She sighs. “I feel confident about it. I’m so happy Mr. Lancaster lent you to us.”
The reminder sends a pang to my stomach. He did the right thing. We need space and this opening deserves all of our full attention. As much as it hurts, it was the right move.
“Maybe I can finish out my time here,” I reply.
“Oh, that’s the plan.” She smiles. “He gave the okay for it this morning.”
I don’t respond, but I feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment. How could he not have prepared me for all of this? It’s a kick in the gut, and the feeling of being unwanted circulates through me without permission. This hurts horrifically.
I could call him out on it. I could demand he speak to me directly, but I won’t. My fucking pride, as usual, pushes me forward. Not backward, never backward.
“Is there anything you need from me right now? I need to use the restroom,” I respond, needing air.
“Nope. You’re good. When you get back, we can talk about ads.”
“Yay.” I force an awkward laugh, but she doesn’t seem to notice.
I push through the door and almost collide with Chelsea. Her lip curls into a wicked smile.
“Miss Miller, I see you’ve been demoted. Can’t say I didn’t see that coming.” The jab goes straight to my heart, nearly plucking it out of my chest and throwing it on the floor between us.
I practically snarl but know better than to say a word to the viper. It won’t do me any good, and right now I have a career that takes priority over getting into a pissing match with the she-devil.
I quickly brush past her and rush to the nearest exit. When I get into the fresh air, I breathe deeply, willing my lungs to open and take in the fresh air . . . and wipe away the toxins of Chelsea. After several minutes of heavy breathing, I calm down and force myself back to work. There’s a grand opening happening soon and I need to shine.
It’s been days of working in the marketing department and I’m finally settling into a routine. Being transferred has been a godsend. I haven’t seen Grant since he left my place and I want to keep it that way for as long as I can.
Paige invited me to lunch with her today and I happily obliged. We’ve been hanging out on our lunch breaks and I’ve really grown to like her. I act the same. I look the same. I talk the same.
I am not the same.
Grant changed something in me. Something fundamental, yet subtle. Being away from him is pure torture, but I know it is for the best.
“Okay, so you need to meet this friend of Jared’s. His name is Ryan and you two would be so super cute together.”
I groan. “I’m not really on the market.”
“You’re seeing someone?”
I shake my head vigorously. “No. I just don’t need to get tied down with anyone right now. I want to focus on landing a job.”
“Fine. You don’t have to double-date, but could you come hang out with us? We’re all going to dinner tonight, and I really don’t want Ry to feel like a third wheel. He always does and I’m starting to feel bad.”
I purse my lips at my new friend. “Sounds an awful lot like a date.”
“No matchmaking . . . promise.” She lifts her fingers in the Girl Scout salute, which makes me laugh.
“Fine. I’m in.”
I’m laughing at Paige’s excitement when I lift my head and my gaze collides with Grant’s. My smile instantly fades as he walks by our table without even muttering a hello. Paige doesn’t notice and just continues.
“You’ll love him. I swear he’s great. We can all meet beforehand at my place for a couple of drinks.”
“Sounds nice. I’m looking forward to it,” I lie.
The rest of lunch we discuss our plans, her job, and she gushes on Jared. It’s cute that they’re hooking up. They’re both great people, so it makes sense. When our time is up, we agree on a time to meet tonight and say our goodbyes.
I’m walking toward the women’s restroom when Grant comes strolling out of a door in front of me. Without an escape and to not seem childish, I say hello.
“Hi, Bridget. You look well,” he responds. I move to walk around him when he grabs me by the arm. “How are things in the marketing department?”
“Fine, but I really need to get back there. I’m running late from lunch.” I try to pull myself out of his grasp when he tightens his grip.
“So, you’re going out tonight?” His lips are pulled down into a frown. He looks . . . hurt.
“How do you know that?”
“I overheard you.”
For as large as this hotel is, it feels really damn small at times.
“You were listening to our conversation?” I ask, appalled.
His head shakes back and forth. “I heard you, but not because I was eavesdropping.”
My eyes roll. He damn well knows he was listening in on me. The fact he’s even trying to deny it is ridiculous. We’re adults. He needs to act like one. We’re in this position because of the secrets he kept.
“Either way, I don’t find it any of your business.” I turn to leave, but he grabs my arm.
“Just answer my question, Bridget. Are you or aren’t you?” I’m surprised by Grant’s tone. He sounds jealous and angry. Two things he has no right to be.
“Yes, I am.” I purse my lips in defiance, standing my ground and looking him directly in the eye.
“Is that really a good idea?”
I bark a laugh, but I’m not at all amused. “It’s exactly what I need right now, so yes, it’s a good idea.” I try not to sound petty but fail miserably. My body is on fire from his touch, yet I’m trying my hardest to feel unaffected and annoyed. I need to get away from him and fast. I don’t want him to know how hurt I am.
“It’s a little fast.”
I pull my arm out of his grasp, throwing my arms into the air in frustration. “What do you want from me?” I say harshly. “You chose this, so let it be.”
He steps back, starts to say something but shakes his head, changing his mind and ending the conversation with, “Have fun.”
I shake my head and watch as he walks away from me, again.
Jared’s friend Ryan is as good-looking as Jared. The two are very similar, both cute, flirty, and friendly. It’s a welcome surprise to find that not only am I attracted to someone, but I enjoy his company.
“So, what do you think of Ryan?” Paige asks when the guys head to the bar and we’re left alone.
“He’s great.”
“So, why do you seem so uninterested?”
“What? How?”
“I don’t know. You’re not yourself tonight. I get the feeling you’re not that into him. Although, I must say, you’re probably making him want you more by being that way. I have a feeling Ryan is the sort of guy who’s used to girls falling at his feet.”
I laugh. “You’re probably right. He has that sort of charm about him, doesn’t he? I don’t know. I had a bad day at work and I’m a little out of it.”
“Forget about work. Just enjoy yourself.”
“I’m having a good time. I really like him, but I’m not rushing into anything because he’s charming. I’ll see how it goes.”
“Okay.” She shrugs as if she really doesn’t care either way.
“Tell me about you and Jared?” I ask in an attempt to change the conversation. Thankfully it works.