Chapter 43
Colin
“No one wants to be my friend anymore,” Heath whispers, even though we’re the only two people in my office. “Not even Janet, the cat lady, will say more than two words to me.” He sighs. “When did the rich dudes become the outcasts? Back in the day, everyone wanted to be my friend.”
I roll my eyes. He’s been around only rich kids all his life. How would he know how non-rich people act?
“I don’t get how your sex scandal is not as problematic as me being a Kincaid. It’s so unfair. I will have to do something drastic because I don’t like being iced out like this. Can I get everyone a gift and charge it to your credit card? You can afford it.”
“No. Be yourself and do your job. You’re not here to make friends.” I almost want to bite my tongue. That’s the same crap my father said to me those few times he paid attention to me.
“That sounds like boomer talk. Don’t worry. I’ll get them to like me again.” I wasn’t worried about it at all. “I’m never going to call Ice Princess auntie.” He stands and stretches. He’s in dress pants, a white t-shirt, and a khaki sweater vest. He even has a tie wrapped around his neck.
There were looks and whispers when Brynne and I came in this morning. We held hands walking across the street, through the lobby, and up the elevator. The moment the doors parted, she pulled her hand from mine. I didn’t like it, but I get it. We have to act like professionals.
Brynne is not as nervous about us being together as I thought she would be. I expected all the arguments about how she would not be taken seriously because she’s in a relationship with her boss, especially as a Black woman. The arguments are valid, but I was prepared to fight for us. I had my counterarguments ready. I was prepared to make the point that we can’t let others impact how we live our lives and love each other. Things will also blow over, and I’m willing to fire anyone with an issue about us, but I didn’t have to. At least not yet.
“I have work to do, so I’ll see you later, Uncle Paddy.” He stretches again. “Thank goodness I don’t have to hide our connection. That really took a lot out of me.” He yawns. “Oh! I totally forgot why I came in here.” He walks back to me and whispers, “Guess who is in the small conference room entertaining a gentleman caller?” I just sit there and wait for him to tell me so I can get on with my day. “Your little girlfriend.”