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We always know what Evelyn means.
“Well,” I cough, ignoring the fact I’ve been drooling over the guy all week, “Austin’s personal life is not my business. I’m focused on my job.”
Not those piercing baby blues.
“I’m happy for you Jenn,” Arthur says firmly, giving the others a look of reprimand. “I’m sure you’ll knock their socks off.”
We move on to other news—Roxy’s boss is the worst; Lottie’s hip is acting up again. My phone, on the floor by my foot, keeps buzzing. I set down my knitting to make sure it’s not an emergency.
I have fifteen texts waiting—all from Austin.
What the hell?
I scroll fast, worrying there’s been an emergency.
What do you think about merch?
The guys are telling me to hold my horses but IDK.
Maybe free branded water bottles?
People might use them at work or gym, others would see the logo.
Possible to do a cost-benefit analysis on something like that?
Or a hat? Like a ball cap?
“Who’s texting you?” Evelyn asks. “A new gentleman friend you want tell us about?”
My phone buzzes. Again. Austin’s still going a mile a minute. “It’s my new boss, actually.”
“At eight p.m.?” Lottie tuts. “In my day, a boss wouldn’t dare call your home phone.”
“He’s just excited,” I explain.
Another flurry of messages arrives, so I move to the dining room, where I can at least pretend they’re not eavesdropping, and call him back.
“Jenn. Hey,” Austin says, as if he’s surprised to hear from me.
“Well, I got your messages. All… eighteen and counting.”
“Right.” He coughs. “Sorry, I just… Well, I get an idea, and then I get carried away.”
“It’s OK,” I reassure him. “But maybe just drop them all in an email, and I’ll take a look in the morning? We can go over them together.”
“Shit, you’re busy, and I’m being a nuisance.”
I laugh. “It’s fine, really.
I’m just at knitting circle.”
I can almost hear his grin as he says, “Put me on Facetime. I want to meet these people.”
I laugh. “No way. I’m unplugging for my hobby.”
“Hobby…” He repeats the word as if he’s never heard it. “Maybe I’ll try to find one of those. Thanks, Jenn. See you in the office.”
I settle back onto the couch to find the rest of the circle is staring at me. That’s when I feel it—the dopey smile smeared across my face from bantering with Austin. I clear my throat, correcting my expression to neutral. “Sorry about that.”
