Her words sting. I know she didn’t intend for that, and it’s hard for others to understand, but the fact that my parents don’t care to spend time with me hurts. Regardless of the facade I display.
“Right.” I force out a laugh. “I’ll be fine!”
“With Jasper by your side, how couldn’t you be anything less than fine?” she teases. I suppose she has a point. We walk into the mall and map out the shops we will visit today. I recently chose to accept Jasper’s offer to be my date to Katherine’s wedding. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, so I just sent him a quick text to confirm his attendance. Today, my primary objective is to find a classy dress for the wedding in my hometown and a magical masquerade dress for Aged Emporium’s fundraiser. My secondary objective may or may not be to find dresses that will leave a mark on Jasper, too.
Twenty-Nine
Iris
Iam not in a great mood. Aged Emporium has been getting more business thanks to Soi’s campaign, which is great. I couldn’t be more excited for Jasper. He has been ecstatic the last of couple days, but because Aged Emporium is getting more business than usual, he hasn’t been able to talk with me as much.
On top of that, he stayed at work late yesterday to install a new sound system to play festive music. Sure, it may have been my recommendation to play music, but I didn’t realize how long it would take to install a sound system.
So, here I am, sitting in my office sulking on a Tuesday morning simply because Jasper hasn’t graced me with hispresence since Friday evening. I’m not one to usually mind alone time—in fact, I’ve spent so much time alone over the last couple of years, I like to think I’ve gotten used to it. At least, that’s what I thought. Until I met Jasper Alcott.
I check my phone to see I don’t have any new notifications and let out a dramatic sigh, deciding it’s time to partake inanothercup of coffee that will never live up to Little Falls’ lattes. I saunter to the coffee machine, preparing a cup of the blonde roast brew.
“How’s it going, Iris?” Joy asks, fetching herself a cup of coffee too.
“I’m doing well! How has your week been so far? Anything I can help with?”
“It’s going great so far.” She answers. “Do you mind if I ask you something not so work-related?”
“Oh, sure,” I answer. “What’s up?” My coffee finishes brewing. After I finish mixing in an assortment of sweet creamers, I grab the cup and take a sip of the scolding hot drink.
“So, I’ve been interested in romantically pursuing one of our clients.” Joy breaks eye contact to mix her drink. “Is that against our regulations?”
“Well, there isn’t anything in our contracts against that. Just so long as it doesn’t negatively impact our professional relationship with the client, that should be fine.” I set my coffee down on the counter, nearly dropping it.
“Got it! Thank you for the clarification.” She grabs her coffee and turns to walk away, but not before my curiosity gets the best of me.
“Do you mind if I ask who you’re interested in?”
“Oh, um, sure.” She turns back toward me. “I’m interested in Jasper Alcott. I don’t know if it’s reciprocated at all, but I had a crush on him back in high school, so I figure I’d be doing myself an injustice if I don’t shoot my shot, you know?”
My back stiffens. I had a feeling she would say Jasper, but hearing her confirm my suspicions aloud has struck me. How do I even respond?
“I see.” I grin softly. She clearly expects me to say more, but instead, I forcibly keep my lips sealed, determining it’s better not to say enough than to say too much here. I pat her on the shoulder and then walk back to my office, silently screaming. Physically, Joy is a beautiful, fit woman who’s bright and full of life, whereas I’m like a car running on empty. How could he not take interest in someone as delightful as she is?
I hear a ping, realizing I’ve received a new message.
Jasper
It’s been too long since I’ve held you.
Want to stay over tonight?
Iris
I committed to Trivia Tuesday again.
Want to join me then we can go back to your place?
Jasper
I’m in, Greene. It’s a date.
My heart flutters.Finally.Despite how thrilled I am to spend an evening in Jasper’s company, I can’t help but feel a little uneasy knowing Joy has feelings for him too, though.
