The sound comes from behind us. Gwen pulls away quickly, and just like that, Leo, Blake, and Tess are staring at us.
“You said I had to work on my customer service skills,” Gwen shrugs as she walks back behind the counter. This woman is killing me, in the best way.
“Right,” Tess says dryly. “So what is this party I’m apparently going to?”
“It’s a party the team is throwing,” I start to explain, but I should’ve known better with Blake here.
“It’s a full-blown extravaganza,” Blake jumps in. “There’ll be drinks, every kind you can imagine, the best DJ in Chicago, dancers, maybe even magicians.”
“They’re usually a little… big,” I add. “I wanted to take my sister so she can meet some new people in town.”
“Oh, that sounds nice. I’m sure we’ll have a great time,” Tess smiles.
Gwen hands Blake and me our coffees as the last customer walks out the door.
“Is there a theme or something?” Tess asks, and I laugh because it’s basically the same question Gwen asked.
“It’s bakery boss babes, so you’re all good,” Blake says in a strange tone, making all of us laugh. “What?” he adds, confused.
“Was that your way of giving us a compliment?” Gwen teases.
“Maybe,” Blake says awkwardly.
“I thought that was your nickname for me,” Leo says, pretending to be offended.
“Alright, I’m done embarrassing myself. Can we please leave?” Blake lifts his coffee in thanks before heading out the door.
“See you Friday,” I tell Gwen, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before following Blake outside.
The bakery goes quiet as I leave, but I know the second that door shuts, the questions will start.
“Let’s get you home,” I tell Blake as we get into the car and pull away.
Not a bad Monday. Not bad at all.
Chapter 13
Gwen
“I really like that purple top. It fits you well, and the cleavage is a bonus,” Tess says over the phone, making me laugh.
“I might have to call HR on you,” I joke. “I’ll wear the purple one then. Thanks. I’ll see you at the party!”
As soon as we hang up, I change into the top she recommended and glance at myself in the mirror.
All week, I’ve been looking forward to this party. Now that it’s here, I’m starting to dread it.
This purple top usually makes me feel confident, but tonight all I can see is how it hugs my stomach and how exposed my arms feel.
My brain always does this when I’m about to do something that scares me. It doesn’t matter what I wear, my mind will find something to pick apart.
So I decide to trust Tess. If she says it looks good, then it does.
My eyeliner is holding up perfectly, and I’m adding a layer of lip gloss when my phone buzzes.
ZANE: We’re downstairs, but take your time. Didn’t want to rush you, so I didn’t ring the doorbell.
ME: Ready in 2!
