He sits forward, putting his elbows on his knees. “Why are you so squirrely around her? Why is she acting like that? I swear to god, I’ve never been in a more awkward meeting.”
“I can’t speak for her behavior, but it was a five-minute conversation where I agreed to give her anything she requests. Do you want me to be contrary for sport?”
“Why can’t you say her name?”
Shit. Is that true? “That’s ridiculous.”
Eagle-eyed, he stares at me. Silent. Expectant.
I can only think of one reasonable explanation that might appease him. “Maybe because everyone is speculating, I’ve been extra careful about how I talk to her.”
“Maybe.” He leans back and scrubs his hand over his jaw.
“Can we move on?” I motion to the files scattered across my desk. “I have things to do, and so do you.”
He sighs, then stands. “All right, I’ll leave you to it.”
I hate that this is putting a strain on my relationship with Ryder, but my hands are tied. I promised, and while things might have ended weird and awkward, I won’t break my word.
Good thing we’re over. Since everything with Jessica is difficult.
Chapter 14
Jessica
I’m in a foul mood and not fit for company.
But apparently, it’s become a city hall thing to hang out in Sam Roberts’s bar after a long week being public servants, and I feel obligated to bond with my coworkers.
The place is semi-crowded with city employees, significant others, and friends. I forced Hailey to come so she can get out of her head. Earlier in the week, she’d caught a thread and had been writing nonstop, which means it’s time to get her into the land of the living. So, despite her grumbles and protests, she’s here.
Hailey and I are sitting at a table with Sophie and Darcy, while they entertain a steady stream of extra-jovial people who come talk to us.
I’m doing my best to get into the mood, but it’s not easy.
The twenty-three-year-old receptionist named Kylie fluffs her cherry-colored curls. “Darcy, I read your article ‘Lipstick Fueled Menace’ because I thought it was going to be about how to find the perfect red lip. And ohmigod, thank you sooooo much. Now, every time a guy at the front desk raises his voice, I tell him to calm down and smile more. Works like a charm.”
Turns out the first lady of Revival writes think pieces on feminism and sexual politics, so she and Hailey have plenty to talk about.
Darcy drains the rest of her wine and puts the empty goblet on the worn table. “That’s me, tricking girls into taking down the patriarchy, one clickbait article at a time.”
Kylie laughs, smoothing out her short, pleated skirt with leather buckles on the side. “I love watching their faces get all red and flustered.”
I pick up a cocktail napkin and play with the corner, lamenting that I’m failing as a woman because instead of handing out sage advice on infuriating men, I’m pining over one instead.
It’s like he sucked all the mojo out of me.
It feels like I’ve lost something.
Hailey nudges me and says in a low voice, “Do you want to go home? It’s okay if you do.”
“’Course not.” I offer a bright smile. “I’m having a great time.”
“No, you’re not.” Hailey’s pretty face is marred by her frown.
“This is good for us.” I take a sip of my bourbon, only to find it empty. It reminds me of the night I met Charlie.
Ugh. I was so cool back then.