I let out a sigh, frustrated by this unexpected twist in my evening, and quickly save my document, and back it up, then fix the alignment of the books she pulled from the shelves, ignoring the way she quirks a questioning brow at me. After a few seconds, I reluctantly follow her out of my office, putting on my suit jacket as we head to the elevator. Sapphire’s mindless chitchat continues, and I struggle to keep up. She’s on output permanently, it would appear.
Sapphire presses the call button. “Your annual staff team-building day is going to be amazing. I can feel it in my bones,” she says with a spark in her voice.
I almost hate how much she sounds like she loves her job. Good for Hart Law, though, and I can see why Janice hired her company. She’s more enthusiastic than an exclamation point.
“It’s going to be an enlightening experience.” Using her hands, she draws a rainbow across the sky just as Max walks past, chuckling to himself.
I scowl at him as he passes. The bastard is still in the office. Fucking tool.
“I love the hair,” he says, winking at Sapphire, referencing her ice-blonde wavy locks that are threaded with ribbons of color in pale pink, purple, yellow, green, and blue.
“Thanks.” She beams at him, waggling the ends as if waving to him, and a small tug pulls at my heartstrings.
What the fuck was that?
Annoyance?
Jealousy?
No fucking way.
Impossible.
“Suits you,” he replies like the damn ladies’ man he is, walking down the hall toward the restrooms while Sapphire keeps talking at me, asking questions I never get a chance to answer.
Does she ever take a breath?
Oh, boy, tonight is going to be a long one.
Should I go? Can I get out of this?
Shit, I know I can’t.
However, now that I think about it, I don’t really mind that I’m spending the night with her.
She’s fun.
Fuck that, fun doesn’t exist for me.
2
ELI
I’m on edge and have invented at least seven imaginary text messages from my mom that I’ve unexpectedly received, which would mean I have to leave while waiting for Sapphire to return from the restroom.
But I can’t. I have to do my part for the company. I’m annoyed, though. Really fucking annoyed. At my brothers. Max and Cole specifically.
I lift my cell phone off the table and text my brothers in our group chat.
Me
You two fuckers have properly screwed me over.
Max
Aw, don’t be like that. I like her.
Me
