Chapter 12
Kyle
My focus is shot to shit today. I have what feels like a million emails piling up but none of them register in my mind as important. Working as a VP in IT means a constant barrage of requests and information flying at me. I do my best to keep on top of it, but today the only thing that’s top of mind is Rory. There’s a knock on my door and my head jerks up toward the sound. The door is open and I see Graham Hawkins standing there, his hands on his hips and his usual impatient expression present.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Lose track of time?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s time for the department meeting. I was on my way and saw you sitting there zoned out. You’re lucky I got your back, man.”
I roll my eyes. Graham has one of the biggest superiority complexes I’ve ever seen. That and a mile long stick up his ass. I think I’ve seen him try to joke around once and it was terrible. He’s an IT Director, and he seems to think he’s hot shit for it.
“Thanks for the heads up. Let’s go,” I say to him, not acknowledging his comment.
We walk side by side to the conference room and find open seats. The meeting is routine and talks about HR policies, budgets, upcoming projects, the usual topics. I don’t hear a fucking thing, my brain replaying visions of Rory and Wes. After Wes’ bar trip the other day, he told me about the parking lot fun they had, and my mind has been fixated on recreating it. Wondering how soft her skin is. How wet was she underneath Wes’ fingers? Did she make quiet noises or loud ones? Did she beg for more?
The room clears out, and I hear someone clear their throat. For a second time, my thoughts are jerked to a stop, and I snap my eyes up to the sound. I look around realizing that it’s just Graham and I in the room and I really shouldn’t stand up unless I want Graham to think I’m happy to see him.
“You okay, boss?”
“I don’t think I’m actually your boss,” I reply.
“Eh, technically you are. You rank higher than I do, even if I don’t directly report to you.”
I shake my head and roll my eyes a little. “You’re so full of shit.”
He huffs a laugh. “Honestly, though. Are you doing okay? You’ve been super zoned out lately.”
“Just distracted, I guess. Got some personal stuff going on.”
“Anything I can help with?” he asks, and there’s a thread of sincerity there that I don’t typically expect from him.
Graham isn’t an extreme suck up by any means, but most interactions with him at the office usually involve a level of brown nosing. He’s incredibly ambitious but sometimes it’s exhausting.
“I appreciate the offer, man,” I tell him. “It’s just, uh, relationship stuff. Seeing someone new and all that.”
He nods. “Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I stay away from relationships. My sister started seeing a couple guys, and it always seems like there’s all kinds of shit that goes with it. Seems like a lot of disruption.”
“It sure can be, but it’s worth it honestly.”
“Maybe I just haven’t had the right experience. Sure seems like a lot of stress.”
“You’ll know when you meet the person, you’ll feel it.”
“Hm, maybe. Well, you know, if you need someone to talk to, I’m around,” he says before walking out.
I look at him closely, wondering for the first time if there’s more to him than I first thought. I’m not sure if this is the time to uncover it, but I might have to dig into this more. Leadership isn’t about saying the right thing to the right person, it’s about leading authentically, and if Graham is willing to open up with me even a little, maybe he’s capable of more. Good connections are still required, but if Graham can do more than say the right words to the right people, he’s worth taking an interest in. I make a mental note to put him on my personal radar.
By the time the workday comes to an end, I’m able to be moderately productive, and I’ve taken time to dig into Graham a little more. Seems like he’s had a good career so far here, whereas I was hired in at this VP level. Could be a beneficial combination of expertise in the company and world experience between the two of us. Jotting down some notes on a plan to work together, I finally power everything down and head out to my car. My phone dings as I’m about to push the start button, and I look to see Wes has sent a message to me.
Wes: Out of work yet?
Me: Just got in my car, what’s on your mind?
Wes: Drinks? Maybe a Rory sighting?
Me: You say that like she’s an elusive animal
Wes: Well, she’s pretty exotic
Me: You are ridiculous. Let’s go find some alcohol and our future girl
Wes: Fuck yeah, now you’re talking. Meet you there.
I smile and shake my head at my man. He knew I wouldn’t turn down the chance to see Rory. We both need to see her again, and while I know Wes got some time with her after her shift the other day, but it’s not the same as a date. My mind starts working on ideas for where to take her and I settle on offering a movie night. It’s low key, and we’ve met before so hopefully she’ll be comfortable with us. I’d love to show her our place if she’s comfortable with it.
The lot for the pub is busy but not packed, and my eyes immediately sweep behind the bar as I walk in, looking for our brown-haired beauty. Wes is at the far end from where I am, and I finally catch sight of Rory on the end closer to me. Her face is tense, and I see a combination of fear and anger in her eyes as the bald guy we’ve seen here before leans forward, talking to her. I beeline for her before realizing that I’m moving, and I catch the end of the conversation.
“…I don’t want to see it again, do you understand?” he hisses.
“It’s none of your business. You can stay the hell away from me,” she says back quietly, but with venom.
“Rory! I missed you today!” I say brightly as I come up to the bar and lean in toward her.
I grab her body in as much of a hug as I can, pulling her away from Baldie a little. Her face shows surprise, but she accepts the hug with a tight hold on me, seeming to want the anchor.
“Are you okay? Do I need to call the cops?” I ask quietly into her ear.
“I’m good. Just get me away from this asshole,” she whispers back.
We separate and I nod my head toward Wes. “Can you bring me a drink? I see an open spot over there.”
“Yeah, no problem!” she says brightly.
“Are you kidding me?” Baldie asks, rage building in his eyes.
“Can I help you?” I ask coldly, turning to him.
“I was having a conversation with her!”
“While she’s on the job? Do you think it’s smart to keep her from doing her job? I doubt her boss would appreciate it, but I can go find him in case you want to check.”
“Fuck off,” he mutters and turns away from me.
I make a point to knock into him a little as I walk past and go find my seat next to Wes. He was clearly watching the entire exchange and looks concerned and angry. He’s never been big on conflict, but I can see him trying to gear up and jump in to protect Rory or myself if needed. My hand finds his as I settle into the seat next to him, and I squeeze reassuringly.
“It’s okay, love, I’ll explain it later,” I promise him.
“That guy is a problem,” he says softly.
“You’re tellin’ me.”
Rory walks over with a beer and sets it down in front of me. I take a sip and my eyes jump to hers.
“You remembered my beer,” I say with a small smile.
She shrugs and smiles back. “Yeah.”
“I missed you,” I confess to her. “Hopefully that doesn’t make things weird.”
“No, I missed you too,” she says, smile still in place. “You have great timing, by the way. Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
“Who is that asshole?” Wes asks.
“Just some guy that’s always at the bar, total nuisance for me, but he doesn’t cause problems beyond pissing me off, so we don’t have grounds to kick him out,” she says.
“We’ll just have to keep an eye on him whenever we can,” I promise to her. “I don’t like the look of him.”
“You guys are sweet,” she says. “Be back in a minute. Duty calls.”
She walks off to help other customers and I turn to Wes after taking a long drink of my beer.
“That guy needs to fuck all the way off,” I tell him.
“Seriously. I didn’t tell Rory yet, cuz I didn’t want to freak her out, but I saw him standing in the parking lot after we made out there. It was real fuckin’ creepy.”
“Shit, is it way overbearing to say one of us always needs to be here?”
“Overbearing and not realistic,” Wes reminds me. “We both have jobs, and we would drive her away so fuckin’ fast.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I sigh and take another drink of my beer.
Rory chooses that moment to come back and eyes my half-gone beer. “Thirsty tonight, Pool God?”
“Still with the ‘Pool God’ bit then, eh?” I ask in a teasing voice.
She grins. “Of course! Life’s more fun with silly names.”
“So what should we call you?” Wes asks her.
“Oh I can’t give that away, you gotta work for it, Whes,” she quips back.
“I’ll work for it,” he says, a grin spreading across his face.
She winks at him with a cheeky smile. Looking over his shoulder, her smile widens a little at whatever she sees. Turning to look, wanting to see what has her smiling, I see a woman with long black hair coming up to the bar, smiling just as brightly.
“Hey girl!” she says to Rory.
“Hey Morgan, how are you?”
“Same old, same old, meeting some friends here and wanted to come say hi before they arrive. Also,” she lowers her voice a little. “That book was fire and I need more.”
Rory laughs. “I’m so glad you liked it! Maybe we can swap books sometime.”
“I would love that!” Morgan squeals.
At that point, Morgan realizes we’re watching the entire interaction and glances from Rory to us, to Rory again. Her eyebrows go up and Rory gives a small nod. I sit up a little straighter when I realize she’s been talking about us. Hopefully, this means she’s just as interested as we are.
“Uh, Morgan, this is Kyle and Wes. Guys, this is Morgan. We met here a few weeks ago,” Rory introduces us before turning to grab Morgan a drink.
“Nice to meet you,” I tell her as we all exchange pleasantries.
When Rory returns and hands Morgan her drink, she takes it with gratitude before turning to survey the room. She raises her hand at someone and turns back to Rory.
“Looks like they’re here. Do you want to do coffee or something soon?” she asks.
“That would be great,” Rory says. “Have fun with your friends.”
“MORGAN! Get your fine ass over here!” is shouted from the far side of the room.
I turn to look and see three women at a table, one of them with a shock of purple hair piled on her head. Morgan laughs and shakes her head, waving goodbye at us and heading over to the noise emanating from their table.
“She seems cool,” I comment.
“Yeah, we just met, but there’s something about her that’s just clicking.”
“That’s awesome,” Wes tells her.
“You know what else is awesome?” I try for a smooth segue.
“That was terrible,” Wes says to me.
“Not the smoothest transition I’ve seen but not the worst,” Rory comments. “Let the man continue.”
“Fuck off.” I shove gently at Wes, who just chuckles. “I was going to say spending time with Rory is awesome. I think we’re due for another date if everyone is up for it,” I tell them.
Rory’s smile widens. “I’d love that.”
“Me too!” Wes says, jokingly shoving his body between us.
“Of course you would, you cutie,” Rory teases, pinching Wes’ cheek.
Laughter bubbles out of me at the interaction, because good Lord, I’ve thought about doing the same damn thing to him when he’s being cute like that.
“What about this Saturday morning?” I ask, “There’s a cool farmer’s market downtown we could check out.”
She hesitates. “I’m watching my niece this weekend. I’m not sure if we want her along for a second date.”
Before I can answer, she’s pulled away again. I look over at Wes. “I don’t have a problem if her niece comes, do you?” I ask him, wanting to be on the same page before she gets back.
“No, I don’t mind. Just means we have to behave,” Wes points out.
“Or just be subtle.” I wink.
When Rory returns, we’ve got our answer.
“We have no problem with your niece coming if you’re up for it too,” I tell her. “I know it means you’ll have to keep your hands to yourself, but we’ll manage it.”
“Ohhhh, I’m going to have to keep my hands to myself? Big words, over there, mister,” Rory teases.
“Comes with Pool God territory,” I lament jokingly.
She giggles and agrees on the condition that she asks her niece first. We agree and pass time with a second drink before leaving the bar. Rory’s on closing duties tonight, but neither of us is up for staying that late on a work night. We walk out of the building together, and I grab Wes’ hand once we’re outside.
“You got it bad,” I tell Wes as we approach his car.
“You’re one to talk,” Wes teases back.
“Do you think she has it bad?”
“Definitely.”
“I’ll see you at home, love,” I tell him before pulling him in for a kiss.
I don’t mind quick pecks when we’re in a hurry, but there’s no hurry now so while I’m not shoving my tongue down his throat, I’m definitely taking it slow and sweet. We break apart and I wave him off. As I climb into my vehicle, I glance in the rearview mirror and see Baldie standing there, just staring at my car. This guy needs to fuck right off.