Chapter 7
Juliet
After leaving work, I tried pushing catty Mia and hot CEO out of my mind by walking back to my apartment.
The sun was just dipping below the lowest high rises of the city and the air beginning to cool as I maneuvered my heels along the sidewalk, avoiding grates and uneven pavement.
I had survived my first day of my new job.
Barely. At least, I had made it out with a friend and had been mostly distracted from the way the morning started.
When I arrived home, I quickly stripped out of my suit and headed for the shower.
I shuddered slightly at the scene of the crime before turning the water on.
As I waited for the steam to rise, I made sure to put my phone in my bedroom where it was out of sight, as if it might magically turn on a livestream all by itself.
I wouldn’t be bringing my phone in the bathroom, or any other place I might be getting naked, ever again.
Once it was set on my nightstand to charge and I felt secure in the fact it wouldn’t be growing legs, I got in the shower.
As the hot water streamed down my back and I lathered myself with my foamy lavender body wash, I couldn’t help but think about the sly smile that Chester had on his perfect lips when he alluded to this morning’s livestream.
He had seen me here, completely naked, and the way he mentioned it made me think he might have enjoyed it.
The thought made something in me come alive, a warmth twisting deep inside my stomach.
Finishing my shower, I tried to imagine his hands running up my legs and arms. I was completely turned on by the idea, especially remembering how large his hands were and how firmly they gripped mine when we met.
If I didn’t have to be at the venue to meet my friends in less than an hour, I would have taken my time thinking about all the things I wanted him to do to me.
It was absurd, being that he was practically a stranger and my new boss, but I couldn’t help it.
There was something about him and the fact that he’d already seen the most intimate parts of me.
Out of the shower, I pushed the thoughts of Chester from my mind and patted myself dry.
Since I had already given myself a fresh blowout that morning, I had avoided getting my hair wet, saving me plenty of time to make sure I arrived at the venue right on time.
I quickly ran a brush through my long blonde hair, the loose waves bouncing into place after the bristles passed through.
I dabbed on a bit of concealer under my eyes, put on two coats of black mascara, and a hint of blush on the apples of my cheeks.
Once I was content with my makeup, I opened my closet doors and glanced along the rack, trying to find something other than a skirt suit or blazer.
I hadn’t been to a concert in a long time.
I was reminded of what Sadie had said about some of Jeremiah’s friends coming.
How some of them were single. The idea of meeting someone was exciting, even though Chester’s face kept popping in my head.
An annoying and inappropriate intrusion.
As if I would actually have a chance with a billionaire CEO.
I laughed softly, shaking my head. I plucked a pair of wide-leg jeans from the shelf of my closet before pulling a black, thin-strapped tank top from one of the wooden hangers.
Simple, but sexy. I slid on the tank top and shimmied up the jeans, praying they would zip and button.
After holding my breath for a few seconds, I was able to fasten them.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, I checked myself in the mirror.
I grabbed some gold hoops and fixed them to my ears with a soft click.
I smiled at my reflection, happy enough with who I saw staring back at me.
Tonight would be fun. I was going to enjoy it.
I deserved it after the day I had. Maybe I would magically hit it off with one of the men Sadie had mentioned.
A few drinks, some live music. Hell, maybe even a little dancing in a dimly lit club.
The thought brought a little thrill of excitement.
I might be a little hungover the next day, but Mike seemed like an easy boss.
Plus, I had some electrolytes in my kitchen drawer that could possibly save me from drinking on a Monday night.
After one more quick glance in the mirror, I grabbed my small black clutch and filled it with the night’s necessities: Clear lip gloss, my ID, a credit card, my phone, and my keys.
I locked up my apartment and walked down the three flights of stairs and outside to the sidewalk.
I shifted in my black heeled boots as I waited for a cab, my hand held high.
It didn’t take long and soon I was on my way to the venue.
When I arrived, I stepped out of the cab and onto the sidewalk outside of the small club.
The sound of guitar and drums drifted toward me every time the door to the venue opened, and disappeared as soon as it closed.
I looked up and down the sidewalk, golden light from the overhead bulbs lighting my way, as I searched for my friends.
I spotted Sadie near the front of the line, holding hands with Jeremiah as he laughed alongside three other men.
Sadie spotted me and waved excitedly, her auburn hair bouncing under the venue lights.
I snuck a few glances at Jeremiah’s friends as I approached, trying to see if anyone caught my eye at first glance.
None of them were really my type, but there was a blond one who was pretty hot, although he looked really uptight.
There was no harm in trying, though. Maybe he wasn’t that bad.
My heart picked up its pace as I stepped into line next to Sadie.
She wrapped her arm around me and squeezed me tightly.
“Hey, girl,” she said excitedly. “I’m so glad you could come!”
“Me too.” I smiled.
“Hey, Juliet,” said Jeremiah with an easy smile. “How was your first day?”
“Just fine, thanks. I think I’ll like it there.”
“Good. Good. It’s a solid company taking over. The merger has been hot in the press.” He nodded.
“Wait. Are you talking about the Brandfield acquisition?” asked hot blond guy.
Jeremiah nodded. “Juliet is an accountant there now.”
Seemingly impressed, hot guy turned to me with his brows raised. “That’s a pretty big deal,” he said with a nod and a smile.
“I guess so.” I shrugged, looking up at him.
“I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I’m Ben.”
“Oh right,” said Sadie, putting her hand to her forehead. “Introductions.”
She proceeded to go around and introduce me to everyone, and with each handshake, much to my dismay, I realized all three of my new acquaintances had wedding bands on. Including Ben. I groaned internally, thinking about how I wasted a good outfit and was suffocating in these jeans for no reason.
As the line began moving forward, Sadie interlocked her arm with mine while the men talked business behind us.
I whispered under my breath, “I thought you said these guys were single.”
“I know,” she said remorsefully. “I thought they were. Whenever we see them out, they are so flirty.”
“I guess those fancy wedding rings don’t stop them, huh?” I muttered.
“I guess not. I’m sorry, girl.”
“It’s okay.” I waved her off. “It will still be a fun night.”
I looked back in the line for any sign of Sarah, but didn’t see her.
I figured I would find her inside. We showed our IDs to the large, bald bouncer outside the venue whose face meant business and headed inside the dimly lit club.
My eyes adjusted to the dark as upbeat rock music filled my ears.
On stage was a high-energy band who jumped around the stage as they played their instruments. The crowd bobbed to the music.
Our group made its way to the bar, finding an empty spot large enough to accommodate the six of us.
Jeremiah ordered a round of drinks for all of us, vodka sodas for Sadie and me, and a round of beer for the men.
I thanked him and took a long sip of my drink, leaning my back against the bar and watching the band.
I tapped my foot to the music as Sadie sipped on her drink beside me, swaying to the music.
“That’s not your first, is it?” I asked, eyeing her drink with a smirk.
“We might have had some champagne on the limo drive here.” She giggled.
“Good. You deserve a night out.” I nodded.
It was nice to see Sadie let loose a little.
She was such a hard worker and an amazing mother to her daughter, Ayah.
I didn’t know how she managed it all, but Jeremiah was a really good husband and father.
They made up a really impressive team. One that I envied.
I hoped to find a connection like theirs one day, but it wouldn’t be tonight. Because none of these guys were single.
As hot as Ben was, all he did was talk business with the other two men there, as if he couldn’t get away from it for one night.
I refrained from rolling my eyes as they turned their back to the music and began talking stocks.
Jeremiah was enjoying the music at least, coming up behind Sadie and swaying to the music with her.
I was surprised he was into this type of music.
It was cute to see the two of them dance.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted a head of purple hair.
Thankful to see another friend that wouldn’t make me painfully aware that I was single, I grabbed my drink and excused myself before walking over to Sarah.
She looked effortlessly cool in ripped denim and a black shirt that hung off her shoulder.
Her hair swayed back and forth as she bobbed her head to the music, singing the words loudly.
“Hey,” I said, nudging her with my shoulder.
“Juliet!” she shouted, pulling me in for a hug. “You came! Isn’t this band great?”
“They’re really fun!” I nodded, looking toward the stage just as the singer jumped off of it and into the crowd.
She reached behind her and grabbed her beer, holding it up in the air and grinning at me.
“Cheers to a night out!” she said.
I tapped my glass to hers, the clink drowned out by the music as the band played an even faster song, making the crowd go wild as they held the singer up above their heads.
“Come on.” I gestured toward Sadie at the other end of the bar. “I want you to meet one of my best friends.”
Sarah nodded eagerly and took my hand. We weaved through the dancing crowd, careful not to spill our drinks, and sidled up along the bar.
“Sadie,” I said loudly, trying to be heard over the music. “This is Sarah! We work together!”
“Nice to meet you!” shouted Sadie, holding out her hand.
“You too!” shouted Sarah, shaking Sadie’s outstretched hand.
I didn’t bother with other introductions until the band closed out their set and headed offstage.
The club lights burned a little brighter as soft music played over the speakers to fill the silence.
Then I introduced Jeremiah and his friends also made their introductions, their eyes roving over Sarah as if they didn’t have wives at home.
I refrained from rolling my eyes. I doubted any of them would have a chance with Sarah, who was cooler than any of them.
They had probably never met a girl like her with her piercings and vibrant hair.
“Do you come to shows a lot?” asked Sarah, looking from me to Sadie.
“Not really. I’m usually at home with our daughter, Ayah,” said Sadie.
“And I’m quite the homebody,” I said with a shrug.
“But my husband, he loves the headliner tonight. Will something or another,” said Sadie, gesturing to Jeremiah.
“Oh yeah. He’s awesome. I’ve only seen him once before, but he’s really up-and-coming,” said Sarah excitedly.
“Is he as upbeat as the first band?” I asked cluelessly.
“Nah. He’s a little more mellow. He’s a one-man show. Plays acoustic. You’ll love him,” said Sarah.
“So, you go to shows a lot?” I asked Sarah, taking the last sip of my drink before setting it out on the wooden bar top.
“A few times a week.” She nodded. “New York has such a vibrant music scene. I try to see as many shows as I can. Jazz, rock, R&B. You’ll find it all here. Any night of the week.”
“Which is your favorite?” I asked.
“I love it all. Although punk is mostly my scene.”
“Wow,” I said, impressed. I had never met anyone like Sarah, especially in the world of accountants.
Most of them were boring. I started feeling a little boring beside my new friend, which was probably why I gestured for the bartender and ordered a round of shots for the girls.
We cheered excitedly, slapping the countertop, as the bartender threw together three lemon drop shots.
This got Jeremiah’s friends’ attention and they cheered us on as we threw back the shots.
As the strong taste of vodka and tartness of lemon went down my throat, I tried not to think about how I was probably going to regret that in the morning.