Present Day
“Jeremiah,” Chase says forcefully. Did he already say my name?
“Did you need something?” I bite, turning to lean on the bar and away from him.
I don’t miss the way my skin sizzles as his eyes burn into the side of my face.
He shrugs, pushing his hands into his front pockets. “I just wanted to see if you were okay. Honestly, I didn’t know they’d bring up school.”
My fists clench around my glass. “Whatever. I guess it was about that time.” I attempt to seem nonchalant about the whole thing by keeping my voice steady.
Chase inches closer like he’s approaching a live bomb. “Listen, about high school–”
“It was a long time ago.” Just the thought of his next words makes my stomach twist.
“Yeah, sure. But it doesn’t make it okay. I was young and—”
“So was I.” This time, I look him dead in the eye.
“No, I get that. Which is why I want to apologize. My friends were jerks and—”
“Chase, can I be honest with you?”
Chase opens his mouth as if he's about to say something, but thinks better of it. Instead, he simply nods.
Good.
“Frankly, I’d love to keep the past in the past and move on,” I say firmly. “It’s a road I’d rather not travel down again.”
His gaze bounces between mine, I’m guessing to judge my sincerity.
The bartender comes over breaking the undeniable tension to fill up my glass with water.
“Shit,” I hear Chase mutter beside me. I dare a glance as he fishes out his cell phone from his back pocket, and takes a step away to answer a phone call.
“What? Okay, I’ll be home soon,” he mutters. Who is he talking to?
He glances over his shoulder discreetly, and I quickly look away, thumbing my bottom lip like I’m not completely eavesdropping.
“Can you just put Honey on the phone?” he bites. “Do it.” Suddenly his face melts and he smiles softly. “Hey Honey. I miss you, beautiful. I’m bringing home lots of cuddles and kisses for you, so I hope you’re ready.”
I can’t help the sneer that pulls at my face as I turn my attention away from Chase and back to my water glass.
A damn girlfriend. While he’s snuggled up all the time at work with Mia at her desk?
And every morning in my office.
I don’t know why but that pisses me off beyond belief.
I reluctantly turn my body towards him as he stuffs his phone back into his pocket.
Exhaling a big breath of air, he seems relieved by our conversation. “Oookay. Well, that’s good then, I guess. So, maybe we can start over? Friends?” Looking way too pleased with himself, he extends a hand in front of him, awaiting a shake.
He’s got to be kidding me.
I kiss my teeth, shaking my head once. “Mmm, no. You misunderstand me. I’m not your friend. I’m your boss.” I correct him, bringing my drink to my lips.
The hope slowly fades from his face. “We can’t be friends?”
I set my glass down, folding my arms across my chest. “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to work.”
His jaw clenches as he shifts on his feet. “I think you’ve wildly misjudged what type of company you decided to work for. We’re all friends here. That’s kind of how this works.”
He’s really starting to boil my blood. What isn’t he understanding?
I can’t be around him.
I step forward, closing the distance until we're just inches apart. “I don’t know how to make myself more clear. If it’s not about work, I don’t want anything to do with you. Got it?”
Chase’s step doesn’t falter. Instead, his eyes narrow on mine. “That’s too bad. I can be a really good friend.”
The audacity makes me huff out a laugh. “I’ve got enough friends,” I mutter, pulling out my phone to check the time. “I’m going to head out.”
Running his tongue along the inside of his cheek, he averts his gaze back toward his friends. “Yeah, sounds like a good idea.”
I take out my keys from my pocket and start towards the door.
“Wait. You’re not going to say bye to everyone?” he asks behind me.
“Tell them yourself,” I mutter without turning around.
I leave him standing there, alone.
I’m tired. Irritated. And in serious need of something to punch.