Page 52 of A Bossy Surprise

“Luke, I really don’t have time for this.”

“Fine, I just wanted to ask if you’ve planned anything for Adam today.”

“What?”

“Do you have anything planned for Adam?”

“No. What are you talking about? Why would I have something planned for him?”

“Because today is his birthday.”

I sit up. “It is?”

“Yeah, it is. He doesn’t like to make a big deal of it so he doesn’t tell people. He’s quite happy to let the day pass like any other day. It’s quite depressing really. For some reason he doesn’t think he deserves to be celebrated. So I wanted to know if you have anything planned.”

I smile. “Is this your way of telling me to do something special for your friend?”

“No, I was just asking.”

“You do know you’re being crazy right? If you care enough to make sure I make him feel special on his birthday, then you should care enough to put this blip behind you.”

“Kayla, I know this seems stupid to you, and maybe it really is, but I’m not ready to deal with him right now. Instead of forcing the issue I want to wait until I’m really over it. I don’t want to pretend.”

“I guess I can understand that.”

“Thank you.”

“But no, he didn’t tell me that today is his birthday. So I didn’t plan anything.” I wait for Lucas to say something. He doesn’t. So I continue, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

“Good. Thanks.”

“No problem. By the way, what’s his address?”

“You don’t know where he lives?”

“Why would I know where he lives?”

“Because you have a son together, and aren’t you two playing house these days?”

“We aren’t playing house. He’s getting to know his son, and every time we’ve hung out, it’s been either at my place or out in public. I’ve never been to his place.”

“That’s weird.”

“Lucas.” I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Do you want me to do this or not?”

“Sorry. I’ll send you the address as soon as we get off the phone.”

“Thanks.”

We end the call and seconds later Adam’s address pings into my message inbox.

This is a welcome development, because it gives me a good reason, at least in my head, to dodge work for the rest of the day.

I delegate the rest of my tasks for the day to my deputy, Gabrielle. She agrees to the extra work with a smile, but I can feel hostility beneath it.

She was Jerry’s deputy before me and is much older than I am. We all thought she would get my job when Jerry left, but Arthur chose me instead.

I’m sure that didn’t sit well with her.