“You’re right, my apologies. I just didn’t know that Nico was in town…or that he brought back a souvenir.”
I turn my head to the side in surprise.
“That’s a really trashy way to describe another human. Tell me, are you reducing me to nothing more than a souvenir based on me being a metaphorical novelty or do you just value women so little that they are nothing but a prize to be shown off?”
Jake blanches, his face going pale as he shakes his head.
“Swear to god, neither. I was trying to be funny, and nosey. I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect. Really.”
Nico squeezes my thigh, as if to put me at ease before he jumps in.
“Jake is head of HR at my company, which is why he’s ready to throw up at your properly perceived assumption.”
I blink at that as I look to Nico.
“Do I have to work at the company to file a complaint?”
Jake blanches even further, as if that were possible. I watch as Nico’s mouth twitches in amusement, though he doesn’t give it away as he moves his head from side to side in thought.
“Good question. I can file the complainton behalf of you, though the only person above Jake is me so, consider the complaint filed.”
“Dude, what the fuck?” Jake says as he looks between us before my serious face drops and a laugh escapes me.
Nico breaks character too and Jake has some coloring returning to his face as he shakes his head.
“You guys are kinda assholes, you know that?”
I shrug, not the least bit sorry.
“Don’t be a misogynistic asshole. Excuse me,” I say as I stand up and head for the bathroom in the corner.
I round the corner and can’t help but pause when I notice that I can hear them perfectly. It’s not eavesdropping if it’s an accident, right?
“Nico, what the fuck?” Jake whispers.
“What?”
Jake sputters. “Wha…what do you mean what? You leave town with Carly to meet her family and you come home cozied up with her little sister? How old is she? Can she even drink?”
“Yes,” Nico snaps defensively. “Her age is none of your business, honestly, neither is anything about her.”
“Dude, you know I’d never judge you. I’m just surprised as all. It’s one thing to cheat on your girl but to do it with her sister in broad daylight?—”
“I’m not cheating on Carly. We’re breaking up. She took a spur of moment vacation and we haven’t been able to talk but I’m ending it, for good.”
“Again, not judging. I’m processing,” Jake says.
I hear Nico sigh and I can practically see him shake his head.
“It’s a long story but…there is way more to it than you’re thinking.”
“I’m sure there is. This is so far out of character for you. I…okay, I’m judging a little. Only because I know how much you resented your dad for what he put you and your mom through when he had a mistress.”
There is a heavy pause between them before Nico’s voice lowers and his tone sharpens.
“This is not that, Jake.”
Another pause passes between them before Jake speaks.
