I think the term is 'swoon-worthy'?
Except, he saw my ass. And now I want to die.
My only saving grace is that I might never see him again.
Only, to possibly snuff out deeper the only tiny flicker of light in that dark tunnel of shame, there was something familiar about him.
But why or how, I don't know.
I don't recognize him as anyone working for the startup.Too well-dressed, and Barwon is not big enough for a board yet.
And I don't think I have ever seen him here.
Besides, familiar or not, it is almost certain I will never see him again.
I scoff. "And what would you do if you did? Run away? Ask if he wants to see my ass again?"
A giggle hits me, and I shake my head and throw myself into my work.
At five, when Ruby texts me about a drink again, I say yes.
I have enough spare cash for a couple of house wines, as long as we don't go anywhere too fancy. And it is not until I slide into my seat that I realize I have forgotten to put my underwear back on.
It is all in my mind, I get that, well except for the whole skirt bunching up to my waistband. But I fixed that. And it is not like a breeze could lift it when I was walking here.
Still...going commando is weird, different, and I can't shake the feeling that everyone knows.
Ruby doesn't help when she rushes in and says, "Relax, no one here knows you're into going commando."
I swat at her. "I'm not. I...forgot."
She raises a brow. "You forgot? Which part? Taking them off, photocopying them, or just the concept of putting them back on?"
I grab the front of her light jacket, and the approaching bartender backs away at the move. "How did you know?"
"I can't see a line."
Then she peers at me as I let her go and motion to the bartender to come back over. "Wasn't sure if you were gonna clock her or kiss her, so thought I would give you some space." He winks. "I don't like to interfere."
"I will have a Manhattan," Ruby purrs. "And she will have?—"
"House wine," I say.
They both recoil.
Ruby dismisses me with a wave of her hand. "She will have what I'm having."
The bartender grins and starts making the drinks.
It is on the tip of my tongue to say I can't afford a fourteen-dollar drink, but I will just have to make it work.
I reach for my bag, but Ruby shakes her head. "On me, kid."
"You're like a year older!"
"And you're still a kid."
"They're both on me, kids." The bartender slips an extra napkin to Ruby.
