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“Why? Everyone already knows.” We all turn to the new girl and she nods her head confirming she also knows.
I roll my eyes. “Is nothing a secret around here? Where do I start?”
“Does he also wear a bow tie around his dick?” Trey raises an eyebrow.
“Really? That’s your question? He’s your friend, can’t you ask him yourself?”
“There are some topics of conversation guys avoid. One of those is dick accessories. But you can tell me.” Trey makes a zipper motion across his lips. I’m tempted to smack him again, but it might be crossing the line into assault.
“The first time was in Colorado and then a few more times afterward…”
“Just a few?” Trey raises an eyebrow.
I release an exasperated sigh. “Ugh fine. Like ten. But I completely messed everything up.”
“By creating a fake boyfriend.” Olivia scrunches up her nose.
“Yeah, that. But now he’s not answering any of my messages. I’ve even gone to his house, but he’s never home. After waiting two hours, I’m pretty sure his neighbors think I’m a stalker and have given the police my license plate.”
Trey rests his elbow on the counter. “After the news about his mom, I know he’s been spending a lot of time over there and at The Lilith House. I’m pretty sure he’s working there tonight.”
“Why didn’t I think of that? You’re the best, Trey.” I wrap my arms around his neck and squeeze. After I release him, he turns to Olivia.
“Did you hear that? I’m the best.”
She just shakes her head. They continue their banter as I bolt toward the elevator to get back to my desk. Maybe I can fake an illness to get out of work early?
I didn’t fake an illness, but I did fake a gynecologist appointment that I just so happened to forget about. Hopefully, I won’t have any real reason to visit for at least another six months. I throw my car in park and jump out. Pulling open the door I walk down a familiar hallway. The clanking of pots and pans grows louder with each step while the smell of cornbread fills my nostrils. When I round the corner, I see him. His hair is slightly disheveled and tiredness surrounds his eyes. He stands behind the buffet style table and directs volunteers on what they should be doing.
My heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my rib cage. With careful movements, like a teenager trying to sneak into the house, I enter the large dining room, hopeful that I’m quiet enough so he doesn’t hear me. A spoon falls off the table and hits the floor with a clatter. He bends down to retrieve it, and while he’s still on the ground, I clear my throat.
“Sorry, but we’re not open yet. It will be another thirty minutes.”
“Actually, I’m here to talk to you.”
Seth bolts upright, his back going ramrod straight at the sound of my voice. A look of shock and surprise covers his features before he narrows his eyes at me. “I don’t have time to talk. I’m a little busy here.” Seth turns and walks the line down the tables, and I follow on the opposite side.
“Please Seth, hear me out.”
“What could you possibly have to say? I miss you, but hey, I don’t want to tell anyone about you because I’m embarrassed to be with you.”
The bite to his tone causes me to flinch. “It wasn’t like that.”
“Then what was it?” He stops dead in his tracks and narrows his eyes at me.
Not knowing what to say or how to say it because as bad as it sounds, it’s just like that. Maybe not embarrassed but I didn’t need the rumor starting. Without thinking, the next few words tumble out of my mouth. “I got the promotion.”
Seth huffs, then sneers, “Well, congratulations. You got everything you wanted.” Like a child throwing a tantrum, Seth stomps away, slamming his fist into the two-way swinging door leading into the kitchen.
A lone tear pricks my eye and cascades down my cheek. I swipe it away and walk back the way I came in. When I’m almost to the exit a familiar voice calls out.
“Hey Parisa. Wait.” Turning around, Maggie is standing at the end of the hall. With an apron still draped around her neck she walks up to me. “It’s so great to see you again.”
“Well, I’m glad someone thinks so.” I give her a lopsided smile.
“Seth’s had a rough week. He’ll come around.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
