If listening to steamy audio clips counted as a new hobby then yes absolutely. I took a sip of wine. “Oh, I’ve just been working from home more recently,” I answered, trying to stave off any suspicions.
The restaurant buzzed around us. I’d taken Mia and Joanne out to dinner to celebrate the decision to grow the company. We posted our first job today, and when that one was filled, we would post another in a few months. The first task was to firm up a receptionist.
Mia scoffed, flipping her dark blonde hair over her shoulder. “Come on, Raven. You need to do other things aside from work all the time.” She threw her hands up. “We worry about you,” she said, throwing a glance at Joanne beside her.
“Don’t bring me into this,” Joanne put her hands in front of her chest. “I agree with you, but Raven is her own person. She knows what works best for her.” Joanne was always the wise one.
“I’m fine, ladies. Really. You all are the best staff for caring so much about me, though. A toast.”
We raised our glasses, and I smiled at the women in front of me as I cleared my throat. “To expansion and new endeavors,” I beamed. “This core team will take the firm to amazing heights. Thank you both for such hard work and dedication to me and my dream. Cheers.” Their echoing cheers rang in my ears, and gratitude for them flooded my chest.
“With that, it's time for the old lady to get home,” Joanne announced as she scooted her chair back.
“Joanne,” Mia whined. “You should stay longer! We’re just getting started.”
Joanne shook her head. “Nope. Gotta get home to the husband. You girls have fun. I’ll see you on Monday.”
As she walked away, I grabbed my card to slide to the waiter as he passed by the table. “I must be going, as well. I have some reports to finish up before I go to my parent’s house tomorrow.”
It wasn’t a lie, but I wasn’t going until tomorrow evening so I had the majority of the day to work.
“Raven! Not you, too. Come on. Let's go grab a drink at a bar. Kyle’s out of town on a business trip, and I can stay out as late as I want.” She was almost begging.
I studied her for a moment and felt a stab of sympathy for the woman. She was in her mid-twenties and I wondered why she didn’t seem to have any other friends. No person who had a lot of friends would want to spend a Friday night with their boss.
My silver chain smartwatch read eight, and I decided a drink shouldn’t take too long. “Fine, one drink. Have you been to the bar down the street? It’s the one that’s themed like the nineteen-twenties. I’ve always wanted to stop by but haven’t had the time.”
Her face lit up. “I haven’t, but I would love to go!”
We wrapped up dinner and walked out into the breezy September night, strolling in a bit of awkward silence until we came to a brightly lit gold sign blazing in the darkness. Whenwe slipped inside, my breath caught as we were transported to a different era.
The bar was quaint but extravagant. Every surface was gilded, from the bar top to the high circular tables and even the barstools. Sparkling chandeliers with rectangular jewels lined the center of the establishment, and all of the guests were well-dressed. This was definitely a higher end bar, and I wondered if Mia would have come here if not for me.
We slid onto stools and I ordered a Dark ‘N’ Stormy while Mia ordered a margarita. Guilt tugged at me. Why had I not gotten to know Mia on a more personal level? She was smart as a tack, and resourceful. So quick and efficient at her job. I was amazed after I hired her and hoped she was around for the long term.
“So how is life outside of work going for you?” I asked, taking a sip after the bartender set our drinks in front of us.
A shadow passed over Mia’s face for a beat, then it was gone. “Oh, it’s great. The puppy takes up most of my time. I’m so glad I made the leap and got him! What about you?” She narrowed her eyes. “Was there something you didn’t want to mention in front of Joanne earlier?”
I looked away from her gaze so she wouldn’t see the blush coloring my cheeks. “No, no, I’ve been working from home more. I’m finally getting out to see the family tomorrow so that will be a bit of a break.”
Mia seemed satisfied and glanced around the room, taking in the scene. My watch buzzed with a new text as I lifted my glass. I swiped my phone off the bar, not caring that it was rude to check it in someone’s company.
I had been on pins and needles all week. I’d worked to push Zander from my mind and didn’t respond to his message, but that hadn’t stopped me from listening to all of his new posts and some of the old ones on repeat. He evenmessaged me mid-week saying his audio offer would expire soon. After the message, I spent more than a few hours with his voice whispering salacious things in my ears. Deep down, I wanted to message him back with a request but I kept repeatinghe’s my client, in my head. Every time my phone vibrated with a new message a small part of me hoped it was another one from him.
Slipping the phone in my purse after seeing it was a text from my service provider about some promotion, I glanced up as Mia turned her attention back to me. A question was written on her face, but she hesitated and took a gulp of her drink instead.
Mia’s gaze darted to her own phone as it vibrated against the wooden bar. She flipped it over and I glimpsed she was getting a call from her boyfriend. “Shit,” she exclaimed, before hitting the side button making the phone go dark.
When her eyes came back to mine, they were haunted. “Raven, I’m sorry. I need to go so I can call Kyle back. I wasn’t expecting a call from him tonight since he had a business dinner out of town. He’ll be…confused why I’m still out.”
I held up my hand, shaking my head. “No need to apologize. Go do what you need to, Mia. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday.”
Emotion filled the woman’s face, her pursed lips turning to an outright frown. I could tell she didn’t want to go but didn’t have a choice. She nodded. “Thanks, Raven. See you Monday.”
She hurried from the bar out onto the street while I decided to enjoy the atmosphere and finish my drink before heading home. The place was cozy, and I resolved to come here again soon. Even if I came alone.
Once my glass was empty, I paid the tab and stepped into the cool night. The breeze had grown chillier than before and my flutter sleeve blouse felt like nothing on my shoulders. Thegarage was a few streets over from the bar so I wrapped my arms around my middle and enjoyed the fresh air. I hadn’t taken many steps this week so the walk was good for me since my block heels were only an inch high and my feet wouldn’t suffer.
