Page 58 of Not Safe For Work

“Yeah, I do, actually. I know you wouldn’t lie to me.”

“Just remember, when people talk shit, it’s always more about them than it is about you.”

“That is incredibly wise, Scottie.”

“I have my moments. Now go put on one of those gorgeous dresses I picked out.” I wiggle my brows. “If they’re gonna be talking about you, they might as well be looking at you too.”

I stay on the couch to give her some privacy, but when she comes out to show me her outfit she might as well be naked. I can’t imagine her looking better than she does right now. It feels like the wind was knocked out of me.

“You don’t like it?” she asks, nibbling her cheek. I remember helping her pick this one last night, but I had no idea what it would look like on her. The top is a sheer black mesh, highlighting her curves, and the bottom is a metallic green skirt that hugs her hips and thighs. I simultaneously want to rip it off and glue it on her so she can never wear anything else.

“There is absolutely nothing I don’t like about that,” I reply, a little breathless.

She likes my response. I can tell by the way her face changes, adding a little more pink to her cheeks. She’s trying to hide her smile but it’s plain to see. She’s still fidgeting though, doing the nail tap thing I know so well.

“Are you still feeling anxious about seeing everyone tonight?”

“Yeah, a little.”

I’m pretty sure it’s more than a little.

“I brought some edibles. Do you want one?” I ask. I hope she doesn’t judge me for bringing them. I always need a little help getting through these events. But I never want my co-workers to see me shit-faced, so I usually limit myself to a few drinks. Weed tends to keep my migraines at bay too.

Her reaction has me worried because for a second, she looks a little stunned. It’s not like it’s illegal. It’s barely even frowned upon in San Francisco. But then she runs toward me and throws her arms around my neck.

“Thank you, Scottie. I can’t think of anything that sounds better right now.”

Once she’s finished getting ready, I hand her one of the gummies I brought. “We can share—” I freeze when she pops the whole thing in her mouth. “Umm, I usually just take half.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine. I take them all the time.”

I guess we’ll see about that.

“I know you’re nervous, but don’t let those girls ruin your trip.” She twists her lips and I can tell she’s deciding how difficult it will be not to think about it. It’s hard for me to understand what she’s going through, and for the umpteenth time I think about how much worse I’ve made things for her by trying to help. So I just keep trying to make up for it. “We’re gonna have fun, right?”

“Right,” she says, slipping on her sandals. “Let’s do this.”

“See,”Liv whispers in my ear. “Everyone is looking at me.”

“That’s because you look gorgeous.” She scoffs. “Sparkles, you literally took my breath away earlier. You just have to give everyone else a chance to catch theirs.”

She loops her arm through mine and clings to me a little more. We’ve never really discussed how to do this fake relationship thing, how often we should be holding hands or showing affection. Not since the night she asked about us making out.Or more.

But it never feels forced with Liv. I don’t think she does anything for show. Maybe we’re just friends, or maybe there’s something more here. Either way, we feel good together.

“Want a drink?” I ask.

“Yes, please. These edibles are taking forever.” Weed might help her anxiety but mine’s on alert waiting for the edibles to kick in. I’m not really sure what to expect. After she popped a whole one, I took a quarter. I figure one of us needs to keep their wits tonight.

We make our way over to the bar area. Tonight’s event is the welcome reception, so it’s basically a cocktail party. They have people passing around appetizers and a bar is set up next to the beach. Instead of dining tables there are lots of smaller high-tops to use while standing. In the past, we’ve all gone out for dinner in large groups once this winds down, but I’m not sure what Liv will want to do so I haven’t agreed to anything yet.

Unfortunately, Stacey and her HR trio had the same idea about ordering drinks right now. We bump into them as soon as we order.

“Wow, Olivia,” Stacey croons. “That dress is amazing. You really went for it, huh.”

Then Marissa has to add her two cents. “I could never wear something so showy. Good for you.”

“Thanks,” Liv replies curtly. I don’t blame her for being short with those kinds of backhanded compliments.

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