AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She laughs and tilts her head, the sound a little hollow through the computer speakers. She touches the tip of one finger to the rim of her glasses. “Normally I wear contacts.”
“Makes you look important.”
“Well, I feel important. Hey, I’m glad we’re working on this together. I miss seeing you around the office.”
“I miss you, too.”
Is she being sincere? It feels sincere. I sense no hard feelings or attitude. Does she remember the gift? Has she moved on?
“How’s your mother?”
“She’s doing okay. We’re seeing some improvement, I think. Her therapist seems confident, anyway.”
“That’s great. I’m happy to hear that.”
“So, about this project?” I could talk to her all day about nothing at all.
“Right.” She reaches to her left and brings a book into the camera’s range, holding it up so I can see the cover. “This book launches in November. They want us to prepare a launch strategy, including promo and a book tour for the author. All to happen before the holidays, of course.”
“That’s great. Have you done this type of work before?”
“I’ve worked on a couple of events, but mostly in the background. This will be my first to co-lead without somebody else looking over my shoulder.” She laughs lightly and bats her lashes.
We spend the next forty minutes drafting a rough plan of what to do. I discover during the call that Joy is also working from home, so I don’t have to worry about Henry or anybody else overhearing us. I figure it’s time I apologize for that gift.
“Listen, Joy, I want to—”
“Hey, do you want to meet my new roommate? He’s very handsome. He’s got this cute little mustache.”
My heart drops, and I have to double-check that my chin didn’t hit the table. “Yo-your roommate?”
“And he likes it when I stroke him.”
What? The? Fuck?
She nods, her grin sly. “Yeah, he moved in just after Christmas. He’s amazing.”
Anger bubbles up inside me. Why did she have to mention him? I don’t want to meet her attractive roommate. And I don’t want to hear about her stroking him.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, Joy.” Clearly, she’s moved on. Jealousy spears through me, gutting me, leaving me in tiny slivers.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time together, getting to know each another. He likes to cuddle.”
I hate him.
“He’s the perfect gentleman, too—washes after himself. And, oh my God, he gives the best licks. I mean, he loves to lick me, especially after I’ve been stroking him for a while.”
I’m choking. I’m probably turning purple.
Joy must notice the look on my face because she laughs. Straight up, no-holds-barred laughing.
I feel my face heat. I don’t blame her for moving on, but I don’t think I can sit here and listen to her tell me all about him any longer. “Listen, Joy, I need to go.”
“Relax, Kris. It’s not what you think.”
Not what I think? She’s panting about him in front of me.
Joy stands up and walks out of the range of the screen.
