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Maybe he’s in a meeting?

By the time I’m packing up to leave, there’s still no word from him. What is he playing at?

With an exasperated sigh, I storm down the hallway toward the IT department. The fluorescent lights flicker on as I enter the server room, his preferred hiding spot, and the sound of my footsteps reverberates against the bare walls. The only sign of life is the faint humming noise coming from the rackets.

“Connor?”

No answer.

Did he already leave?

Shaking my head at myself, I send him another message.

Mary: Where are you?

Still nothing.

Fine. I’ll go without him, and I’ll have as many energy drinks as I want.

Without wasting time, I join the others downstairs, and we head straight to the bar.

It’s crowded and lively, filled with the chatter of other party people and the clink of glasses. Jill leads us to a booth in the back, and we all slide in.

“First round’s on me!” She signals for a waiter. “What’ll you guys have?”

We place our drink orders, and the waiter hurries off. I try to join the conversation and appear engaged, but a certain brooding hottie consultant doesn’t bother writing back. Where did he go? Did something happen?

The waiter returns with our drinks, and Jill raises her glass. “To Mary, for all her help with the Gala.”

“Here, here!” The others chime in, clinking glasses with me.

I smile, touched by the sentiment even if my heart isn’t fully in the celebration.

We chat and laugh, the alcohol loosening inhibitions and lightening the mood. The margaritas keep flowing, colors and sounds blurring together in a haze of intoxication. My cheeks ache from all the smiling.

When another round of drinks arrives, Jill nudges me with her elbow. “So, did you ask your brooding IT guy to join us?”

I stare into my glass. “No, he had other plans.”

“Too bad.” She shrugs, gaze already wandering to scan the bar. “Bet he’d be more fun outside of work if you could get him to unwind.”

If only she knew. I take a long sip of my drink, the alcohol burning down my throat.

“So what’s the deal with tall, dark, and handsome in IT?” Sara asks.

The others giggle, their cheeks flushed from the drinks. “I heard Sophie in accounting hooked up with him last week.”

I think I’m gonna be sick. “Really?”

“Mmhmm… said he was an animal in bed.” She fans herself dramatically. “Probably with him right now.”

Raucous laughter erupts around the table. Hidden from view, my hands curl into fists. Don’t react. Sara loves gossip. I can’t take her seriously.

Still… is that why?

My heartbeat quickens, and I ex my drink. The alcohol burns going down.

“Well, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed either,” Jill says.

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