“Okay. Do you have any plans tonight, or is it a study evening?”
I appreciate that he asks. “I decided that I’m going to meet Elodie for drinks at a place called Jupiter. I deserve a break.”
His grin grows wide. “You do. If I don’t see you,have a good time.”
“Thanks.”
How refreshing to have a man who lacks a glare and is genuinely curious if my day is going well. I’m going to miss having Charles around the office.Maybe he’s right, maybe Julian will mellow out when he has to accept that I’m not going anywhere.
What a shame that I probably won’t be meeting Julian halfway on the calming-down line.
I let the thought go for now, as I want to wrap up a few things before escaping.
A drink is most needed to escape my boss from hell.
6
SAVANNAH
Jupiter is a hot spot. It has an industrial feel, with hanging exposed lightbulbs, inventive cocktails, and a menu that changes with the seasons. I’m relieved when the bar menu presents a few options that are heavy on carbs. The place is bustling, but the acoustics in the place mean that I can still have a conversation with Elodie where we sit at the bar.
She eyes the bartender, and I smirk, since she’s so obvious. I nudge her leg under the table with my heeled shoe. She yelps.
“Hey, what was that for?”
“To stop you before you drool.” I pick up my espresso martini for a sip.
“Thanks. I should probably watch myself, but the guy has tattoos on muscly forearms, and it’s my weakness. Plus, I’m a single mom who hasn’t had sex in a long time.”
I laugh in understanding. “You’ll find a guy to sweep you off your feet in life and the bedroom. Anyway, I’m happy to be out for a drink.”
“Oh yeah?” She lifts her wine glass. “Everything okay, other than your favorite boss?”
“I guess so. I’m almost done with my degree, the weather is warming up, and my family is hanging in there. That reminds me, I need to check the calendar and use some of my vacation days. I want to head back to Everhope and take a few days off to relax with them.”The city is great, but I grew up in a small town, and it always feels cozy and relaxed when I visit.
“That would be great. You deserve it since you work your ass off in everything you do. I’m curious if your boss is checking out your ass in the process.” She grins and gives me a knowing look.
For some reason, I chose not to tell her that he has already seen my ass. Relaying the event will make it too real, admitting joy.
“Stop it.” I smile. “Maybe he does, or maybe he doesn’t.” I use my hand to display myself, but I believe that I have the answer.
She bursts out with a laugh. “Oh, please, you’ve really stepped up your work outfits lately. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve always had a great sense of fashion, but now? I don’t know, it’s the little things. A new shade of lipstick or something.”
I shake my head. “Absolutely not.” Or maybe. Attraction does things to people, and I’m not blind; I’m positive it’s mutual, but I still think he’s despicable. “I want to get to work and do my job.”
“Is that at least exciting?”
Tipping my head to the side, I quirk my lips out because it doesn’t take much thought to admit the truth. “Actually, the work itself is more interesting. I loved working with Charles, but Julian’s workday is more fast-paced; his insight is neededon so many things, and when he’s on calls with people, then the ruthless asshole persona kind of makes sense.”
“That’s good, at least.”
“Yeah.” I brush past the subject and raise my hand to catch the attention of the other barman, who lacks tattoos, much to Elodie’s dismay. “I need food. Otherwise, this drink will hit me hard, especially if we do another round.” As he approaches, I slide the menu closer and scan it. I’m dying for fried mozzarella sticks, but this place is more sophisticated than that. Hell, my drink alone costs the same as buying new lingerie… Why is that even my point of reference? Quickly, I turn to the barman and flash a wide grin.
“What can I get you ladies?”
“Yeah, uh, let’s do the stuffed mushrooms for now, but we’ll be back for round two. Thanks.” I set the menu down and return my full attention to my friend, giving her a bright smile.
“At least, you’re entertained. My team is kind of boring. I have a cat lady, a guy who plays some medieval game all night, and another guy who is barely awake thanks to a new baby. Not to mention that out of the office, my life is attached to a kid who hates carrots and wants to play educational cartoons on a loop.”
