Page 16 of My Ex's Best Friend

She glances down at her tablet, a subtle frown appearing as she scrolls through the updates. "We've shortlisted three candidates with strong museum backgrounds. Interviews are scheduled for next week."

I exhale. "Next week won't cut it. We need someone in place sooner. Move the interviews up. See if we can shuffle things around."

She raises an eyebrow, her poker face unwavering. "Jake, you know it's not easy to reschedule interviews, especially with professionals of this caliber."

I run a hand through my hair. "Bea, we're on a tight schedule, and we need someone who can hit the ground running. See if you can work some magic. I'll owe you one."

“I thought you were supposed to be on the interview panel?”

“I can’t.” I shake my head. “I’m flying to Paris tomorrow to finalize a few details. I’ll have your sister and Freddie conduct the interviews. I’m sure you will manage things well between the three of you?”

She nods, the subtlest hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "I'll see what I can do. But no promises."

“Thanks, Bea.”

As I step into my office, my eyes widen at the unexpected sight of Chris and Henry lounging at my desk. With his perpetually disheveled brown hair and almost mischievous grin, Chris looks up from his phone. Henry, on the other hand, is frowning.

"Hey, Jake, long time no see," Chris says drily.

I frown. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

“Apparently, your memory. You were supposed to meet us for lunch.”

"Shit. I completely blanked on our plans. Sorry, guys.”

“I hope there’s a good excuse for abandoning us.”

“I just got out of a board meeting that started at eleven and ran long. Won’t have any time to eat lunch today.”

Chris arches an eyebrow, and Henry raises his sandwich in a mock salute.

"Ran long, or forgot?" Chris teases.

I chuckle. "To be fair, both.”

“Hey, we get it. We all get caught up in our work,” Henry says.

“Not me,” Chris butts in. “I’ll never choose work over myself, food, or friends for that matter.”

“Chris—”

“No, don’t Chris me.” He folds his arms in front of his chest. “You owe us lunch because you left us hanging, and you know how seriously I take my food."

I rub the back of my neck. "I'll make it up to you both, I promise. Lunch is on me next time, and I'll even throw in dessert."

Chris raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "That's a start, but we were thinking of something a bit more... nocturnal."

“What is that even supposed to mean?”

They exchange knowing glances, and Chris leans back, crossing his arms. "You’ve cancelled the last three times we planned on meeting. You owe us big time, Jake. And by big time, I mean you're coming out with us tonight. We're hitting the bar. No excuses."

“I’m leaving for Paris in the morning, and I have all this to go through.” I point at the stack of paperwork on my desk.

Chris cuts me off with a raised finger. "No work excuses, bro. You need a break. Look at yourself and look at this place.” He nods at my office. “You can’t possibly be happy working here all the time.”

I know he means well, but it stings.

“I know it’s a little messy, but we’re working on this big project that’s coming up and…”

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