Page 9 of Fall With Me
“Hello, darling,” I drawl to Kate over the phone while driving home from work.
“Hey, babe. How was the football game yesterday?”
I tap my finger on the steering wheel. “Besides having root beer spilled all over me, I enjoyed it. The new guy Carter hired brought his son. And Carter asked me to plan your appreciation festival for November. I only have nine weeks to do everything, but I’m sure I can pull it off.”
“We’ll circle back to the root beer. Tell me more about my new coworker. What’s he like? How old is he? Is he nice?”
I chuckle. “Slow down, lady. I’ll answer as best I can.” How to describe Dawson? I think back to how he kept pace with me in class, never complaining that I pushed him hardest during the workout. How his muscles bulged as he lifted weights.
He was concerned and apologetic at the game when Finn spilled on me. “I don’t know. Nice, I guess. He’s probablynot too much older than us. I think you’ll like working with him.”And he’s smokin’ hot.
But I can’t admit it to her. For multiple reasons. I’m not sure what the situation is between Dawson and Finn’s mom. I don’t want Kate thinking I’m ready for a relationship. And Dawson has a son.
“Phew,” Kate says. “There’s nothing worse than a new coworker who upsets the dynamic of the office.”
I pull into my driveway, excited to head inside and wash off the sweat coating my skin. “Most of you work from home. How does that upset your dynamic?”
“Carter lets us work from home because he trusts the current team to actually get stuff done when he’s not there to babysit us. If new guy—”
“His name is Dawson,” I say.
“Dawson, right. If Dawson can’t manage his time well, it’s back to the office for all of us.”
I wish I knew Dawson well enough to ease Kate’s worries. “We can’t let that happen. How will we do our Monday lunch dates if you’re stuck in the office?” I complain.
“Exactly, Chlo. Ex-act-ly.”
I easily picture Kate’s facial expression as she says this. The way her pink lips would exaggerate the last word. If we were sitting next to each other, she’d lean toward me and punctuate her statement with her finger pointed at my chest.
My best friend has a beautiful creamy complexion with super long dark auburn hair I’m totally jealous of. I have to use ten different products to get my hair to look anythinglike her smooth strands. And her blue eyes? Man, she knows how to use the perfect makeup to make those babies pop.
She’s often misjudged. Like someone drop-dead gorgeous, nice, and girly can’t be a video-game designer? Puh-lease. Kate does it, and she does it with class.
“Well, let’s wait to see how Dawson does before you freak out,” I say. “Maybe he’ll fit right in with the company and we can continue our lunch dates as usual.” Getting out of my car, I lock the door, then head inside. I put my phone on speaker and peel off my wet tank top.
“Let’s hope so.” She clears her throat. “Speaking of freaking out. I have a date tonight and I don’t know what to wear. Any suggestions?”
I pull a disgusted face, glad Kate can’t see it. “Is this date with Boston again?” Kate’s cousin set her up with him. From what Kate’s told me, Boston needs to grow up and be a man instead of a man-child.
“Yes. He’s taking me to an escape room and dinner.”
I’ll give Boston credit for the activity. Escape rooms are a lot of fun if you’re with friends. Figuring out clues and puzzles with strangers is stressful and annoying when one person thinks they know everything and refuses to listen to anyone else on the team.
Am I bitter about a previous experience?
Possibly.
“Wear jeans and a cute top,” I suggest.
“My dark wash denim and forest green silky blouse?”
“Yes. Boston won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.” My tone isn’t chipper and supportive. It’s bland, as I mask my annoyance.
“I’m ignoring that tone of voice,” she says. “What are your plans for tonight?”
“The usual.” I rip my sweaty socks off my feet, throwing them in my hamper in the corner of my bedroom. “Dinner and a movie. By myself.”
“That’s it. We’re going out tomorrow night. You need to do something besides fitness and football.”
