Page 32 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

CastGamer55:First I’m kind, now I’m sweet? Trust me when I say no one’s ever called me sweet before. At least not since I was a toddler.

SawyerRox4:Aww, well, as you said, they’re idiots

CastGamer55:Sure, Mindy. And thank you.

SawyerRox4:No, thankyou, Danny. You have no idea how much your words meant to me tonight.

Ah, was that over the top? It was the absolute truth, but maybe I was admitting too much. I sounded pathetic, probably. I frowned, wishing there was a delete button.

I blinked a few times when my eyes settled on my unfinished sandwich I’d throw on the end table. My appetite had vanished.

CastGamer55:You’re welcome. And back at you.

SawyerRox4:<3 <3 <3

Chapter 8

Igrinned to myself as I marched down the sidewalk and reached the new office building. Summer was finally ending, and I couldn’t be happier about the light breeze today. Plus, I was early to work for once, and Jeff was going to be shocked.

You shouldn’t care what he thinks.

My smile faltered just a bit, but then I shook my head and ignored the stupid voice.

When I walked into the half-circle office area, my grin faded as I widened my eyes.

Who wasthat?

My jaw dropped and my heart raced as I took in the sight of a short, bleach-blonde woman wearing a sun hat, her tiny wrist—adorned with at least five bracelets—resting on the receptionist's desk where she sat. She started turning toward me, and I reminded myself to keep walking and try to act normal. She had dark, shiny sunglasses and large, dangly earrings and—

Wait a minute. That face …

“Welcome to the office! How can I help you?” the high-pitched voice called out as this woman—no, a young girl!—removed her sunglasses and smiled a toothy grin. She had the most adorable gap between her teeth, and her face was covered in bright makeup that most people would call gaudy, but on her, it looked cute.

“Hi, I’m Roxy. I work here.” I pointed my hand vaguely in the direction of my temporary office. “And you are?”

“I work here too. I’m Ms. Lila, the new receptionist. I just turned eight this year.”

I fought to keep the smile off my face. “Oh, I didn’t realize we’d hired someone. Pleased to meet you, Ms. Lila.”

“Honey, we talked about this,” Jeff’s voice called out as he walked up to the girl and put an arm around her. “You’re not the receptionist. Leave poor Roxanne alone.” Despite the serious words, he nuzzled her head and kissed her forehead.

“Oh, are you … is that …” I trailed off, at a loss.

“This is my daughter, Lila.” He turned to the girl. “Roxanne is someone I work with here.” His eyes shifted back to me and slowly moved down to my feet and then back up to my face. I immediately felt self-conscious about the long, yellow floral dress I’d chosen to wear. I couldn’t recall another time he’d paid any attention to what I wore. It wasn’t a bad feeling exactly, but definitely a strange one.

My shock was evidently still obvious as the girl laughed and said, “It’s OK, we won’t bite. Very often.”

I chuckled, feeling some of the tension drain from my body. “Whew, good to know. It’s nice to meet you, Lila.” I took a slow breath before my eyes shifted back to Jeff’s. “I didn’t realize it was Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.”

His expression clouded over. “It’s not. But sometimes she accompanies me to work when her mother drops her off unexpectedly. I didn’t expect you this early. I hope this won’t be a problem for you.”

“Oh, no, not a problem at all!” I said quickly while smiling as serenely as I could. “I’m happy you’re here, Lila. I was just surprised. But it’s a pleasant surprise.”

Now I wouldn’t have to be alone with Jeff! That was a relief.

“OK, are you sure you don’t mind?” Jeff asked cautiously. “I know we decided to work in the office a few days a week to meet with the consultants. But if you have a problem—”

“I don’t. It’s fine.”I smiled, but it was a wobbly one.

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