4. Chapter 4
4
Tequila, I'm Guessing?
Fuck my motherfucking life.
As I drive toward Paige and Oliver’s place, I look around and try to discern if I entered an alternate reality in the past hour.
Leo fucking Zimmerman. The person I hate most in the world is going to be working with me. He’s going to be in the office right across from mine, and I have to look at his stupid fucking face every day, starting Tuesday.
What the hell am I going to do? I could barely stand being around his annoying ass during our internship senior year, and now, I have to work with him.
I need alcohol. Lots of alcohol.
I take a calming breath before realizing where I’m headed. There’s no way I’m going to be able to hold this in all night, so maybe I’ll ask them what I should do.
Quitting sounds nice.
Just as I think about the girls, Hads calls me, and I pick it up through my car’s Bluetooth. “Hey! We just got to my brother's place. Are you on your way?”
“Yup. I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“Woah, Ells. Are you okay? You sound like you’re five seconds away from murdering someone,” Grant asks me.
“It’s nothing. I got stuck dealing with an imbecile at work.” I clench my jaw hard remembering I have to see him in two days, and I take another deep breath.
“Want to talk about it?” Hads asks, compassion lacing her voice.
“I can always tell Paige and Oliver to take care of it.” Hads must’ve hit Grant, because I hear him say ow in the background.
“I’ll see you guys soon. Is Amelia there yet?”
“I think so. A cab just left their complex, so I assume that was her,” Hads tells me.
“See you soon, Ells. Don't crash into anyone on the way here. I’d hate to lose my favorite karaoke partner,” Grant adds, making me smile for the first time tonight.
“Yeah, I’ll see you guys soon.” I hang up and try to calm myself down, because if there’s one thing I don't want to do, it’s ruin Paige’s birthday with my anger.
But God, I’m angry. I’m angry I had just found my footing at a job I love, and now, he’s going to ruin everything with his big ass ego. The girls don’t—and wouldn't—understand my hatred for the fucker, the most annoying thing he does is walking into every room as if he owns the place. People hand him things without him even doing anything just because he has a penis.
It’s not fucking fair that I, as a woman, have to work four times as hard to get the same things a man could. I’ve been dealing with it my whole life. At our internship, I was sent to get coffee, bagels, and menial tasks a receptionist could do while Leo got to sit in on important meetings and briefings because all the male executives loved him.
I can’t help but compare my internship experience with everything happening in the office with Brody. It gets fucking tiring after a while, and Leo didn't make it any easier. He used his stupid fucking charm to his advantage and purposely left me out of the loop.
So yeah, I hate the guy, and now, he’s going to be my shadow for thirty days so he can learn about our company.
Fuck. My. Life.
I should just quit. The idea pops into my head again, and I let that sit in my mind before I bring up my voice-to-text in my car and text the group chat.
Ella: Someone better have a bottle of wine for me, because I’m gonna need it.
If I have the day off tomorrow, I’m getting drunk. Maybe then, I’ll forget about the worst person in the world crashing my place of work. A few messages come through as I’m pulling into the lot.
Hads: A whole bottle?
Amelia: I have mine ready, but I’ll tell Oliver to get one for you.
Oliver: Amelia, I’m in this group chat, and I can read.
Amelia: Oh, I thought this was the book club one.
Grant: Nope. Although I’m in that one too!
As I park, I shoot off one last text, grab my purse with Paige’s present in it, and stalk up the stairs. I read Paige’s text from my phone as I rip open her apartment door.
“No, everything is not okay!” I see Oliver rush to get me a bottle of wine as I drop my purse on the floor, and all my anger comes rushing in again. I slump down on the empty loveseat as I take a deep breath. “I have to quit my job.”
“What?” Hads questions, probably confused as to how our conversation from earlier got to this conclusion.
“Wait, why?” Amelia asks. God, it’s good to see her.
“But you love your job!” Paige exclaims. Fuck, she’s right. But I’m going to hate it if he’s there now.
“What do you do again?” Grant asks me, and Oliver simply says nothing as he hands me a bottle of red wine. Thank fuck.
“Thank you,” I say as I take a long sip from the bottle, silently hoping I’ll wake up from this nightmare soon. “Everything was fine until I got called into my boss’ office. I’ll admit, I was slightly nervous; I thought she was going to fire me or something.”
“Did she have a reason to fire you?” Hads asks.
“No, but you never know in this economy. Anyways, she calls me in, and when I get to her office, a guy is sitting in the chair across from her desk. She tells me he was just hired, and I was picked for him to shadow me for thirty days while he learns the ropes. I was fine with that because I had trained other people before. But then, he turned around.” I stop to take a long sip of wine, not wanting his stupid fucking name to be the taste on my lips.
“That was a terrible cutoff point! Just tell us who it was!” I know as soon as Paige hears this, she’s going to go feral or something. She has been shipping me and Leo together ever since she found out we hated each other. The Halloween party her senior year didn't help matters either, especially since Leo couldn't keep his fucking mouth shut.
“I’m on the edge of my seat,” Oliver says in the most monotone voice ever, and Paige smacks him. “Ow, what the fuck? I was being serious!”
“Shh! Let her tell it!” Amelia snaps at Oliver.
“It was Leo—pain in my ass—Zimmerman. He’s going to be fucking working with me, at my dream job, the one place I love. He’s going to ruin everything! ”
“Oh my God.” Hads grabs my hand. Out of all the people in this room, she gets it. During my senior year, the two of us were in a similar situation. The only difference is, Hads ended up in love with Grant. I want to throw up just thinking about being near Leo for the rest of my life. I can hear Amelia laughing, and even though I missed her, I didn't miss her love of poking fun at everyone’s misery. I see Grant and Paige lock eyes, probably already mentally designing the t-shirts they’re going to make. Fuck. I love my friends, but they just don't get it.
“Is Leo the British guy? Alissa’s brother?” Oliver asks me.
“Yes. Seeing him around my apartment when he comes over to visit Alissa will be bad enough, but now, I’m going to have to interact with him five days a week! This is my worst nightmare.”
“But wait, why were you working on a Sunday?” Grant asks.
“Our company has a major deadline soon, so a few of us worked overtime to get shit done. But now, I have to quit!” I take a sip and suddenly wish this was tequila. “Do you guys have anything stronger? Wine is not cutting it right now.”
“Tequila, I’m guessing?” Oliver asks as he gets up.
“I knew I liked you.” We trade, and he hands me a huge bottle of tequila he just opened. I love how they keep our favorite drinks here; I know the two of them don't like tequila. Oliver doesn't drink, and Paige is more of a vodka girl when she does—which is a rare occurrence.
“Ells, you don't have to quit. Just avoid him—or fuck him, whichever works best to make him less annoying,” Grant says. I’ve never been one for violence, but I could punch him for saying that.
“I’m only going to say this once, but I’m never going to get naked with that man.” Again. “I’m avoiding him at all costs.”
“Don't you have to train him?” Amelia asks.
“Fuck!” I need this alcohol to kick in so I can forget about this until I have to actually deal with it on Tuesday.
“Ells, look on the bright side. You two have to be professional at work, so how annoying can he be?” Paige smiles at me. I love her optimism, but I could barely stomach a short conversation with him at the office earlier.
I sigh heavily. “I’m not actually going to quit, but I hate this so much. Since I worked today, I took tomorrow off. Are you good if I crash on your couch tonight? I need to get insanely hammered to try and forget I’ll be working with the fucker for an undetermined amount of time.”
“Ells, you can crash in the spare room with me. They have a pullout couch, but I don't mind sharing the bed. It’ll be like old times.” Amelia smiles at me.
“I can blow up the air mattress if you two want to stay over too!” Paige’s eyes light up, looking at Hads, at the thought of us all having a sleepover again.
“I’m only agreeing to that if you sleep on it with me, P.”
“Of course I can! A birthday sleepover! This is the best day of my life!” I see Oliver smile an actual smile before Paige leans over and kisses him. My heart lurches for some reason, so to combat it, I take another sip of tequila. Much better.
“Does this mean I’m rooming with Oliver tonight? What’s a little light cuddling between two almost-brothers?” Grant smiles at him.
“You're on the couch tonight, pretty boy. Don't worry. It’s memory foam, so your back will be fine.” Oliver slaps him on the shoulder.
“Okay, now that sleeping arrangements are all set for tonight, can we get to the movies? I want to get them over with as soon as possible,” Hads asks.
“I’m pressing play, Hads,” Oliver tells his sister.
“Not fast enough, Oliver!” she quips while sipping her wine glass.
Amelia raises her bottle. “To the best year ahead for all of us, and to Paige. Happy birthday, my girl.” The rest of us raise our glasses.
“To Paige,” Hads says.
“Happy birthday, P!” I say, already feeling a buzz. Thank fuck. Oliver turns all the lights off as the movie starts to play, and I find myself not being able to pay attention to it. My mind keeps going back to the face Leo made when he saw me walk in. Did he know I worked there? Did he take the job knowing it would drive me nuts? I wouldn't put it past him. He practically gets off on pushing my buttons—he always has.
“Down in front!” Amelia softly kicks Oliver, and he crouches back down next to Grant.
A few hours later, us girls are camped out in Paige’s guest room as we sit on the floor, drinking and catching up.
“So, besides Ella’s big revelation tonight, what has everyone else been up to?” Paige asks as she smiles around at us. I’m so glad she’s smiling again. The past few years have been tough for her, and I’m glad she found her shine again.
“Well, I have a boyfriend,” Amelia slurs as her eyes pop and she realizes what she said.
“A what?” Hads asks, shock in her tone.
“Amelia, how did you keep this from us?” Paige points at her. “What’s the lucky guy's name?” I know she’s secretly hoping Amelia says a different name than the one she’s going to say.
“His name is Harvey.”
“Harvey?” I question.
“That sounds eerily close to Hen—”
Hads cuts Paige off before she can finish speaking. “Where did you meet him?”
Amelia’s eyes look sad before she masks her expression. She tells us she met him at some bar and originally only planned for it to be a one night stand, but she kept running into him at the weirdest places—the grocery store, bookstore, her commute to work.
“He sounds like a stalker,” Paige says.
“Or it’s fate.” I practically choke on my drink as Hads says that. “What?”
“Grant’s made you soft,” Amelia laughs as she looks at Paige. “And you’ve made Oliver semi-likeable. This is why we need to Facetime more. The world is going to spin off its axis if I see Oliver smile one more time. It’s upsetting the timeline.”
“Well, if one of us could get used to the time difference and stop accidentally missing calls, we’d be set,” Hads says before Ames throws a pillow at her.
The four of us laugh before a calm silence envelops the room.
“Guys, what am I going to do? Just the thought of being near that British fucker is driving me insane.” I’m not usually one to ask for help, but the alcohol is loosening my entire body. It also helps that I trust the girls. I know they can understand my pain, even if only a little.
“I think that’s a question we can answer when we’re sober,” Paige says as she slumps onto the air mattress.
“Good idea,” Hads says as she looks at the clock. “It is two in the morning, after all.”
After we all agree to go to sleep, Paige’s voice filters through the room. “This was one of my favorite days ever. Thank you all for coming. I love you guys so much.” I hear her sniffle and Hads roll into her, probably smothering her in a hug. Those two have become much closer since Paige started dating her brother, and it makes my heart ache, especially since they were strained after everything that happened during Paige and Amelia’s senior year. It’s good to know time can heal most things.
I turn my head to Ames and notice she’s still awake. “Are you doing okay?”
She nods her head. “Yeah, I’m okay.” I notice a tear fall from her eye, and I wipe it away. “I missed you guys a lot. I’m glad I’m here.”
“Is your sleep schedule still fucked?” I ask, knowing she’ll probably be like me tonight: tossing and turning.
“Yeah, I haven't slept well in London. I haven't slept well since…” She trails off, and I know it’s because she’s thinking about Henry. Paige always told me she slept more when he was around, and after everything that happened, I bet it’s hard to go back to how she was before.
“Ames, you don't have to feel guilty about doing what you thought was best for you.” Even if her leaving was sudden, if it’s what she had to do, it makes sense. She does need to work better on her communication, though. It has been difficult to get in touch with her, and sometimes, I worry it’s not just the time difference.
She smiles, but again, it’s sad. It’s like she’s trying to convince herself she made the right call, even though it has been two years. “Thanks, Ells. We should head to bed.” She turns away from me, and I know she’s not going to sleep; Amelia has never liked talking about Henry after it all went to shit. I know not to press, but I hate not being there for my friends if they're struggling. It kills me to see them like that, but Ames will talk about it when she’s ready. I think this Harvey guy is a step in the right direction for her, but I know she still thinks about Henry.
I sigh as I try to get comfortable, knowing damn well I’m not going to be able to sleep since my heart is still racing.
Just try not to think about the fucker, and you’ll be fine. Unfortunately, his stupid fucking smirk is the only thing I see when I close my eyes, but eventually, sleep consumes me.
A loud bang wakes me up.
Fuck, my head hurts. I haven't been that drunk in a while, and when I look around and see us girls clutching our heads, I know we’re in the same boat. I gather my bearings before I get out of bed and head for the kitchen. “I’ll grab water and some painkillers. Nobody move for at least an hour.”
“I feel like I’m being repeatedly punched in the face,” Paige groans with a smile on her face. Only she could be this happy hungover, and somehow, she ended up on the floor and not on the air mattress. Typical Paige.
“Ells, I can help,” Hads says as she stumbles to get up.
“No. Everyone stay here, I’ll be right back.” As I open the door to the kitchen, the bright ass lights hit my face, and I flinch. When my vision clears, I see Oliver and Grant in the kitchen, and they freeze when they see me.
“Oh good, you guys are awake,” Grant says as he hands me a water bottle and some painkillers. “Here, take these, and drink lots of water.” He smiles at me as I feel the girls file out of the bedroom behind me.
Oliver seems to be making breakfast for us as he stands at the stove, and he only turns around when Paige wraps her arms around him. He presses a quick kiss to her forehead before opening her water for her and handing her the pills they set out for us.
“Baby, here. You better down that whole thing. That goes for all of you ladies. Water only today, or you’ll hate yourselves.” Grant waves his spatula in the air as if his word is the law, and I hear us girls laugh—we’ve noticed what he’s wearing. “What?”
“My love, what is Grant wearing, and how do I get one for you?” Paige asks Oliver, and he rolls his eyes.
“Hey, if I’m cooking, I’m going to do it with style. Thank you very much.” Grant presses a kiss to Hads’ cheek, and she laughs again. Grant is wearing a bright pink apron that says, ‘Kiss the Cook,’ and I hate that pink looks so good on him.
“You’re not even the one cooking, pretty boy. I am,” Oliver says.
“Grant, where did you get that from?” I ask while trying not to laugh. He’s shirtless underneath it, and I guarantee the bang that woke us was Oliver throwing something at his head.
“It was in my car. It was originally a present for Paige, since I bought it for Oliver, but now that I’m wearing it, he doesn't want it.” Grant side-eyes Oliver, and he ignores him as he continues making eggs. “Now, you girls sit and enjoy the show.” Grant picks Hads up and places her on one of Paige’s counter stools.
“I’d rather watch paint dry than enjoy the show that is Oliver cooking,” Amelia says as she sits down.
“I could get used to seeing this,” Paige says as she hands Oliver fresh coffee before sitting down.
“Do any of you have work today?” I ask.
“We all took a long weekend for Paige’s birthday. Plus, Amelia is staying with Paige and me until Thursday, so Paige took off for that too,” Oliver tells me as he throws a bagel onto my plate just how I like it.
“Yes, it’s such a shame you have to work,” Amelia deadpans.
“Does that mean we can have book club fully in person on Wednesday before you leave? I’m so excited!” Hads says as she takes a bite of her waffle.
“Do you guys want any help with breakfast? My painkillers have kicked in, and—”
“Ells, if you move a muscle, I’m going to hit you with this spatula,” Grant threatens, and I raise my eyebrows at him.
“Kinky. That ruler’s done a number on you, pretty boy,” I say as I sit back down.
“Yeah, well, my hand isn't the only thing that gets smacked—”
“Grant, if you say another word, I’m going to burn your fingerprints off on my stove. It’s hard enough I know you two have sex.” Oliver pauses to shiver. “I don't need or want to hear about it.”
“Understood, old sport.” Grant salutes him, and I hear Paige laughing as Oliver rolls his eyes again.
“Oliver, you’re such a prude. I know for a fact you and Paige—”
“Hads, don't. Just don't. This is not an appropriate breakfast conversation.” Oliver palms his forehead, and we all laugh while eating.
“Oliver, you do know what kind of books we like to read, right?” I ask him, especially since the one we’re reading right now is a reverse-harem romance with three bodyguards. This was one of my picks, and I can't wait to discuss it on Wednesday.
“Oh, trust me, he knows. He peeked at our book club pick the other day and was suddenly very interested. It was hilarious.” Paige smiles as she looks over at Oliver.
“Gross,” Amelia says.
“I also took a look, and Hads has agreed to let me borrow her copy as long as I don't ruin her tabs. I feel like I need to see what the hype is about.” Grant smiles as he throws more pepper on his eggs.
We talk about anything and everything before my mind focuses on the fact that, in twenty four hours, I’m going to have to see Leo again. There’s no way I can get out of him shadowing me. I’m going to have to be as civil as possible and try to refrain from snapping his neck whenever he makes a snide comment.
I can do that, right? I can be the bigger person in this scenario, especially since I know he’s going to do everything in his power to make this situation horrible for me.
“Guys, what the fuck do I do about tomorrow? I’m not going to let Leo force me to quit my dream job, but he’s not going to make this easy on me.”
“Because you both hate each other?” Oliver asks, and I nod.
“More like they want to hate-fuck each other,” Hads mumbles into her coffee.
“God, not you too. I thought Paige and Grant were the only ones on Team Ella and Leo.” All I hear as I slump my head is the sound of Paige and Grant high-fiving.
Amelia silently rubs my back as she speaks. “Ells, I know we don't know what happened between you two, but I think you both know you have to be civil. This is the real world. It’s not a college internship anymore. I hope he’s not too much of a stubborn jackass to realize that.”
She’s right. We might get off to a rocky start, but I can be the bigger person. I’m fully capable of being civil. It’s his stupid cocky attitude that I’ll have to rein in the first few days. I do get to boss him around for thirty days… “You’re right. I can do this.”
“I believe in you, Ells.” Paige smiles at me before she gets up. “I need a shower. I smell like alcohol.” Oliver goes to press a kiss to her mouth, but she leans away before she heads into their room.
“I second that. I’ll see you guys soon, though.” Amelia whisks herself away to the guest bedroom, leaving Grant, Oliver, Hads, and I in the kitchen.
“What was that about? Trouble in paradise already?” Grant asks Oliver.
“I told you not to fuck this up, Ol,” Hads scolds him.
“Can you guys calm the fuck down? Whenever Paige drinks, she doesn't like to kiss me until the alcohol is off her breath because I don't drink. I told her a million times it’s fine, but she still does it.” Oliver blushes. Blushes. I never thought I’d see the fucking day.
“I should probably head home for a shower too.” I lean over to hug Hads and Grant and give Oliver a wave as I collect my purse. “Unless you guys need help cleaning up?”
Hads waves her arms towards the door. “Go enjoy your last day of peace before you have to deal with Zimmerman.”
“Thank you.” I smile at her. “I’ll text you guys when I’m home.”
“Thanks, Ells!” Grant shouts from behind me.
I pull out my phone as I walk down the stairs of their complex toward my car, wanting to talk to another Zimmerman about how she forgot to mention her brother's new place of work.
I get into my car and fire off a message to Alissa, letting her know I’ll be waiting for her when she gets home from work tonight.
Ella: Care to explain why your brother showed up at my office yesterday?
Ella: His new job is at my firm… I’m going to kill you if you knew about it and didn't tell me. How are you related to him? It truly boggles my mind sometimes.
Alissa: I have no comment.
Ella: I’ll see you at home.
Alissa: Sounds good. I hope Paigey’s birthday was awesome!
Damn, she’s really hard to be mad at.