She nudged me withher elbow. “I remember those days. I was so young, so naïve, so… in denial.”
We laughed togetherbecause she really had been in denial about Killian. “This isn’t the samething,” I told her. “You and Killian had all that chemistry right off the bat.Plus, you have so much in common it just makes sense for you guys to be inlove. Ezra and I are… completely different. We have nothing in common exceptthis work project. I’m just happy I can walk down the aisle with him at yourwedding without wanting to stab him.”
“I’m happy for thattoo,” she said sincerely. Vann turned around with our shakes and she droppedher voice to a whisper. “If we drink this fast enough, we’ll still have time toswing through McDonald’s before you have to be at work.”
“This is why I loveyou.” Well, giving up her code of chef ethics to sneak in a breakfast burritowas just one of the reasons I loved her. Laughing over chalky protein shakesthat lied about tasting like chocolate and peanut butter was another. Andknowing I could trust her to keep me grounded when it came to Ezra was alsotopping the list lately.
She was the biggestcheerleader for my happiness and in her current blissful state of mind, ofcourse she would see potential where there wasn’t anything. Now if only I couldremember that too. And stop looking forward to my first work phone call of themorning.
Chapter Thirteen
From: [email protected]
Date: March 31, 2017 16:46:29 EST
Subject: Tonight
Molly,
I have some thoughts on what you’ve sent me. I want to goover them with you. Bring your laptop to Killian and Vera’s dinner thing.
~Ezra
I stared at Ezra’scommand. Then I looked at the clock. Exactly one minute ago, I had been excitedfor Friday night and the opportunity to leave work behind for a solid two days.I didn’t want a lot in life, but the possibility of a free weekend was non-negotiable.
And now Ezra hadmanaged to ruin the most exciting thing about my weekend. Vera and Killian hadinvited a small group of people to their house for supper tonight. I hadn’tknown Ezra was one of them though. After spending more than a month working forhim, I was pretty sure the only thing the man did was work. Which was fine. Hewas free to spend his life however he wanted. If he wanted to miss out onfriends and family and weekends and the plethora of wonders Netflix had tooffer, that was up to him.
Only now he wantedto make me work that much too.
I glared at Ezra’semail. “No,” I told the computer. Then I tapped out a quick reply.
From [email protected]
Date: March 31, 2017 16:54:12 EST
Subject: Re: Tonight
No.
MM.
With only sixminutes untilfreedomfive, I started to gather my things and the work Iactually did need to glance at over the weekend. It just didn’t need to happentonight. Or without wine. But with two major projects in hand, there justweren’t enough hours during the work week to get it all done.
Ezra replied backbefore I shut down my laptop. Although, to be fair, I had left it open just incase he got right back to me.
What do you mean no?
~Ezra
I found myselfsmiling at the short email. I pictured him groomed, tailored and completelybaffled.
I mean NO, Ezra. Killian and Vera are slaving away to make usone of the most perfect meals we’ll ever eat. We’re not going to ruin it byworking all night. Plus, don’t you want to relax a little? This is one of thoserare moments you could have some fun. You’re currently at risk of becoming acurmudgeon.
MM.
