Page 76 of Run
Abandoning the ad I was designing and swiveling around to face my coworkers, I lean back in the chair and fold my arms behind my head. “Alright, let’s hear it.”
“So … Ari,” Lizzie starts.
I look up at the ceiling.God help me. “Yeah, what about her?”
“She’s super cute!” Dee blurts out.
“Yep, that has not gone unnoticed,” I say.
“And smart,” adds Lizzie. “You should totally ask her to be your girlfriend.”
“What is this, high school?” I ask in frustration.
“Who’s asking who to be their girlfriend?” Monty’s face comes into view over Lizzie’s other shoulder.
I throw my hands up. “Not you, too.”
“Are we talking about the redhead that was here the other day?” he asks.
“Uh huh,” Dee says at the same time Lizzie answers, “Aren’t they cute together?”
“You two looked pretty comfortable,” Monty says. “You have history?”
“Yes, lots!” Lizzie squeals.
“It’s complicated,” I mutter, running a hand down my face. “Do you guys mind? I’m trying really hard to take my mind off Red for five freaking minutes so I can actually get some work done—”
“Red!” the girls squeak in unison, and Dee clasps her hands to her chest.
“Oh, brother,” Monty mumbles. “Look, Lizzie, the reason I came over here is to remind you we have that presser in ten.”
“Oh, shit! I have to prepare.”
She starts to take off and I yell after her, “Hey, take Dee with you.”
This is exactly why I stick to myself. I don’t need any new friends. I’ve got Fonz, and now I’ve got Ari back. And … well, that’s it. But that’s enough. I don’t need all these gossipy people butting their noses in my business.
Although it’s true that Lizzie and Knox had a disastrous few years, and they managed to come out on top. Maybe they can help Ari and me navigate our friendship.
Friendship.Ha! I’m just going to pack that thought away for another day.
Defeated, I stand and head out into the bullpen, resting my elbows on the top of Lizzie’s cubicle. “Hey.”
She looks up while shoving a notebook and pen into her bag. “Speak. I’ve got about three minutes before Monty comes to get me.”
“Two and a half,” he yells from his corner.
“So, maybe you and Knox could grab a drink with me and Ari,” I propose, a little embarrassed.
She shoots her eyes up at me. “EJ, Ethan—whoever you are—are you asking me out on a double date?”
I hang my head. “You know what, never mind.” I start to push away but she jumps up.
“Kidding! I’m kidding. Yeah, sure. I think Knox would like that.”
“Even though I punched him in the face?”
“Oh yeah, that’s old news.” She bats her hand in the air. “You free this weekend?”
