CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Yesterday morning when I agreed to take the job with Raven Digital Arts, I had no idea Trey would expect me to start today. Monday. As in within twenty-four hours. I thought I’d have more time to prep for this. A week to talk myself out of it. Find a better job. Like maybe one of those people who stand by the side of the road and wave the giant signs at passing cars. I could do that.
I was so excited to find out more about Marissa’s date that I didn’t think through my actions. Now I’m here. Here, as in the office of RDA. Sitting behind the big wooden desk in the lobby.
“Sit here and I’ll go grab you the new employee forms.” Finn sounds happier than I am about the fact I’m now his employee. He opens the door to the back where the offices are and I’m left alone in the white tiled room.
Not even Bonnie could get me out of starting today. She took the news well when I called her last night. There wasn’t a weekend or night shift available, but she put me on the standby list in case someone calls in.
No one passes through the front doors and I’m left to wonder how many employees live in the apartments on the next floor up. The glass doors are pulled open and the breeze flutters the leaves on the fake plant on top of the desk. At least I hope it’s fake, I don't have a great track record with green living things. I peek my head up to acknowledge my first visitor once I’ve made sure the plant won’t topple over.
“Simone! Good to see you again,” the loud voice echoes in the empty space, but with the sun rising behind him I can’t make out features. I squint at the mystery man as he takes a few more steps inside the building.
Before he reaches my new desk, his hand whips his sunglasses to his head and the light clears behind him allowing me a view. “Grant. Remember we met at my grandparents’ anniversary dinner?”
I stand and lean over the desk to shake his hand. His grey t-shirt covered by a light blue sport coat is an interesting wardrobe choice, but he’s kind of pulled it off.
“Of course I remember. How are your grandparents?”
He leans against the big circular desk with an elbow propped on the top. “Great. How’s the new job? I’ve heard so much about you."
I stop the nervous laugh right before it bubbles up. “Well, Finn and I just got here so I haven’t had time to mess anything up… yet."
“Did you get an apartment?” He points to the ceiling toward the employee housing floor.
“No, I’m staying with Aspen. The good part of living with the boss’ girl, if I’m late it’s his fault.”
Although, I feel like I’m encroaching on their time. I’m living with Aspen and now riding to work with her and Finn. I sat in the front seat this morning rather than climb over to the third row to give them a little privacy. If she's going to force me in the car, it’s the least I can do.
The front doors open again, and the new mystery person is also blocked by the glare. “Finn’s not a yeller anyway.” Grant looks up to the door and his smile grows. "Trey, it’s about time you got here. Simone and I have been having ourselves a nice chat.”
Trey squints his eyes at both of us as he walks farther into the building. Under his right arm, he carries a basket wrapped in clear cellophane. The short round wicker basket has two handles raised to the sides to help keep in the pile of fruit from spilling over the edge. The rich brown color of the basket contrasts against the brightly colored bananas, apples, and oranges inside the plastic wrap.
He slides the basket across the desk top to me. “A first day gift.”
“You brought her fruit?” Grant deadpans and lifts one eyebrow at Trey in question.
The three of us look to the basket together. “Yeah, it’s in a basket.”
“It’s a nice basket.” I pull the heavy piece toward me. “I love the color. Thank you,” I rush to express my gratitude. A guy has never given me fruit before. I have no idea what it means.
“Yeah, now you don’t need to leave your desk for lunch.” Grant pulls on the plastic wrap, but it doesn’t come undone. “Make sure and take this part off. You want to let it all breathe.”
I’m about to ask him why my fruit needs to breathe, thinking he’ll have some catchy reason, but Trey speaks first.
“She’s coming to lunch with me.”
“I am?”
He leans on the desk harder, angling his body closer to mine and our eyes lock. “Yes.” His command should piss me off. I know this. Yet, my body responds in places it shouldn’t with the simple word mixed with his tone of voice.
Grant laughs at our exchange and then pats Trey on the back. “Oh, my friend. So much to learn.” When Trey doesn’t move his eyes from our silent show down, Grant continues. "Remember, I’ll always be a loyal friend, unless your girlfriend makes the first move.”
Those words spur Trey to move his eyes from our staring contest and I silently congratulate myself for the win while he pushes off from the desk. With an outstretched finger he points to me. “Lunch, at noon.” And then his hand sways to Grant. "Stay away from Simone.”
Grant reaches out with a closed fist hitting Trey on the shoulder. It wasn’t hard since Trey’s body doesn’t sway from the move. Both of them are smiling by the time they walk through the lobby and enter the office section of the building. Boys.
**
