Page 58 of Hating the Boss

“I’ve got it.” She waved me off.

I nodded and turned my attention back to my book, though I could feel my sister watching me from the kitchen. I tried to ignore it and got back to my book. It was just getting good where the main character was finally coming to terms with her feelings for the cute guy from her apartment building. A smile crossed my lips as I read her witty internal dialogue.

“You and your romance novels,” said Jessica, moving herself onto the couch and settling in with her coffee in her favorite mug. A hand-painted pink and white checkered piece she picked up at a Christmas market a few years ago.

“They’re good,” I said with a shrug.

She was still watching me with a gaze I couldn’t quite read.

“What?” I asked, raising a brow.

“You got home late last night.” She shrugged. A statement that was more of a question.

“There was a late meeting.” I took a sip of coffee, feeling the heat wash down the lie, wishing it would wash away my guilt along with it. I hated lying to her, but I knew my sister would worry. She was protective and untrusting of my judgment in men, since everything had happened with Matt.

My phone buzzed just then, interrupting what could continue to be an awkward conversation. It was Brittany:

Hello? Is my best friend alive?

I smiled down at my phone.

“It’s Brittany,” I said, erasing any suspicions that might be brewing in my sister’s brain.

She simply nodded and grabbed the remote, turning on the TV. She settled into her usual corner of the couch, stealing the blanket from me and curling up. I stuck my tongue out at her and she laughed, tightening the ponytail of tangled brown hair on her head.

Me: I’m here.

Brittany: Where have you been? I feel like I haven’t seen you in FOREVER!

I had just seen her a week ago when we met at the coffee shop after I panic texted her to talk about the business deal Brad has proposed. I hadn’t filled her in on everything that had transpired since then, as if I was still trying to get a grasp on it all myself.

Me: I know. Work has been busy.

Brittany: I’m sure it has. Being a faux fiancée can be time-consuming.

Me: And fun…

Brittany: Oh?

Me: We have A LOT to catch up on.

Brittany: Sounds like we need a girls’ night.

Me: Definitely.

Brittany: Tonight?

Me: If I’m not kept late at work, then yeah. I’ll text you!

Brittany: Boss working you too hard?

If she only knew…

My phone buzzed again, but this time it wasn’t Brittany. It was Brad. I tried to pretend my heart hadn’t quickened in my chest just seeing his name on the glowing screen of my phone, but it was impossible to ignore. Even over text, Brad excited me.

Brad: Can you meet me at Sarahbeth’s? The one by the park.

I tucked my chin in slightly, surprised by this invitation. Since our spontaneous trip to New Jersey, we had never gone anywhere really, at least not outside of the office or in a client’s building for a meeting. Maybe, it was a meeting over brunch.