Page 32 of My Ex's Best Friend

“It’s definitely chaotic,” I say hastily.

“Sounds just like you two,” Tammy says.

“What?”

“Oh, come on. When Jake was around, you guys would get into these debates that you would forget you had other friends. Your friendship with Jake was intense. In fact, I always thought something would happen between you two.”

I freeze.

Does she know something about Jake and me? I’ve gotten drunk with her a couple of times. What if something slipped out?

“Wait, this is news to me,” Ellie says. “You’re saying Kiera has chemistry with Jake.”

“If by chemistry, you mean the urge to throttle him three times a day, then yes, ma’am,” I say, laughing awkwardly.

“You’re right,” Tammy says. “It’s a ridiculous thought. And besides, if there was a chance that something were to happen between you guys, you never would have taken the job.”

I laugh weakly. “Uh, right.”

“I still can’t believe you’re getting a paid vacation to Paris,” Ellie says. “I’m so jelly.”

“It’s hardly a vacation.” Who am I kidding? Is it an all-expense paid trip in business class. I’ve never flown out of the country before, so it’s definitely going to be an experience for me.

"Well, at least you're keeping it professional. No throwing staplers or anything?"

I smirk, "Not yet, but I can't promise anything. The man has a talent for pushing buttons."

“Maybe you can gift him a mug that says Best Boss Ever. That might confuse him a little.”

“You should. He’s taking you to Paris—allegedly, the most romantic city in the world,” Tammy says.

“Romantic,” Ellie repeats, pulling the word out.

I roll my eyes.

"You know what they say, Kiera: What happens in France stays in France,” Tammy says.

“Yeah, and?” Does she think I have any interest in Jake?

“Maybe find yourself a French fling?"

I roll my eyes, playfully swatting at her arm. "Tammy, please. There's no way in hell. It's only been a few weeks since my last breakup."

Ellie joins in the teasing, "Come on, Kiera. It's the perfect setting for a rebound."

"I'll stick to appreciating the art, savoring the cuisine, and dealing with Jake, thank you very much. I assume the latter is going to take up most of my time.”

“You’re not going as his assistant. You’re his employee. I’m sure you don’t have to be at his beck and call all the time.”

“We’ll see about that.” I’ve annoyed him enough this past week, and he has been nothing but incredibly patient. Maybe he’s just waiting to get back at me.

"Who knows, Kiera? You might meet a charming French artist who sweeps you off your feet. Just make sure to bring me back some macarons as a souvenir."

"Macarons, yes. French romance, not so much."

My phone vibrates, startling me. An unknown number flashes on the screen just as I check the time on my watch.

Shoot! I'm running late.

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