Page 6 of Ache
“Why do you care so much?”
“Because I’m your friend. And friends meddle.” She smiles obnoxiously.
“You are definitely meddling,” I strongly agree, reaching for another piece of licorice. I chomp irritably, hating the fact that I’m being bullied — even if Lara does have good intentions.
“Fuck.” She nearly jumps out of her chair. “Four-thirty already.”
“Um, yeah. We usually work till five.” I regard her like she’s nuts.
“I know, but I’m leaving early today. I have a hair and makeup appointment. I want to look amazing tonight.” Lara races around gathering her purse and cell phone while she shuts down her computer. “I want Luke salivating every time he looks at me.”
“That’s just mean.”
“I know.” She pauses and smirks deviously.
“Playing with fire,” I remind her.
“If all goes well, I won’t need to worry about losing my job ’cause I’ll be able to quit.”
“What, why?” I snatch her arm.
“’Cause Luke has been dropping hints. We’re getting really serious, Ever. He might just be the one.”
“Seriously?” My eyebrows shoot up. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” I feel a little hurt.
“Well, we can’t exactly have girl talk in the middle of the office about my forbidden relationship. And I have to literally drag you out for drinks after work.”
Fair enough. But still, I want to know. I want Lara to be able to confide in me. I want a friend. I don’t know what epiphany suddenly strikes me, but I make a rash decision. “Okay,” I give in. “I’ll go to the party tonight.”
Lara laughs, cackles almost. “Oh, honey, I know. You never had a choice. I already RSVP’d for you. I wasn’t kidding when I said I would rip you out of your apartment. Now, make sure you dress up all pretty, and I’ll see you tonight. ’Kay?” She bounces in her spiked heels.
“’Kay,” I rumble.
“You spend way too much time with your cat, you’re starting to sound like him.” Lara starts for the elevator before stopping dead in her tracks. “Can you do one thing for me?” She picks up a thick blue folder next to her computer. “Can you drop this in Alec’s office before you go? I highlighted everything he asked me to. Took me almost all day.”
“Alec?” I curl my lip. “Alec Stewart?”
“Nope,” she chirps. “Alec Prescott.”
I groan. Anyone but him. “I thought you were my friend.”
“I am.” Her voice elevates. “I promise I’ll make it up to you. I’ll buy you drinks all night.” She hightails it out of the office.
“It’s open bar!” I yell.
But it’s too late, she’s gone.
Fucker.
* * *
I putoff going to Alec’s office as long as I can. I really can’t stand the man. He’s frigid as fuck and condescending as hell. I try to avoid the pompous asshole as much as possible. Cold and calculating is probably what makes him so good at his job, but it does nothing for his social standing.
Sometimes, I wonder if he possesses any humanity at all.
I walk down the carpeted hallways, clutching the blue folder to my chest. I’m going to make this quick. A drive by drop off with minimal interaction.
The door to his office is shut and all the blinds are pulled closed — a subliminalfuck off.
