Page 86 of Finding Us
Mason
“Olivia,” I say, taking a seat on the corner of her desk in reception when I arrive back at the office. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“How did you know that Paul was the one?”
“Paul, as in my husband Paul?”
“Of course, your husband Paul. WhatotherPaul would I be referring to?”
“Just making sure,” she says, grinning.
“You like busting my balls, don’t you?”
“It’s my favourite part of the day.”
“I’ll remember that when I’m considering your Christmas bonus this year.”
“Isn’t Rob the one who pays my bonus?”
“Yes, on my recommendation.”
“Oh, you’ll be recommending me for one.”
“You sound very sure of yourself?” I ask, reaching for her jellybean jar, and searching inside for a red one.
She arches one of her perfectly sculptured eyebrows. “I don’t think Rob would be impressed if he knew you were disappearing during the day when you’re supposed to be working.”
“I told you I had a meeting.”
“No, you told me if Rob asks where you are, to tell him you’re in a meeting. A meeting that wasn’t in my diary.”
“Doesn’t mean I didn’t have one.”
“I can guarantee wherever you went was not work related.”
“What makes you say that?”
She holds up one of her hands, ticking off each point with her fingers as she goes. “You left here all grumpy, and came back wearing a goofy smile—”
“Means nothing,” I say, cutting her off and popping a red jellybean into my mouth.
“I’m not finished. Your tie is inside out, and your shirt buttons are all askew. Neither were like that this morning.”
I look down and see she’s right. “Shit.”
“So where did you go?”
“To visit my girlfriend.”
Her eyes widen. “Your girlfriend? Since when?”
“We’ve been together about a month.”
“Wow.”
“I know.”
