Page 61 of Affinity

“He looks gross. He’s all skin and bones, pale, and looks like he’s coming down from a bender. I don’t know why she’s with him,” she explained.

He was probably her drug dealer, her boyfriend, or both.

“And you’ve seen them every day?” LA wasn’t that big of a place, but why the hell would Poppy be hanging out around where Abbi worked all week?

“Yeah, the first time I was taken aback to see her in the little cafe, but when she didn’t approach me, I was relieved. The other times were just brief glimpses, and I wasn’t even sure it was her, but now I am. I spotted her when I left my meeting, and then when I hit the button for the crosswalk, I turned back and saw her standing at a nearby store. It’s kind of weird, don’t you think?”

It definitely wasn’t typical to see someone every day for a week when you didn’t plan on it. I knew Poppy didn’t have a job, so there was no reason for her to be anywhere near Abbi.

“How much longer until you’re at the office?” I wanted her inside, where Poppy couldn’t see her.

“About three more minutes. Why?” She sounded worried about my question.

“I don’t like that she’s popping up wherever you are. As far as I know, she’s still on drugs and could be dangerous. I was going to suggest for you to get an Uber or something to take you back to the office, but you can get there before one will ever arrive.”

“I don’t see her anymore, so maybe it was just a coincidence. Anyway, I didn’t call you to make this about me. I wanted to hear about your meeting, which sounds like it went well. Did you like him?”

“We got along fine. Anything is better than my father and our toxic relationship.” It wouldn’t take much to be better than my father as a person or agent.

“I believe things are going to start looking up for you. I feel it deep in my gut. You just have to believe it yourself.”

“I believe you believe it, and I’m hopeful. John’s going to put out the word he’s my agent. Everyone in the business will know he wouldn’t take me on if he thought I was a fuckup or a liability.” I didn’t tell her how if it wasn’t for Luke’s endorsement, I would have walked away without anything.

“I’m at the office now, so I should probably get back to work. I’m happy for you, honey. Really happy.” I knew she was. I could hear the smile in her voice even though I couldn’t see it.

“Thanks, baby girl. I appreciate it. Why don’t you text me before you head home since it’s your first day driving to work?”

She let out a muffled laugh. “I think you’re more worried about my driving than me.”

Only because I’d seen how the paps could be when they wanted a shot. Things had died down this last week, giving her the confidence to drive herself to work, but I would be worried until she was safe at home.

“Just being cautious.”

“I think I’ll be fine, but I’ll let you know before I hit the road after my meeting. It could run a little long since Catherine was gone all last week.” She let out a happy sigh. “I’m happy to know I was only interesting for twelve short days, and now life is semi-normal.”

“I’ll give you a semi when you get home.” I palmed my dick as it twitched just thinking about getting my hands on her lush curves, and sinking deep inside her hot, wet pussy. I couldn’t get enough of her. Mondays were the worst after having her every which way all weekend long and then having to go cold turkey while she was at work.

“I look forward to it, but I really need to go. Melanie is giving me the stink eye. She probably knows I’m talking to you, which only makes it worse.”

Since Abbi had started at CJJ, Melanie hadn’t been welcoming. I knew it wasn’t easy on my wife when she was the new person there and wanting to prove herself.

“Tell Catherine when your meeting is over. You shouldn’t have to work under someone who’s hostile toward you.” I was sure Abbi hadn’t told me everything that had gone down between her and her supervisor because the last time she told me, I threatened to call Catherine. But what was I supposed to do when she called me with the sound of tears in her throat because that bitch had been mean to her in front of all her coworkers?

“I know. I hate to bother her with it, but I feel I have no choice. The job I couldn’t wait to start at, I now only feel anguish over having to go to it every day.”

“Things will be better if you’re no longer working under her.” I tried to appeal to her, but I knew my words meant very little compared to the way she was feeling.

“Hopefully,” she sighed. “I really should go. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Later,” I answered back. Pulling out of my parking place, I headed to a bakery near our house. I couldn’t bake, but I knew how to buy the best damn cupcakes in town.

Twenty minutes later, I walked out with two dozen cupcakes since I had no idea what Abbi would like. It shocked me that I still knew so very little about her. It felt as if she’d been in my life for months and not two weeks. With that, I wanted her to know that I cared that her job had been less than ideal.

Since I’d already run five miles after Abbi left for work that morning, once I got home, I went into my office and booked our flight to Fairlane. It would be nice to get away with each other and spend time with friends.

Thinking of my friend, I dialed up Alex and let it ring.

“Hey, you,” Alex answered.

---