So, let me make sure I’m not confused.” Jessica’s lawyer voice pulls me back to the table. “Did I just get roped into helping with decorations on Saturday for an event that I now have to attend?”
I offer her my most charming smile. “Exhibit B?”
“Exhibit B, Charlie!” She looks so incredibly adorable when she wants to murder me, but I’m guessing this isn’t the time to mention that. “You are the worst.”
Sophie raises her glass in a toast. “We can go together. After decorating, you, Hailey, and I can pregame and get ready together. It will be fun.”
I give Jessica a little nudge. “See, it’s all working out.”
She narrows her gaze on me like she’s willing knives to shoot from her pupils. “Since you won’t be there, I want you to know I am going to look incredibly hot.”
“Of course you are.” I pull her close and give her a kiss on the temple. “You can’t help wanting to be objectified.”
She elbows me in the ribs. “I do not.”
“I’m not sure I love this,” Ryder says, expression disgruntled.
Sophie gives me a huge grin and winks.
Jessica sighs, long and deep, like she can’t believe she’s being forced to exist in my presence.
See? Everyone’s getting used to us already.
Jessica
* * *
I lightly rap my knuckles on the doorframe to Cole’s office, trying to figure out what I’m going to say to fulfill my promise to Charlie.
It’s not like Cole asked me out. I’m almost positive he knows I’m not an option.
Isn’t it nicer to ignore it?
Yet somehow, I can’t.
This morning, Charlie made it clear I was his priority. That my emotional well-being mattered. Sure, people gave us—well, mostly him—shit, but I didn’t miss the surprise in Sophie’s and Ryder’s faces.
I’m different for Charlie. Just like he’s different for me.
So instead of avoiding the subject like I’d normally do, I’m making good on my promise.
And while I’m 98% sure Cole’s clear, I promised 100%.
He looks up from his desk, his eyes widening a bit like he’s surprised. “Hey, Jessica.”
“Hey.” I gesture at the empty chair in front of his desk. “Got a minute?”
With a smile, he waves me in. “Sure, what’s up?”
