Page 25 of Keep My Secrets
“You’re not going to get in trouble when you go home tonight, right?” His voice is full of concern.
I just stare at him for a second, unsure of how to answer or why he would even ask.
“He just seemed a little…” he pauses.
“Older?” I offer.
“Yes, but no. He seemed a little controlling? Maybe even a little aggressive. I just want to make sure that he's not going to hurt you when you go home.”
Hurt me? Yes, please. Knowing Theo, if he is planning on delivering pain, it will be coupled with equal amounts of pleasure. He gets off on others trusting him to provide those unconventional desires. While it may hurt, and I hope it does, it is only fun if we both enjoy it.
“No, he won’t, I won’t,” I stammer unconvincingly. I take a breath. “Thank you for your concern, but I can promise I am safe.” I reach out and touch his arm. He may be a stereotypical frat boy, but seeing him actually be concerned for my safety is sweet. I would still never touch him with a ten-foot pole on a regular occasion, but this side of him is nice.
He shakes his head and nods before leading us toward the stairs.
“Aren’t you going to smoke?”
“Nope, I don't smoke either.” I nod, realizing he just needed to find an excuse to hold us back a second. Maybe he isn't such a bad guy. Annoying, sure, but he seems to have a good heart. I hope it stays that way.
We make it up to the table, and everyone is ordering their drinks. By the time the waiter gets to us, I have figured out my order.
“And for you?”
“French 76, please.”
“Do you mean French 75?”
“No, I want vodka instead of gin. Is that possible?”
“Absolutely.” He nods, then looks to Jonathan, who just orders a rum and Coke.
Abigail saved us seats at the end of the table next to Tucker and Peter.
“Did Castin really say you could work from home tomorrow, or is Abigail pulling one over on us?” Peter leans over the table so I can hear him.
“No, apparently a request got put in and he approved it. Then extended the offer to Abigail when I told him I didn't make a request.” The boys looked shocked. “And we decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and accepted, packed up our stuff, and left.”
“He said it was because he was impressed with my proposal, and we all know he loved Aria’s. Has anyone else finished theirs and turned it in for review?” The boys look around the table before looking back at us and shaking their heads.
“No one else?”
“We have until Friday. Why would we turn it in early?”
“To impress the guy we want to hire us at the end of the year?” Abigail sasses back. She is definitely more open outside of work. I can admire that skill. Women already have to work harder than men in almost any career; why give them anything else to critique or use against her? At work, it's all business, but at the bar with us, she's definitely letting those curls down.
The bar is filled with conversations and laughter. The table is full of friendly debates and rivalry. I sit back and watch as a group of people, all competing for the same job, put that aside and still have a good time together. Maybe it's because they are men that they don't have the same rivalry, but this thing with Elle—I don't see how it can have a happy ending. Even if we both get hired on together, there will always be a rivalry and jealousy. It is not going to end well.
I take a sip from my glass as my phone vibrates. I look down to see a message from Theo.
I am still waiting.
The message is simple, but has huge implications. I smile down at it, picturing Theo in the guest room pulling out his toys and deciding what he is going to use on me tonight. A moment later, my phone buzzes again.
Did you want to add anything to your homework?
Homework? What homework?
?
