Page 101 of Anti-Hero

Another hearty swig of scotch washes down my disappointment.

“I didn’t know you played piano.” Fran appears, resting her elbows on the edge of the upright.

“I don’t,” I state flatly, reaching for my drink again.

She tilts her head. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too.”

I sigh and set the glass down. “Sorry. If you’re looking for cheerfulcompany, keep looking. Lili’s pretty chipper.”

Fran laughs. “Lili’s bloodstream is half caffeine and half alcohol right now. No one’s as chipper as she is.”

“Did you know she was coming home?”

“Nope. We brunched earlier, caught up. She said you’re doing really well at the company.”

“After how many mimosas?”

Fran smiles. “She was sober.Andshe showed me the photos of you in your office.”

I groan. “Are my eyes closed in every single one, or was Bash exaggerating?”

“Don’t worry; you looked hot. Then again, you always do.” She winks, drawing a startled laugh out of me.

Fran—and several of Lili’s other friends—have flirted with me before.

But the only one I’ve hooked up with is Collins, which also happens to be the last time I had sex. The longest drought since Istartedhaving sex. I should be dying to get laid. But just like at Proof with the gin-and-tonic girl or around Sadie, my dick doesn’t react.

Collins might not want me, but I don’t want anyone else.

“Thanks,” I say.

“Thanks?” Fran repeats incredulously. “You’re not going to compliment me back? Or invite me upstairs?”

“I can’t,” I say, which sounds marginally better thanI don’t want to.

“Oh. My. God. You’re dating someone?” Fran’s voice is low. Shocked but low.

Still, I glance around to make sure no one else is in hearing distance before saying, “No, we’re not dating. But I am interested insomeone, so …”

Fran shocks the shit out of me by asking, “Is it Collins Tate?”

I blink rapidly, convinced I somehow misheard her. “What?”

She rolls her eyes. “I was totally interested in hooking up with you at that party in the Hamptons. You were too busy sneaking looks at her to notice. AndInoticed you left right after she did. Lili said she’s your assistant now?”

I sigh.

I’m starting to really hate that word. Assistant. I don’t want Collins to assist me with anything. I want to be the one who helpsher. Whosherelies on.

Fran’s waiting for an answer, so I acknowledge, “Yeah, she is.”

“Why would you hire someone you have feelings for?”

I revert to my default, “It’s complicated,” then add, “And it doesn’t really matter. She’s not interested.”

I flipped out about Perry because I was jealous. There’s no way Collins didn’t realize that, and her response has been to act as professional as possible ever since. So, I need to get over my silly crush on her before it permanently affects our co-parenting relationship. If it hasn’t already.

Fran scoffs. “Yeah, she is.”

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