As soon as it’s done, I rush out of the room and fish it out.
My Wombat
Sorry, I didn’t realize it was the sort of meeting where you’re expected to participate.
Damn, your boss is a cunt. I’ll menopause his arse. How do you put up with him?
This is the Ralf guy? He sounds like a twat.
I’m sorry again, red. It wasn’t supposed to cause you any trouble.
It looks like Jake is still on the call, but I can’t handle this right now. Not without cooling down first. I hang up, return the loose AirPod to its box, and head to the closest restroom, needing some alone time. I find a stall and lock it behind me before pressing my back against the door.
The phone vibrates in my hand, and when I check, it’s Jake again.
My Wombat
Gen, talk to me. I’m sorry.
As embarrassed as I am, it’s not his fault. I could have removed the AirPod, discreetly passing a hand in my hair and shoving it in my pocket. I was the one who kept it in because it was too hot to miss. This might have been one of the most erotic experiences of my life, and the only thing that tarnished it was my misogynistic boss.
Me
It’s okay, I’m just a little shaken up. But it’s not you, wombat. That was so fucking hot.
My Wombat
You can get revenge tonight if you want and call me while I’m tattooing some poor bloke. I’ll work bricked up and mess his shit up, but oh, well.
I giggle, which didn’t feel possible moments ago.
Me
Maybe I’ll do that. I’m getting used to the vibrator, and I might keep using it after you come back.
My Wombat
No. Your pussy’s mine when I’m around to take care of it.
Me
We’ll see.
My Wombat
Don’t “we’ll see” me, Genevieve. The purple usurper returns to the drawer when I get back.
I bite down my lower lip in a failed attempt to contain my smile as I type the next text.
Me
We’ll see.
I hastily return the phone to my pocket, planning on letting him simmer for a while, and exit the stall. I’m still grinning when I come out of the restrooms, my mood greatly improved.
I’m restless on Wednesdaybecause I’m hours from seeing Jake again. His plane lands at JFK a little after six, and I’ll be there to collect him like a much-awaited gift. I have a hard time focusing, constantly checking my phone for a message from him or something. We’re nearing noon, meaning he should be at LAX. But so far, I haven’t received a single text from him.
A few more minutes pass until I give in and send him one.
