Page 57 of Business Casual

“Hey, hey, hey, hey, now,” Avery interrupted with a nervous laugh. “Let’s play nice. We’re all professionals. And since you’re here as my assistant, please go pick up my portfolio.”

She glared at him before turning on her heel and marching back to the table.

“What the hell is this, Avery?” I asked through clenched teeth. “This bitch destroyed my paintjob and is damn near gloating about it. I’m trying to keep my cool, so I think it’s time for the both of you to leave.”

“You are so sexy when you’re mad,” he replied, taking a step closer. “You get this”—he caressed the space between my eyebrows— “little crease between your eyes and—”

“Do not touch me,” I warned under my breath.

He lifted his hands in surrender and smiled. “You know you miss me.”

I pursed my lips. “I don’t.”

“We had a good thing going.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s dead. Let it rest in peace.”

“Come on… Let me take you out. Let me remind you of what we had. Say the word and I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” Katrina asked from behind him. Her voice started to rise. “You’ll what, Avery?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tre networking nearby. “You both need to go. Goodbye.”

He took the portfolio out of her hand and smiled. “Calm down, Kat.”

She lowered her voice and her eyes never left me. “Avery’s taken, Imani.”

“I have no interest in Avery, Katrina,” I returned, imitating her tone of voice.

“I see the way you look at him,” she sneered.

With disdain? This woman is delusional.

I scoffed. “And if you think that means I want him, then you should get your eyes checked. Now leave.”

Avery smirked as he looked between us. “We’re about to leave,” he assured me as he pulled out his keys and handed them to Katrina. “Kat, go start the car. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Come with me,” she whined. “Why are you staying with her?”

“This is about work.” He gave her a look. “Go.”

Pouting, she snatched the keys from him and marched off.

“One down, one to go,” I said, putting my hand on my hips.

“You know what I think we should do to resolve this, right?”

“There’s nothing to resolve.”

He laughed. “Come on now… don’t be like that. You know you still want this. You remember how I used to make you feel?”

I locked eyes with him. “I want you to listen to what I’m saying to you and really hear me—you and I will never get back together. Ever. Now do you have a question regarding the portfolio or not?”

“The only question I have is when can I talk to you about us.”

I glared at him. “There is no us and there’s nothing—”

“Hey, how are we doing over here?” Tre asked as he saddled up beside us. He turned his focus on Avery and extended his hand. “You’re with Capital City Bank, right?”

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