Page 17 of Forget me Knot
“Max?” A female voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I look up to see Lesley standing there, holding her own cup of coffee and looking slightly guilty for interrupting me.
“Lesley.”
“Mind if I join you?” she asks and sits anyway.
I glare at her, her omega scent of roasted almonds making my nose pinch. Once upon a time, I found her attractive enough to date, but never considered as a mate. Jack and Sam would hate her. She is snobby, entitled, and really just downright unpleasant.
Mum set us up, and that drives home how awful this list of hers is going to be. I really need to get out of that somehow.
“Well, isn’t this cosy?” she says, her eyes flicking around the little coffee shop. She tries to smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She hates it in here for all the reasons that I love it. That tells me one thing: she came in here because she saw me.
“Yeah, it’s a good spot.” I try to focus on my sandwich, hoping she’ll take the hint and leave.
“So,” she continues, ignoring my obvious disinterest. “What’s new?”
“Nothing.”
“Okay,” she giggles. “Still the same great conversationalist.”
“Just got a lot on my mind,” I reply, wishing she’d fuck off.
She gives me a scrutinising look and then nods as if she’s just figured out some deep mystery. “You need to relax more, Max. Maybe join one of those yoga classes down by the lake.”
Yeah, right. Like yoga’s going to solve all my problems now.
“Thanks for the suggestion,” I say dryly.
Lesley leans back in her chair, making herself at home despite my obvious irritation. “Oh, don’t be like that. You know, Max, you could do with some company. It can’t be good for you, holing up in that stuffy office all day.”
I take another bite of my sandwich, chewing slowly to avoid responding immediately.
Her eyes narrow slightly as she studies me. “You know, your mum called me the other day.”
Of course she did. I almost choke on my sandwich but manage to swallow it down. “Did she now?”
“Yes,” Lesley says, a little too smugly for my liking. “She was concerned about you. She said you’ve been under a lot of stress and could use some cheering up.”
I can feel my patience wearing thin. “And what? She thinks you’re just the person for the job?”
She chuckles, clearly misinterpreting my sarcasm as playful banter. “Well, someone has to look out for you, Max.”
“Right.” I glance at the clock on the wall, wondering how soon I can make a polite yet hasty exit.
When she leans forward, I decide I don’t care about being rude. I stand up and sacrifice my bloody good sandwich for the greater good. “I have to go. See you around, Lesley.”
Lesley looks taken aback, but manages to plaster on a strained smile. “Oh, alright then. Another time, perhaps.”
I don’t bother to reply. I head for the door, my mind screaming escape. The bell chimes as I push it open and step onto the bustling street, eager to get away from the close quarters of the coffee shop.
As I walk back towards the office, I feel a bit lighter now that I’m not being stifled.
Claire gives me a knowing look as I enter the bank, and shrug off my jacket. “Everything alright?” she asks, barely containing her amusement.
“Brilliant,” I say with heavy sarcasm. “Best lunch break ever.”
She laughs softly before turning back to her work, and I retreat into my office. I’m not exactly keen on diving back into the high-level accounts, but it beats another awkward encounter or another phone call with my meddling Mum.
