“Never have I ever forgiven my exceptionally handsome boss for acting like an asshole and embarrassing me at the Aron Falls Building Department.”
She tries so damn hard not to grin that she’s biting her lower lip. When she can’t fight it any longer, she rolls her eyes, smiles, and takes a long swig of her smoothie. Then she pulls it away from her mouth and fixes her eyes on me.
“Don’t do it again.”
“Scout’s honor.”
Then things were fine. I thought so, at least. But an hour later, after I came back from seeing how Ellie’s treatment went that day, things were different again. She didn’t seem mad, but she was definitely distant, and I couldn’t get her to make eye contact with me to save my life.
That’s where we left things that day, and I’ve been out of town since. So, even though I got back after the workday ended, I still popped into the office to makesureshe was gone. She is.Everyoneis.
Deflated, I walk to my office, grab a water bottle from my mini-fridge, and plop down on the small couch in the sitting area. I crack the lid on the water, tip the bottle back, and drain half before I recap it.
That’s when I notice something is off. I scan the office area three times before it strikes me: someone screwed up my filing system. I rise and walk to the empty, stark white table that held months’ worth of files when I left two days ago. There’s a piece of paper on the cleared surface. I pick it up.
If you get back in the office before me and see a clean room, don’t freak out. It needed it. Badly. If it’s driving you crazy with worry, you can peek in the file cabinet to your right. Everything is in there, organized by year, with each file sorted into sections by dividers. I know that it’s not nearly as neat as your “throw it all in one file and hope for the best if it’s ever needed again” system, but I think you’ll get used to it. Oh, and I scanned each file as well to have a backup copy. If you decide to fire me for this egregious indiscretion, please notify me before I bother walking to work on Monday.
Sincerely,
Your most capable Administrative Assistant
I stare at the table for a while, picturing her writing the letter, then realize I’m smiling.
I’m back in the car and pulling into my garage at home before I realize I never even bothered to check the file cabinet. My mind was elsewhere. On her: My beautiful distraction.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Delaney
“You ready to shake that money maker and get some killer tips?” Becca, my fellow bartender for the night, asks.
“You make it sound like we’re strippers. Though I guess with how Phyllis has us dressed, it’s not that big of a stretch.” I glance down at my ‘uniform.’ The get-up consists of a short black skirt and a burgundy satiny wrap-style top that is quite low cut and ties together in the center. The tie joins the sides only about six inches above my belly button. It’s so low cut that my boobs are most definitely front and center. It doesn’t leave a ton to the imagination.
“Meh, the tie dresses it up some. Plus, I’m pretty sure our attire helps us get great tips. We did so well together last Saturday that I requested Phyllis partner you with me for this gig. Also, have you seen how you look, girl? You’re hot AF.”
I snort.
“No, I’d sayyou’rehot. I’m—” I look down at my outfit, and my ridiculous cleavage, then back up at her, “—I’m the DUFF.”
Confusion spreads across her face.
“What’s a DUFF?”
I grin and cock my head to the side.
“How do you not know that? You must not have watched many movies as a teenager. A DUFF is the designated ugly fat friend. Almost all high school and college dramas have one if there’s a group of popular, gorgeous friends. Just trust me, I’m your DUFF,” I chuckle.
Becca’s jaw drops, and her eyes widen. She doesn’t seem as amused as I am.
“First of all, I’ve never heard of that, and it’s horrifying kids are such assholes and would propagate the use of such a mean word. Second, you are most definitely not a DUFF. You’re gorgeous with those huge innocent eyes and blonde hair. Add in that killer hourglass shape you have, and woohoo, we’re in business.”
I smile at her and shake my head as I feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment. DUFF or not, it’s time to pull myself together. It’s only five minutes until the doors open.
I wipe my sweaty hands on my skirt. Nerves consume me. This will be a much higher-end crowd tonight, and since it’s for charity, it’s a cash bar.
“Seriously. We’re perfect together. I give off that wild, living on the edge kind of dangerous vixen vibe, and you’re like a sexy angel. We’ve got all our bases covered.” Becca grins at me.
“Whatever you say. But if one of my boobs falls out of this top tonight, I’m going to kill Phyllis for making me wear this.”
