“Wait. Lunch just started. It’s not like either one of us has to return to our jobs.”
“I know, we’ll talk about that over lunch.”
Confused, I watch as she loads up her to-go box, then mine, when I don’t move.
“What are you up to, Chloe?”
“Nothing much,” she responds as she ushers me out of the restaurant. “I just remembered we’re in the wrong place.”
My laugh is surprised and skeptical. “Thisis your favorite restaurant!” My stomach growls to emphasize my statement.
“Still is, but I’ve been meaning to try somewhere else; since we always come here, I’m switching it up. You know what they say about variety.”
At five-eleven barefoot, Chloe is a good five inches taller than me, which makes it hard to keep up with her pace while she’s on a mission stroll in stilettos. Chloe practically pushes me in the passenger seat and hands me the to-go bag before strutting to the driver’s side.
I grip the door when she whips her electric blue Aston Martin Vantage out of the lot and into traffic. Chloe winks at me then slides her shades over her eyes. I breathe again when I’m sure I’m not going to die. Chloe drives her car like it’s not worth almost two-hundred thousand dollars.
My lips twist when she turns down a familiar street, and I realize her destination.
“Really, Chloe? Hotspot is thelunchplace you were dying to try?”
“Yes, I hear the pub menu is fabulous,” she deadpans.
“I know for a fact, you haven’t eaten anywhere that has any less than three dollar signs next to its name in a very long time.”
“Only due to quality consistency, dear. I too like burgers and tenders or whatever.”
My phone pings before I can argue further.
Jason: What r u doing for lunch?
Me: Well, a very ambitious friend of mine just parked in front of Hotspot. She claims she’s been dying to try the menu.
Jason: LMAO. You’ve been talking about me. See you in 5.
“You like him,” she irritatingly teases.
“What are you talking about?”
“That goofy-ass grin on your face,” she volleys before swinging her long legs out of the car.
She ignores some guy whistling as she adjusts her skinny jeans and crop top while waiting for me to exit.
I jump out in my jeans, graphic baby tee, and Chucks then sling my bag across my body. Our ponytails are different. Mine is secured low at the nape of my neck and not in a sexy or sophisticated way. Chloe gives me a once-over, over the rim of her shades but says nothing as she pushes them back into place.
“What? No appearance lectures?”
“Nope. If he accepted your arrangement, with you looking like his best buddy, then I have no input.”
I’m in the middle of an epic eye roll when Jason appears, wearing a long-sleeve, green Henley with the three buttons undone, black jeans, and a sexy smile. His brown waves are slightly tousled as if he didn’t bother styling it, but his neatly trimmed beard tells me it’s intentional.
“Chloe,” I begin and swing my hand in his direction. “Jason. Jason, this is Chloe.”
I swallow the flash of jealousy when he eyes Chloe appreciatively as he shakes her hand. I know she’s married, and he’s just fulfilling a request for me, thus giving me no claim to him, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
“I hear you’re craving pub food,” he jokes as he releases her hand.
“Why not. I can make today my cheat day,” Chloe purrs.
