Page 27 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Paige, please, there’s no need to brag… Yeah, Jacks and I had a final assist for the winning goal. It’s no big deal, really,” Grant says, downplaying that championship game. All of us were there supporting him, and it was one of the most exhilarating games I’ve ever watched. That could be because I was buzzed, but let’s pretend it was because of the game.

“It was amazing, babe. Truly one of the best games you’ve played,” Hads says as she grabs his hand. It’s nice to see her all soft. Grant has truly weakened her defenses. I’m glad my girls are happy with their partners.

Most people would be uncomfortable being single and surrounded by all these couples, but I love being on the market. I’m having fun; well, I was before work and life got in the way.

I enjoy casual sex with people, but lately, I’ve been in a weird limbo. I can’t even remember the last time I fucked someone, and I’ve been all out of sorts since I found out Leo was going to be working with me. Yet another thing he ruined. Most nights, I come home way too tired to deal with anything but a hot shower and reality television.

It’s exhausting being around someone you despise with every molecule in your body all day.

“So, Ella, how has work been? Have you killed Leo yet?” Hads asks me before turning to Alissa. “Sorry, Liss.”

“Don’t be. I asked her the same thing when she came home on their first day working together.”

“I haven't killed him yet, but it’s only been a few days, so that could change.”

“Listen, if you need help burying his body, you know who to call,” Oliver says as he throws his napkin down.

The rest of us look at him like he’s crazy, considering what happened last year.

“Really, bro?” Hads says, a disinterested expression on her face.

“What? It was a joke!” he says, but nobody’s laughing. “How is it still too soon for those jokes? It’s been an entire year, for fuck’s sake.”

“I thought it was funny, babe,” Paige says as she rests her head on his shoulder.

“I’ll divert the subject,” Grant says. “So, does anyone else have any fun things happening lately?”

We all shake our heads, not being able to think of anything remotely fun that happened in the past few weeks.

“Nothing? God, are we officially boring adults?” Grant asks.

“Not yet,” I say as I collect some plates.

“Ella, let me help,” Paige says, and before I try to stop her, Hads starts to help too.

“Guys, go sit down and relax. I can do this,” I say as I place some stuff in the sink.

“Ells, you put this entire day together. The least you can let us do is help clean up,” Paige tells me as she starts to clean the plates I put in the sink.

Before I can grab the rag to start drying, Hads gets it first. “Too slow.”

“Guys, come on, I’m the host. I should be—”

“Relax, Ella. You’ve had a long week dealing with Leo. Let us do something for you for once. Okay?”

Hads always knows just what to say to get me to listen. “Fine.”

“So, has it been okay working with him? I know you were worried about it.”

I sigh heavily as I try to make my thoughts coherent. For some reason, when it comes to describing Leo Zimmerman and his presence, I have a hard time. I think it’s because he pisses me off so much that all my thoughts get jumbled.

“It’s been fine, I guess. He’s constantly in my bubble, and it gets annoying, but we have a truce, and he’s stuck to it.”

“Huh, that’s good,” Paige says, and I know she still thinks we’re going to get together, but she couldn't be farther from the truth. I wouldneverdate Leo fucking Zimmerman. If he was the last person on Earth, I’d lock myself in a room and figure out how to procreate with my dildo.

“Paige, don’t get any ideas, babe.”

“Oh, come on! We’re literally reading a workplace romance novel next month! How am I not supposed to draw connections between that and your situation?” She hands Hads a plate and she dries it, putting it into the rack Alissa and I keep on our counter.

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