Page 137 of The Boss Upstairs
“You slept at his place,in his bed?” Claudia is saying.
“Yes, twice now,” I tell her.
“You guys are getting really serious,” Abigail chimes in.
We’re having brunch at Ruth’s Diner. Ethan is thoroughly enjoying his crêpes, slathered with strawberries and Nutella. Mischa wipes off the blotch of chocolate on his cheek. I smile at the sight of him.
“We spent the day with Ethan at Shedd Aquarium,” I explain. “It was great. And then Weston and his kids made us an amazing dinner.”
“How does he get along with Ethan?” Mischa asks.
“Famously,” I tell her. “He loves children.”
Claudia digs into her spinach omelet. “That’s fantastic.”
“It is.”
“How does Ethan feel about him?” Mischa asks.
“He’s crazy about him. They’re two peas in a pod.”
Mischa shakes her head. “It all seems very fast to me.”
“I know… It is,” I admit.
“You need to be careful,” she warns me. “You don’t want Ethan to get too attached. You don’t know how this is all going to turn out, this thing with your boss.”
My chest puffs up.This thing with your boss.I know she doesn’t approve, and thinks it will all end badly. She’s annoying me to bits. She reminds me of my mother sometimes.
“I’m being careful,” I assure her.
“He seems like a good guy,” Claudia chimes in. “Mind your own business, Mischa.”
Mischa shrugs. “I’m just looking out for our girl. It’s what we do, isn’t it? Look out for each other?”
“Yeah, but we don’t shit on each other’s happiness,” Claudia argues. “You need to cool it.”
Mischa’s jaw drops and she’s without words.
“Ladies, settle down,” I say softly. “It’s all good.” I turn to Mischa. “Claudia has a soft spot for Weston because he sent her flowers and chocolate.”
“Really?” Abigail says. “Why?”
“For looking after Ethan so he and Gretchen could get it on,” she explains. “The man is all class.”
Abbigail smiles. “Yeah, I totally see that.”
“So will you be moving in?” Mischa asks. Apparently, she’s not done with me.
“No. Why would we?” I ask. “Things are perfect just the way they are.”
“And what happens when your contract is over?”
I really want to kick her in the shin. I remind myself that that’s just the way she is, hyper vigilant and uptight. She’s just looking out for me. “Nothing happens. My job will end, and hopefully, we’ll still be a couple. I have plenty of money. I don’t need the job, or Weston’s financial help.”
She blows out a breath. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Now can we quit it with the interrogation and just enjoy our meal?” Claudia pipes in. “This is my cheat day, and I’d like to make the most of it.”
