Page 105 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

“I can’t imagine why,” Kate said.

I scooted off my chair. “I’m going to order some food. Anyone want anything?”

After they declined, I went up to the bar to place an order. I picked a menu off the counter and scanned through it, my mind wandering to what Kate had said. Was it obvious that Stephen and I were closer? He was usually in his office, and when I did interact with him, I tried to keep it business as usual, but maybe that was the problem? I could be acting too professional and throwing up red flags.

I shook it off and decided on the chicken sandwich with fries. I was about to call over the bartender when I heard an irritating-as-shit voice directly behind me.

“Kendra in accounting told me about the company-wide cuts they’re going to be doing soon. It’ll probably start on Monday.”

“Damn, really? I didn’t hear anything about that.”

“Yeah, and it’s just wrong, man. You know they’re only axingpeople to fatten their own wallets. I bet the department heads are blowing a load right now, just thinking about giving them their pink slips. The sooner they’re let go, the sooner the managers and all the greedy bastards above them can start wiping their asses with Benjamins and—”

“Shut the fuck up.” I spun around and pointed a finger at Matt. I couldn’t stand there and listen anymore.

“Look, it’s New Girl.”

“You need to stop making up shit just to hear yourself talk. I want to stick a stiletto in my ear.”

“What’s your deal? You’re even farther down on the totem pole than I am.”

“Mydealis people like you who go around spewing garbage. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He smirked. “Is that right? Maybe you should enlighten me, then.”

I thought about Stephen and how devastated he looked knowing he’d have to be the one to break the news. It was eating him up inside, not making him want to fucking go jack off. I was pissed as hell.

“What, just because someone makes more money than you that automatically makes them a heartless asshole? How the fuck can you think that anyone would be happy about having to tell someone they no longer have a job?You’rethe heartless asshole.”

His smirk expanded. “Nope, still not enlightened. Maybe you’d have a better shot if you explained it to me while horizontal.”

I flipped him off. What a fucking jerk. It was useless speaking my mind with him; it only seemed to make him horny.

“Is there a problem here?”

I spun around to Stephen, jaw tight and eyes blazing. He looked ready to pummel Matt into the ground. Shit, he needed to simmer down. It wouldn’t be good for him to start something with an employee.

“No, it’s fine,” I said. “Matt had some wrong information. I was just correcting him.”

“I heard.”

Stephen continued to stare him down until Matt threw up his hands. “Listen to the woman. It’s all cool.”

“I don’t ever want to hear you talking to her that way again.”

“Hey, New Girl, call off your dog, would you? I already said it was cool.” He walked away shaking his head.

“That wasn’t necessary, Stephen. You’re going to get yourself in trouble.” Fortunately, Matt didn’t appear like he’d read more into the situation. I didn’t need him spreading shit about me sleeping with my boss or something.

“Let me decide what’s necessary.”

“I just care what happens to you. He’s not worth it.”

His face softened. I flashed back to our embrace and the blood started rushing again. I turned towards the bar. “I’m ordering some food. Want anything?”

“No, I’m good.”

When I turned around again, he was gone, sitting at our table. I blew out a puff of relief. Unfortunately, Katewouldread a lot into it, and I didn’t want to give her more stories to devour. The longer Stephen stayed up at the bar with me, the more chances for her to assume.

---