Monday afternoon,Justine received a text from her friend, Kenzie, about some contractworkif she was interested. After spending most of her day learning about the scope of her new duties at work—talk about a headache—she replied right away.
Sign me up!
Kenzie sent back a laughing emoji and gave her the details for the job.
Justine worked two hours overtime, for which she wouldn’t be paid, just trying to catch up on all the work of her own she’d missed while learning her new duties. And no, according to Frank, Justine would not be getting any help. She needed to learn to manage it all herself.
Hurray.
She returned home, exhausted, only to see a bouquet of flowers left at her door. The note with them read,I know today must have sucked. Was thinking of you. XO. Your Man.
She grinned from ear to ear as she brought the lovely arrangement inside. After fixing a dinner and relaxing, she texted Xavier a big thanks. She debated on whether or not to add a big heart then said to heck with it and sent it.
He hadn’t communicated at all except for an early message to have a nice day. She appreciated him giving her space, but her thoughts still crept to him and what he might be doing while she worked.
She felt warm and fuzzy, staring from the TV to her flowers. She moved them to her bedroom and set them on her dresser.
And fell asleep staring at the fragrant blooms.
The next two days followed a similar pattern, until she was frothing with rage by the end of Wednesday. Katie met her three hours after she should have gone home, and Justine vented over beer and brats at the local German pub while Katie nodded and listened, adding an occasional “Frank’s such an ass” where needed.
When Justine finally wound down, she noticed Katie studying her. “What?”
“You haven’t mentioned Xavier at all, so I’m waiting to hear you roast him too.”
“Xavier? No, he’s awesome. Supportive yet distant enough he’s not overbearing.”
Katie frowned. “There has got to be something wrong with this guy. No one is this perfect. Let’s face it—he’s got the hot part, the smart part, and the magic peen part down pat.” Of course Katie added the bit about the magic peen as two handsome mid-thirties guys passed.
They heard and laughed out loud, winking back at Katie.
She returned the wink before turning to Justine. “Well? What is rattling around in his closet, do you think?”
“He hasn’t been working lately, but he’s going back to therapy soon.”
“Being in therapy is a good thing though, right?” Katie asked.
“No. He’s not getting therapy. He gives it. I told you he’s an LMFT.”
“Oh, right.” Katie tapped her lip. “And we’re sure he’s not dating anyone while being your personal massage toy?”
Justine felt her cheeks heat up again, but this time she laughed. “You’re such an ass.”
Katie stuck out her tongue. “You know you love me. Besides, you’re too pent up. You need a breather. The beer with me is great, but maybe some magic Xavier time would help.”
“Yeah, maybe.” And that, right there, was her other problem. “Katie, I…”
She meant to admit how much Xavier was coming to mean to her when Dr. Mitchell Ascot, her annoying ex, walked into the pub with a gorgeous brunette on his arm. Justine intended to pretend she hadn’t seen him and hoped he’d do the same.
Unfortunately, he saw her and redirected his course, his gorgeous date in tow. As he approached, his smile widened.
Katie gave a soft groan. “Man, with you, when it rains, it pours. Is Dr. Dickhead coming closer?”
“Yep.”And now my day is complete.
CHAPTER 27
Justine met Mitch’s smile with a bright one of her own. “Hey, Mitch. How are you?”
