Jason raises his hand again and gives a small salute. “Nice to meet you, Aspen. You’re a first. I hope you make it to another visit.”
I have no idea what’s he’s talking about so I nod and wave as Finn steers me toward a couch.
“What was that all about?” I ask as we’re both seated.
Finn sits so close our bodies touch on the side from our legs to our shoulders. “You’re the first girl I’ve ever brought to Cosmo's.” He stops in contemplation, “Actually, now that I think about it, you’ll be the first girl who any of us have ever brought here. It’s kind of our special place. Boys only.”
Not a great way to make me feel comfortable. “I don’t want to intrude on your guy time.”
“Nonsense. They know you’ll be here. I figured I’d keep it a surprise so you couldn’t come down with the flu before getting in the car.” He laughs at his own joke then places a small kiss on my temple. His warm lips remove some of my apprehension.
The store is well lit and inviting. I hate to admit I had labeled, but this isn’t what I expected at all. Maybe Finn is right and I do have a horrible stereotype of his people. Whenever I envision a comic store, they’re dusty, closed off, and full of people dressed up as wizards. Everyone here is casual, but normal — maybe a little heavy on the color black, but hey, it’s a slimming color.
A tall, handsome guy in dark jeans and a tan sport coat with a blue dress shirt approaches our area and takes a heavy seat on the couch across from us.
“Finn… and Aspen, I presume,” he greets us but looks in the direction of the coffee.
“Aspen, this pleasant fellow is Trey,” Finn introduces me with heavy sarcasm.
His friend’s harsh face hasn’t lifted through any of our introductions. His mouth is set in a straight line and his brown eyes are distracted every few seconds. Even though his dark hair is still styled to perfection, he’s a man on edge.
“Sorry. I am excited to meet you. It was a crazy day, but I’m glad to have Finn back in the office. It’s good to have him around." Trey looks in my direction and widens his eyes, shooting me a look I don’t fail to pick up on.
Finn clears his throat and throws back a matching expression. I assume this is some male communication related to the fact he wasn’t at work yesterday because of our breakup. The implication it’s somehow my fault pisses me off and I want to make a comment back to him, but I remember the name Trey and he’s someone important where Finn works.
As if Finn can read my mind, he puts the brakes on my plan. “Trey is the CEO of RDA. He’s in charge of all the business aspects.”
Right, so the man is Finn’s boss. I have to put up with his less than pleasant behavior and silent accusations. Wonderful.
Finn taps me on the leg and stands. “Now that he’s here I’m going to go make a call. I’ll be right back. Keep Trey entertained. Maybe you should tell him your thoughts on Hollywood getting mulligans.” His eyes twinkle and he silently laughs after making his joke. Then he turns to Trey, schooling his expression again, “Be good."
Trey doesn’t look the least bit affected by Finn’s words. “Always am, Brother.” He sends Finn a fake smile, but then tightens back to his original expression as his eyes move to me. “So you’re Finn’s new special friend?"
“Yes, I guess.” I start to fidget with the side of my skirt and wish I had worn pants to work today. Apparently Trey does not want to hear my thoughts on theHulkmovies.
“He’s broke. You know that, right? The place he’s staying at isn’t his. He’s bunking with a friend.” Trey could be of Greek decent, his skin slightly darker than most in this area, and it adds to his harsh demeanor as he lays it on the line for me.
“I’m aware my boyfriend doesn’t own the penthouse.” I emphasize the "my boyfriend” to make my point. I knew Finn didn’t have a ton of money, but I’ve never questioned his exact financial status. It’s a little early in the relationship to share bank statements, isn’t it? “I don’t care. The city is expensive. Who can afford to live here?”
“I can.” The words slide across the space as if he slithered them. I almost expect his tongue to be forked. “I can, in fact, afford to live in the city. I have a townhouse in Nob Hill. I’m worth millions.” Trey props his feet on the table as if he’s imparted me with important information.
I didn’t actually think he was cute earlier, did I? Maybe until he opened his mouth. Now I have visions of stuffing it with the napkins piled up on the large oval mahogany coffee table in front of me.
I can’t attempt murder. The reminder that orange clashes with my pale skin tone saves me at the last minute. Instead I put as much disinterest as possible into my reply, “That’s nice.”
Trey doesn’t take the hint. “It is nice. Why Finn? Why don’t you go out with me?”
“What?” Did he ask me what I think he did? “I’m dating your friend." Jerks like him make me sick. They look so pretty, but are venomous.
“So?” He throws an arm across the back of his couch in what I guess is supposed to be an inviting move. “You’re kind of hot. Date me. I’ll do more for you than Finn.”
With those final words, my patience flies out the front door with the ringing of the bell. Finn’s friend is a dick. Boss or not, he deserves to be kicked in the balls. I hope the next girl to date him does just that. Is Finn aware of how shallow his boss’ loyalties go?
“Excuse me. I mean no disrespect, but no. You’re disgusting. I would never date one of Finn’s friends. Does he know what kind of special asshole you are?" I would get up and leave, but I didn’t see where Finn went to make his call and I can’t leave with telling him where I am.
Trey drops his feet from the table and leans with his elbows on his knees. “Good.” He stands and walks to the counter acting as if we didn’t just have the most bizarre conversation.
I’m so irritated I consider following him to find out what the hell he means, but I’m tired from a long day and I’d rather sit this one out. My mouth is still open when Finn wraps his arms around my neck, plants a kiss on my head, then jumps over the back of the sofa to retake his position next to me.
