Jess’s arm is a comforting weight around my shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her as she dabs my face with a wet paper towel. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Probably hormones.”
“You mean the self-involved six-foot-four ball of testosterone that you have to deal with? Yeah, I’d say that’s definitely hormonal.”
“I look terrible.” I wipe at my eyes. “I am not an attractive crier.”
“You need a mental health day. You were already here at seven when I got in.”
“Just because I had that eye-doctor appointment,” I lie.
“Salinger didn’t even give you overtime for going to the charity ball with him, so you’re leaving early today. You need margaritas and nachos. Girl’s night at my place. Nope.” She cuts off my weak protest. “No excuses. Salinger can suck it.”
My friend ushers me to the sink.
I blow my nose in front of the mirror. “A break does sound nice,” I say carefully.
“Of course it does. We’ll do a rom-com marathon, laugh at how unreasonable the guys are because, like, no man is ever that amazing. We’ll drink away our work-related sorrow and toast to Salinger hopefully getting hit by a falling piano in the near future.”
“Shh! Someone might come in.”
“I don’t care.” Jess is emphatic as she pulls open the bathroom door. “I hope someone does hear me say that Salinger Svensson is the biggest asshole in Seattle.”
“Eep!” I clap my hands over my mouth as Pepper barks.
Salinger is hovering in the hallway by the restrooms. His lips part like he’s going to say something, then his mouth clamps shut.
“Excuse us.” Jess doesn’t even try to hide the disgust in her voice.
“Is she…” Salinger begins.
There’s something in his eyes, not anger or hatred. If it were any other man, I would say he looked almost… concerned?
No, it can’t be concern. Maybe pity or derision. But no, not Salinger. Not my boss. He gives zero shits about me.
“She’s leaving early.” Jess sounds stubborn.
My boss works his jaw. “She’s supposed to come with me to the Quantumcore and Van de Berg insurance meetings at the Soundview Hotel.”
Jess hugs me closer protectively, and Pepper puffs up.
“You’re just going to have to write your own notes.” My friend’s tone leaves no room for argument.
Salinger’s whole body is tense. He spins on his heel then walks away, long legs taking him quickly back to his office.
“Come on.” Jess soothes me, petting my hair, rubbing my back. “Let’s go get an alcohol slushie. This will be goodfor you,” she continues as she prods me to my desk. “You need a break from your sister, too, and I’m just going to be honest and say she needs a break from you as well, Pepper. You are clingy and have separation anxiety. Maybe we need to tell Salinger to include pet mental health insurance in the benefits package.” She hands me my purse.
I know she’s trying to make a joke, so I force out a laugh.
“Movie night and Mexican sounds good.” I sniffle. Then I have a horrible thought. Jaxon has me in his sights again. What if he shows up at my apartment? Lauren likes to go out late. What if he catches her?
“Actually I can’t go, Jess. I need to go home.”
“Girl…”
“I can’t leave my little sister alone. Lauren’s been in a state ever since Amy’s big announcement. She might do something crazy.”
Jess shakes her head. “Geez, he really did a number on you.”
