I meet Clay’s brown gaze and narrow my stare.
“And on your birthday of all days, that one got me, Karen. Why wasn’t I invited?”
“It was your birthday last Friday?” Sophia asks, but Josh jumps in.
“Can we focus on the fact that he just said Carolina dated Xander?” His eyes widen in disbelief.
“It was a damn tattoo appointment.” I clench my teeth.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sophia asks.
“Because it wasn’t important,” I say.
“Of course, it’s important! I would have baked you a cake,” she nearly yells.
Clay chuckles but quickly bites his lips when I give him another glare.
“Can’t you ever keep your mouth shut?” I ask.
“Nope,” he pops the ‘P’ and grins mischievously.
“You’re definitely coming to my birthday get-together on Sunday. We’ll celebrate our birthdays together,” Sophia declares.
“Can’t. I’m having a headache this weekend,” I say.
Josh snickers, and Sophia glares at me.
“Na-ah, Carolina, you’re coming! We’ll eat cake, drink, and have fun. Consider it an order from your boss.” She giggles.
I don’t want to go, but I can’t come up with any excuses. Plus, since I plan on working with her for the foreseeable future, it’s probably a good idea to ensure she likes me. It might blur professional boundaries, but it could earn me some points with her.
“When and where is it?” I ask reluctantly.
“You can finally give me your number, and I’ll text you the address. We’ll start with cake in the afternoon around four and just hang out until we’re tired from the drinks,” she replies with a smile.
“Okay, but I’ll have to leave by five,” I say.
“That’s fine,” Sophia reassures me. “Just glad you’re coming.”
“Why, you have another date with my man?” Clay chuckles. “Was your goal to get him into bed too? I’m sorry I unintentionally got in the way, but I’m sure he’s up for it if you want to try again. I’d encourage such behavior since it’s my bed too.” He winks at me.
I huff. “Don’t be rude to me. My level of rudeness will out rude yours, and I’ll make you cry.”
“Why do you have to leave so early?” Clay asks, being nothing but persistent.
“I work at a bar in the evenings, and I bet it takes some time to get back to Harlem from where it’s located.” I shrug.She’s living somewhere nice, for sure.
Josh laughs. “Anyway, are you guys up for grabbing something to eat?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Sophia says, getting up from her desk.
He then looks at me and asks, “Are you coming?”
“No, I’m going to finish this up and head out afterward, if that’s okay?” I ask.
“Come on, Karen, don’t be like that,” Clay chimes in, giving me puppy dog eyes.
“Nope,” I respond, focused on my computer screen.
