Page 6 of Totally Played
“It must be nice for you, Ashley, to have some company on the trip,” Mr. Grey says, and Jennifer blushes a little.
“It’s good, yeah. Travelling alone can be well…lonely, sometimes. But I love being able to see you all when I’m here.”
“What does your wife think about all the travel?” AJ asks as the waitress returns with our drinks.
“I don’t have one. But my last boyfriend was fine with it. He knew what my job was when we started dating.”
Mrs. Grey sips her wine. “It’s important to support each other,” she says, taking her husband’s hand. He brings it up to his lips and places a soft kiss on the back of her hand, and it’s the sweetest thing.
“So true,” I reply, and then AJ’s knee connects with mine under the table. I shift mine away, but he follows with his. Glancing his way, I’m surprised to see a real smile on his lips for the first time tonight.
By the end of dinner, I’m almost sure that AJ’s attitude is some weird form of flirting for him. Like, he thinks asking me a billion questions, trying to trip me up, and look bad in front of his parents is going to get him anywhere with me. When I said we’d secured the support of three government vets, he asked, “Which administration were they hired under?” Like I know. Fucking hell, does it matter?
When dessert arrives, I’m so exhausted I don’t notice the waitress has placed a slice of cheesecake in front of me instead of the gluten-free lemon tart I ordered. I spoon a helping into my mouth and swallow half before the flavor registers, and I grab a napkin.
“This isn’t mine,” I say, and Jennifer holds up her plate.
“I think you have mine,” she says.
“Oh, I’m not sure if that is one of the gluten-free desserts,” Mrs. Grey says, reaching for her bag under the table. “Here, here,” she says, pulling out two bottles. “AJ, pass him some water.”
AJ thrusts a glass into my hand as she passes me one pill from one bottle and two from another.
“What are they?”
“Caricain and latiglutenase. They will help break down the gluten.”
I’m glad she came prepared. I really should carry some with me too given I’m the one who is intolerant to gluten. I throw them back and fill the glass of water again and drink it all down.
“I think I should probably go back to my room before….”
“Yes,” Mr. Grey says, waving over the waitress. “You should get some rest.”
“I’ve got the check,” I say, but he’s shaking his head.
“I’ll not hear of it. And when you’re recovered, send over the extension contracts. I think RED Tech has a promising future, and we’d like to be a part of it.”
“Thank you, I will,” I reply, and Mr. and Mrs. Grey head over to pay the bill.
“I’m sorry, Ash,” Jennifer says.
“I was the one not looking at what I was putting in my mouth. I’ll be fine with some rest.”
“And a few hydration drinks,” AJ says. “I saw a mini-mart on the corner. I’ll go get you a few and bring them up to your room. What number is it?”
“That’s so nice of you,” Jennifer coos, and before I can tell him it’s not necessary or can stop her, she’s telling him my room number. “He’s in one zero seven.”
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” AJ says before jogging toward his parents. He stops to tell them something, then leaves the hotel.
“Go on, off to bed,” Jennifer says like she’s my mother, but it’s late, I’m tired, and I might be spending half the night with my head in a toilet, so I don’t argue.
I’m in my room for all of two minutes when AJ knocks on the door.
“Thanks, but you didn’t need to,” I say as he strolls past me with a white plastic bag.
“I got everything you need,” he says, putting the bag on the coffee table and sitting on the couch.
I close the door and join him, then tip the bag onto the tabletop.
