Ladder Guy
I know what you mean. Eli is a twat. The fucker killed my vibe three minutes in.
Me
Do you want me to come and break his jaw?
Ladder Guy
And deprive me of the pleasure of doing it myself? Never. I appreciate the offer though.
Because I have the feeling we could keep chatting like this for the remainder of the morning, I rip myself from my phone and put it in a drawer so I can get back to work. If I’m not rolling around under the sheets with Jake, I might as well make the best of today. First, I email my team, informing them there’ll be a meeting in the conference room after lunch. Then, I begin drafting my email to the head of HR, who I know will take my complaint seriously.
I’m in the middle of it when someone knocks on the glass door. My eyes travel up, expecting Daisy, but the masculine figure isn’t her.Eddie.
Before I can invite him or recuperate from the shock, he opens the door, taking my acknowledgment of him as an invitation to enter.
“Hey, Gen,” he greets me with a small smile.
“Hi. Do-do you need something?”
“No, I just thought I’d come up and have a little chat.” When he closes the door, I know it’s more than a “little chat”.
I notice how riveted people are outside in the open space, and my brain clicks on what’s happening. The gossip I heard in the breakroom has spread. I didn’t nip it in the bud, catching it too late.
“I’ve heard rumors,” Edward uneasily starts.
“Have you?”
“Yeah. Are they true?”
“I don’t know. What are the rumors about?” I ask, feigning cluelessness.
“That you arrived with someone this morning.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“Amalesomeone, that you kissed.”
I’d understand and accept if he was confused or hurt. But more than that, it’s judgment that I read in his eyes. And I can’t tolerate that.
“Sorry, but I don’t understand what’s happening here,” I say, standing from my chair. I come around the desk, lean onto it, and fold my arms over my chest. “I seem to recall thatyoubroke up with me, Eddie. So, why is it a problem if I’m seeing someone?”
“I didn’t expect you to move on so fast.”
My jaw drops. “Are you slut shaming me?”
“No! Heaven’s sake, no! I’m just… surprised. I mean, we barely made time for each other, and now you’re seeing some guy.”
Now, I feel a little guilty because he’s not entirely wrong. But the only thing I can think of to explain it is Jake’s novelty. Being with him is exciting, exhilarating, invigorating… I feel like I haven’t felt since Victoria died. And that sensation is addictive.
Jake once told me I go to him to feel alive, and it’s true.
“I’m sorry, Eddie. I don’t know what to tell you. I’m trying to take more risks and be bold, not be boring like you said.”
Now, he’s the one feeling bad. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out of it. When he tries again, his voice is filled with regret. “Gen, I didn’t mean it like that. It was just the—”
“No, you were right. I was boring, and now I’m pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone.”
