“Get a grip, Via.” I fix her hair and wipe away the cream on her chin. Via pokes her head around the corner and takes in a sharp breath.
“There is a really hot guy with him. Good lord, I should have put on my hot girl clothes today.”
“You’re always wearing hot girl clothes.” I snicker.
“This isn’t funny!”
Stepping away and into the open space, I notice everyone is staring at the main attraction: Dominik and…my brother? What is he doing here? He hasn’t even bothered to call me in the last couple of weeks since he’s been so busy with work. I’m more surprised to see him here than I am to see Dominik.
Shit, now I’m nervous. I turn to face Via, and she bumps into my chest.
“Who is the other guy?” she says way too loudly.
“My brother, and lower your voice.”
“That’s your brother? Jesus Christ, dude,” Via shrieks, fanning herself. I smack my forehead, realizing no matter what I do, she’s going to act like a thirsty fan girl.
“You’re a lost cause, and also, good luck. He’s like a robot.”
Before she can respond, the hushed voices around the office grow much louder.
“Oh my God!!! Dominik Lewis is in the lobby talking to Tracy!”
“Shut up!!!”
“I need his autograph for my nephew.”
“Holy shit!! He’s probably here to see Zoe.”
“Who?”
“The new girl.”
“So it’s true then!”
Why do I have such great hearing? Fuck this. Maybe I’m not ready for this after all. I return to my cubicle and collapse onto my chair, attempting to regulate my breathing and feign productivity by tackling my emails.
“Umm…what do you think you’re doing?”
My fingers are practically dripping with sweat as I type. “He can come to me. Besides, he’s probably here to apologize to Tracy for getting me in trouble for the mess last week.”
“Are you kidding me? She wasn’t mad! You’re ridiculous,” Via hisses behind my ear, but I ignore her. “So that’s how you doit, huh? Play hard to get and let the boys come to you,” Via keeps talking.
I read the same email for the fifth time, trying not to smile but not really paying attention. My heart is beating a thousand miles a minute. I can almost hear the drumming in my ears.
“Oh, fuck, here they come.” Via rushes over to her chair, pulling out a small mirror she keeps in her drawer as she frantically brushes her hair and re-applies lip gloss.
“Are you trying to look good for my boyfriend or my brother?” The word boyfriend catches on my tongue, sounding entirely too foreign coming out of my mouth.
“Dom is friends with other hockey players, and your brother is hot! I haven’t had a proper dick in months.” She barely whispers the last part before I burst out laughing.
“I—”
Tracy dashes around the corner, gradually slowing down and wearing a huge grin. She takes a quick glance at me, widening her eyes and adjusting her burgundy jacket.
“Ladies, did I miss the memo about celebrity day at the office? What a pleasant treat.” Tracy sounds so fake. Her voice is too high and her excitement is undeniable. I wish the barricade was see-through so I could watch the expression on the guys’ faces.
“Oh, god…someone needs to help her,” Via mutters under her breath, and I squeeze my lips together, swallowing my laugh.
