Page 20 of Anti-Hero

I already knew she’d accepted the offer—Lili texted to tell me what she termed “amazing news.” And as her direct supervisor, I was cc’d on the emails human resources sent her about direct deposit and health insurance and 401(k) contributions.

But it didn’t feel real until I left the building earlier and realized she’d be there the next time I walked in.

I can’t believe she took the job.

I can’t believe the first time I’m going to see Collins since beinginside of her is as my fuckingassistant.

A former relationship—if you could even call a one-night stand that—with a current employee isn’t a violation of any company policies. I checked. But it’s certainly not encouraged. Hiring a woman you’ve fucked is a poor professional decision by any standard.

It wasn’t just my decision though. Collins knows our history as well as I do, and shechoseto take the job.

She’d also snuck out while I was sleeping.

For as long as I’ve known Collins, she’s controlled the narrative between us. I’ve been the one begging for her attention. She’s been the one who walks away.

Last week, that shifted.Shebegged.Shestayed.

And it’s about to change again. We were finally on equal footing, and now I’m technically her superior. Herboss.

“At least your family thinks you’re capable of responsibility,” Flynn tells me. He swallows more champagne, then adds, “Not surewhy, but they clearly do.”

I muster a smile, appreciating his attempt to cheer me up.

Our entire lives, Flynn and I have been on symmetrical paths. That’s just changed. He’s studying for the LSATs and then will possibly attend law school, depending on when—or if—he decides to defy his father. My dad respected my decision to not go to business school after graduating undergradandstopped by my office on Monday to tell me how proud he was.

I feel shitty, complaining about my supportive parents and important job, but at least Flynn doesn’t have to worry about disappointing everyone.

“I’m grabbing another drink,” I tell Flynn.

He whoops as I stand. “Attaboy!”

Everyone in a fifty-foot radius glances in this direction as I start walking. There’s a private bar located in the VIP section, but I head toward the main one instead. Iwashiding, and it didn’t help. Might as well search out a distraction. This club is crawling with people who want my attention. Who expect me to be entertaining and exciting andfun. I spent a large portion of the summer as Proof’s main attraction, making the most of my dwindling days of limited responsibility. The whispers and stares around me make me feel like a celebrity. They set the stage for the part I’m supposed to play.

Tonight, I’m too distracted to fully register the attention, much less appreciate it.

I could still call this off. As persistent as she is, Lili doesn’t have anyactualpower at the company. No matter how much she protests and complains, she can’t pick my assistant for me. Not unless I let her.

But … I can’t do that to Collins. She had a choice, too, and she decided to take the job.

I prop my elbow on the edge of the bar top and drag a palm down my face, releasing a frustrated groan that gets lost in the steady bass pumping through invisible speakers.

As soon as the nearest bartender spots me, he hurries over.

Lili and I have been coming to Proof since high school. Surprisingly, I don’t think Bash has ever stepped foot inside this bar. He’s always been the most measured of the three of us. Part of it’s his personality. Also, after he spent years of watching Lili and me push boundaries, I guess him doing the same lost some appeal.

“What can I get for you, Kit?” the bartender asks.

“Tequila soda, Scott.”

He nods and bustles down the bar to make my drink.

“Tequila, huh? Must have been a long week.”

I glance to my left, toward the voice. And then down when I realize it belongs to a woman whose head is level with my shoulder. Standing, not perched on one of the stools.

“Never-ending,” I answer.

She smiles. “I’m more of a gin-and-tonic girl under stressful circumstances.”

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