Page 25 of Not Safe For Work

“There’s no rush, Sparkles. Hey, come over here, there’s almost a rainbow if you squint really hard.”

Gavin might not realize how difficult it is to follow his lead, to not overthink everything happening around me, but it feels a bit easier when I’m in his presence. Breathing feels easier in his presence.

When we get to the winding trees, I put the camera down and we compete to see who can balance for longer on the zig-zag walkway.

“This is so much easier sober,” he says when we both make it to the end. He looks at his phone then. “Shit. I was hoping we could hike up to the Spire, but I don’t think we have time anymore. It’s after noon.”

I’ve never seen the Spire he keeps mentioning, another art installation at the highest point of the Presidio. He looks disappointed, so I offer, “Another time? I’d still like to go.”

“Definitely.”

By the timewe reach the Golden Gate Bridge I’m obsessed with the bike and want to start saving for my own. My brothersand I have an annual dirt bike race each year and I’m wondering how hard it would be to convince them to up the ante on the prize.

We still haven’t gone more than forty miles an hour with the traffic, so whenever the road opens up, I squeeze Gavin a little tighter hoping he’ll hit the gas. I’m tempted to ask if he’ll let me drive, but considering how nice he’s been today, I don’t want to push my luck.

For the first time since I’ve known him, it feels like Gavin and I are friends. And yes, I might still fantasize about his hands every time I close my eyes, but I’m enjoying this newfriendlyside of him too.

Our company off-site is at one of my favorite spots outside the city, Bar Bocce. It’s a restaurant that sits right on the beach with a huge outdoor patio and several bocce ball courts. The water in this area is exceptionally calm, so you can also take kayaks out right from the beach, which Andie and I have done on multiple occasions.

But my excitement about being here dies when Ian is the first person I see at the entrance.

“You okay?” Gavin whispers in my ear as he slides an arm around me.

“Yep,” I lie, forcing my eyes up from the ground.

People always warn you not to “dip your pen in the company ink.” They say how awkward it will be to see your ex everyday if things don’t work out, how even a minor fight can be extremely uncomfortable when they’re also your co-worker.

But no one ever warns you about dating the investors. They don’t work in the office so interaction is minimal. But when they are around, everyone is expected to treat them like gods. Ian has never been my boss and we’ve never had to work together. No, it’s just his money that furnishes my paychecks.

I didn’t realize how much I was fidgeting until Gavin squeezes my hand and threads our fingers together. The gesture isn’t for show. He’s just trying to calm my nerves. Just like he did a few days ago in the office. His hands are turning into my own personal wonder drug. Move over Xanax, I’ve found something stronger.

“Olivia,” Ian croons as we walk in. We have no choice but to confront him to get inside the venue.

“Hey, Ian.” I tilt my chin up as high as I can. I want to keep this interaction as short as possible, but I also refuse to cower in front of him. Not after everything he said to me.

“You doing okay?” Ian asks me in a hushed tone. Is he trying to imply that I’m still notokayfrom our breakup? “You look,” he continues, giving me a once over. “Winded.”

“Yeah, we rode my bike here,” Gavin offers, combing a few fingers through my hair and smoothing it back. “You’re a little speed demon, aren’t you?” I can’t tell if this is for Ian to hear or just me, because his voice is lower when he says it. And then he winks again.Hot.

Ian clears his throat, louder than anyone actually needs to. He’s never appreciated being pushed out of a conversation.

Gavin ignores him and steps toward the bar, tugging gently on my hand. “What do you want to drink, babe?”

I track Ian’s eyes as they shoot down to our hands. I brace myself for him to ask what’s going on, but instead he just smirks. He pats Gavin on the shoulder and says, “Nice to see that initiative, Gav.” And before I can figure out what the hell that meant, he’s heading toward the patio.

Gavin squeezes my hand again, seemingly ignoring Ian’s remark. “You like Aperol Spritz, right?”

“I do. How’d you know that?”

“Just remember you getting it the last time we were here.” Gavin must have a photographic memory or something becausethe last time we were here together was for another off-site at least a year and a half ago.

After we collect our drinks and head outside, I have to ask, “What was Ian talking about?”

“Oh, just Ian being an asshole as usual.” He takes a long sip of his beer and looks back at me. “I can say that now, right?”

“Of course. Wait, do you guys know each other? Like outside of work?” I remember now mentioning Gavin to Ian, recounting work stories and what not. Ian didn’t have the kindest things to say about most people—he clearly felt like he was above them—but he always referred to Gavin as “the kid.” Maybe there was more to it than his usual elitism.

“Umm, we’ve bumped into each other a decent amount through work. Honestly, I never liked the guy, Liv. He just thinks he’s better than everyone else. For a while, I was hoping to—you know what?” He pauses and tugs on the end of my braid again. “We’re here together to avoid Ian, right? To let people know you’re withmenow. A much better option if you want my opinion.”

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