Page 65 of The Art of Being Merry
“Also, don’t forget who pays your salary.” It’s a low blow,since if she quit, we’d be lost without her, and she freaking knows it, though a reminder every once in a while is good. Plus, Beck would never let me live it down if she quit. He’d take that grudge to his grave.
“Oh, look. The prodigal son has entered the chat.” My brother walks out of our office, which connects the two sides of the building, and leans up against the doorjamb. He’s got his coveralls hanging open at his waist. “Where’ve you been?”
“Busy.”
His eyes narrow in my direction. “Busy? On a Monday morning during working hours? Doing what?”
I should have been more prepared for his inquisition. Why did I think I’d get away with coming up with a flimsy excuse?
“When it concerns you, I’ll let you know where I was.” Which will never be his concern.
“Right. It doesn’t concern me. It’s not like we work together or anything.”
I’m trying not to let the fact I skipped out on work cloud the memory of this morning and ruin the high I’m on.
“Better get to it, considering I’ve got extra to do now and all.” I stride out the way I entered a few minutes ago, Beck hot on my heels. “I’m not going to tell you where I was, so don’t bother pushing the issue.” Except if roles were reversed, I’d ride his ass so hard. The best of friends, the worst of enemies, we are.
“What was so important it couldn’t have waited until after working hours? Or hell, gotten done yesterday?”
“This morning was the only time I could take care of what I needed to do. It won’t happen again.” Probably a lie, considering I told Clementine I’d be back tomorrow for more. There’s a chance she won’t take me up on the offer, a fact that’s sobering and sad.
“Was it town-related?”
“Yep,” I lie, latching onto the idea so hard, I wonder why I didn’t think of it myself. One reason: Clementine Powell coming on my cock. “Had to run to the craft store to place an order for the breakfast.”
The fib will get Beck off my back for now, but guess I’ll be taking a trip to the craft store soon for holiday breakfast “supplies.” Wonder if Clementine ever picked up the materials for my sweater. I make a mental note to text her when I’m alone.
“Oh, okay. It’s probably better to go when it’s not super busy. I would have taken the ride with you.”
I hate lying to him, especially because he sounds so sincere.
I turn toward him. “Not sure it’s wise for both of us to be gone from the garage at the same time, though I appreciate the offer."
“True. Maybe when you go pick up the stuff, I’ll go with you. We can schedule it after work or something.”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll let you know when the order needs to be picked up.” Once I actuallyplaceit.
Beck doesn’t leave, and I have to tamp down the anxiety creeping in about being dishonest.
“Did you get your hair cut? There’s something different about it today.”
Clementine’s fingers styled it.
“No cut. Different shampoo. Guess it makes a difference.” I shrug, the untruths rolling off my tongue at record speed. I hook a thumb over my shoulder. “I’d better get to work. The oil won’t change itself.”
Beck chuckles. “Nope, it certainly won’t.” He runs a hand through his locks. “I have to take off early tonight. Like at three.”
I so want to ask why he needs to leave early, but I refrain. If he doesn’t want to tell me where he’s going, it’s his prerogative. I don’t need to know every detail of his whereabouts.
“Cool. I’ll be here late to finish a few things that didn’t get done this morning.”
“Sounds good. See you for lunch.” He exits to his side of the garage, and I exhale the stored breath.
We don’t tell each other everything, but I’ve never blatantly lied to him before about where I was. Mostly because I’ve never been in a situation of having to cover up my whereabouts. Before this morning, I never considered skipping out on work to have sex. It’s probably for the best, especially because if every dalliance had been like this morning’s, I’d be out of a job, even if I am co-owner.
Before I change into my coveralls, I shoot Clementine a text.
Did you get to the craft store yet? If not, I need to go with you. I’ll explain when I see you next. Possibly tomorrow morning?
