Page 13 of Open for Negotiation

Chapter 3

Scarlett

Max: I’m anxious for this evening.

Istare down at the text message I received this morning as I wait for the elevator to arrive in the lobby to take me up to begin my day. I replied immediately, of course, and told him that I was as well. I even changed clothes half a dozen times before deciding on the right outfit.

I chose a pair of high-waisted black slacks and a sleeveless lilac top tucked in. Rather than my typical red lip, I opted for something matte and nude to offset the smokey shadow on my eyes. Simple, delicate gold jewelry completed the look. I feel powerful and sexy, which is exactly what I wanted.

The ping of the elevator’s arrival pulls my attention from my phone screen and I step inside, finding a place in the back corner in case others need to join me on the trip up. The doors are just beginning to slide closed when a hand reaches through to stop them, and when they retreat back to allow someone to join me, Garrett is standing there, dressed in a nice, black shirt and white tie.

“You’re looking more dressed up than usual,” he says from where he steps onto the elevator.

“I could say the same about you. Nice tie.”

“Thanks.” He straightens in a bit. “It’s new. Figured something different could be nice. Not usually a tie man normally.”

“Why the change now?” I ask as the doors close, sealing us completely alone. The woman in me, the woman who has been forced to stay on red alert because this society is fucked nowadays, steps farther away from him… just to put some space.

He’s my closest friend here, yes, but there has been something very off about him lately. I can’t put my finger on it, but I will always trust my gut. And right now, my gut says space wouldn’t hurt.

“Just wanted something different. I guess you could say the same about yourself?”

“I’m not dressed that differently, am I?” I look down at my outfit then back at him.

“No, just a bit more crisp. Hot date after work or something?”

“I am having dinner with someone, yes.” I glance up at him for a moment, in time to see his jaw tick in a blink and you’ll miss it moment. I’m not sure when this tension between he and I started, but it’s not something I’m into... not at all. Garrett has gone from my best friend in the office to awkward, creepy stranger who I barely even recognize anymore.

“Anyone I know?” he asks.

Obviously, the answer to that question is yes. Obviously, he knows my date very well, and I’m proud of the fact that someone like Maxwell Duke wants me in any capacity. I’d love to be able to gush about him and how great he is and how excited I am, but none of that matters.

We are off-limits. I learned my lesson a long time ago on that front.

“No, I don't think so.” I keep it short and devoid of any details that could potentially give something away.

“No? Where’d you meet him? What’s he do?”

My brows furrow together in frustration. He’s just being curious, a nosy friend. Hell, I’m that way with Eden, but something about him pressing for details is rubbing me the wrong way.

“Uh, well, this will be our first date. I’m not sure what he does yet. I’m sure we’ll cover that over the usual first date get to know ya small talk, don’t you think?”

Why is this elevator being so fucking slow today? I just want out of here.

“Wow, someone is in a mood this morning. Forgive me for just asking my friend some questions. Enjoy your date.”

I don’t even have time to reply before the elevator bounces to a stop and the large, silver doors slide open and he steps out and heads down the hall toward his desk.

By the time I plop down into my chair and get started with my day, the awkwardness Garrett had injected into my day has been replaced by typical work day stresses. Emails are answered, calls are taken, 3D drafts are revised, and before I even realize it, lunchtime has rolled around.

I hadn’t even considered lunch yet, but when I stop working long enough to notice, my stomach is absolutely grumbling with hunger.

That problem is quickly solved, unbeknownst to me, when my desk phone rings and the caller ID flashes that the front desk is calling.

“This is Scarlett.”

“Hi, it’s Lauren! There’s some food up here for you, if you’d like to come grab it.”

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