Page 20 of The Physical Attraction Seminar
Camila is intelligent, commanding, and has a calm confidence that makes her a damn good lawyer. But she is also influential, logical, and the most loyal friend a girl can have. Most people only take her for face value and don’t stick around long enough to get to see the other side of her that I do.
“I think I might need to buy a whole new wardrobe if I’m going to work in a place like this. Everything here is just so…”
“Expensive,” she finishes for me, shaking her head with a small smile. “Probably because it is. Hate to break it to you, but we’re not in Kansasanymore, babe.”
“I’ve never been to Kansas, but if this is what it’s like, then I’ll go home and pack my bags right now.”
“I’m never letting you move to Kansas. Don’t even think about it.” Camila sighs, looking around the co-working area. “If the office is this nice, I can only imagine how nice Barrett’s house is.”
“Mhmm,” I gulp, bobbing my head up and down.
I can say with absolute certainty that Camila is my most cherished and trusted friend on this planet. I tell her everything. She has heard about every bad date I’ve ever had. She’s coached me through every breakdown and every delusional idea. However, there may or may not be a vital piece of information that I am withholding from her at the moment.
Camila knows that I went on a date Thursday night. She also knows that I had a one-night stand with said “date.” What she doesn’t know is that the guy I went out with is sitting in the office right behind me.
All weekend, I tried to muster up the courage to tell her it was Barrett who I hooked up with. I had plenty of opportunities to come clean, yet every time I opened my mouth, the words fell flat on my tongue. I wanted to tell her, but for some reason, I just… couldn’t.
A ping comes from my computer speaker, and a new chat opens in the bottom right corner of my screen.
Barrett Banks: You should tell her just how nice it is.
A sudden gasp escapes my lips, and I can feel the heat creeping up my face, flushing my cheeks. Camila is too lost in her thoughts to notice. Babbling on about how the new Head of Mergers and Acquisitions seems like he’s an incompetent idiot—her words, not mine.
As she continues talking, she sits on the edge of my desk with her back facing me so she can look out at the sea of people working. Taking advantage of her obliviousness, I secretly steal a quick glance to my left and spot one door to Barrett’s office slightly ajar.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Lyla Hayward: I thought you had back-to-back meetings this morning.
Barrett Banks: I guess I should’ve told you that eavesdropping between meetings is my favorite pastime.
“Are you okay, Ly? Why do you seem like you’re having trouble breathing?” Concern washes over Camila’s face as she turns to face me.
“Uh, um… it’s just…” My brain short-circuits, and I lose all ability to think. “… gas pain?”
Really, Lyla? That’s the best you could come up with on short notice?
“It was the tacos from last night, wasn’t it?” She clicks her tongue. “I knew I should’ve made usthose caesar salads instead. Please tell me you’ve been waiting until you’re in the bathroom to… you know…” She waves her hand in front of her nose like she’s shooing away a foul smell.
“Camila!”
“What? I don’t want you to be known as the new girl who stinks up the office on the first day. Sue me for trying to be a good friend.” She raises her hands to show her innocence and starts backing away from my desk. Before she turns around and walks down the corridor to her side of the building, she gives me a small wave, which I reluctantly reciprocate.
Barrett Banks: You know, I did see people whispering in the break room earlier…
I actively fight an eye roll as I read his message, quickly typing back one of my own.
Lyla Hayward: No, you didn’t. You haven’t even left your desk yet today.
Lyla Hayward: Also, stop messaging me about non-work-related matters. I’m busy.
Barrett Banks: If chatting with friends is your idea of being busy, then maybe I should set up a desk in my office so I can keep a closer eye on your productivity.
Lyla Hayward: Is there a way for me to block you on this thing?
Barrett Banks: Hate to break it to you, but unless you quit, you’re stuck with me.
My hands hover over the keys while I try to think of a reply. I type and retype a few different responses, but everything I come up with seems too flirty. I hate that I even have to overthink something as simple as a chat message, but I promised him that I could be professional, and I want to stick to my word.
