Page 104 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

“Well, it sucks.”

“Do you know what else I found out today?”

I slipped on my shoes, glancing up. “What?”

“Krismer is coming back. His wife’s doing much better.”

“Oh. That’s… great news about his wife.” My stomach started sinking. “When?”

“There’s not a set date yet. Could be one week, could be four.”

I nodded. I knew the day was coming, but I never thought it’d be that big of a deal when it arrived. I did see him every night, after all. But then again, my sleepovers wouldn’t last forever either, and once they ended, I wondered just how much I’d see him. It didn’t matter how close I thought Stephen and I were at the moment. I also considered Stu one of my closest friends, but I barely saw himanymore now that he was in his honeymoon phase with Kenny. What if Stephen found a woman he wanted to spend all his time with? The possibility felt like dry ice in my veins, and it hurt. A lot.

I mentally slapped myself. Did I want to spend the rest of that time crying in my peach daiquiri, or did I want to be happy? I chose happy.

“At least you won’t have to deal with us slackers anymore when you’re gone.” I elbowed him playfully. “Especially that long-haired brunette. I heard she has a real problem following the HR handbook. Did you know she fraternizes with tight-ass bosses?”

“All right.” He smiled. “Let’s go.”

“About time.” I slung my purse over my shoulder. “I’m growing old here.”

“Do you want to ride together?”

I shook my head. “I don’t want anyone to see us.”

He sighed. “Should I wait in the parking lot a half hour before coming in too?”

“No, that’s crazy. Ten minutes will be long enough.” He snatched his keys off the counter, mumbling something, but I was already heading for the door. “See you soon,” I called out.

When I arrived at the Brewhouse, Kate and Adam were already there saving me a seat. I gave them each a hug, making a note that it was indeed possible to make friendly contact without dissolving into a puddle. I pulled over another chair from the next table.

“Stephen’s coming later,” I said.

Kate raised her eyebrows. “And how do you know that?”

“I ran into him today and asked if he was coming, that’s all.”

She leaned over the table towards Adam. “I think Perry and Bossman have a little somethin’ somethin’ going on. What do you think?”

“I think I’m jealous. Every time I flirt with him, he just turns me down.” He fluttered his eyelashes at me. “What’s your secret?”

“For starters,” Kate said, “she’s dickless.”

I pushed them both on the shoulders, half-annoyed, half-amused. “All right, you guys. Stop it. That’s enough.”

“At least tell me how he likes his eggs in the morning. Maybe I can surprise him with breakfast in bed.”

Over-easy. I grasped Kate’s arm. “Ooh, I almost forgot! How was your interview today?”

“I think it went well, but you never know. I’ll just have to wait and see.”

Kate had left work early to interview with a different position in the company. It was a step up with better pay, and I was crossing my fingers for her. But at the same time, I’d really miss her if she left.

“Ah, you’ll get it,” Adam said. “And then pretty soon it’ll just be you and me, brown eyes.”

“There are other people in the room, Adam.”

“Yeah, but no one else puts up with me the way you two do.”

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