Chapter 11
Alex narrowed her eyes. “I have a new marketing intern.”
Suzy cocked her head, appearing confused. “Isn’t that good? You’ll have more help.”
“You’re always working overtime,” Hope said. “An extra set of hands will—”
“She’s the boss’s daughter, a real daddy’s girl, and a total bitch.”
“Oh,” Suzy and Hope said in unison.
“Exactly.” Alex huffed. “She also holds her damn master’s degree over me because I have a lowly bachelor’s. I hate her already.”
Hope crossed her arms. “Give her a chance. Aren’t you jumping to conclusions?”
“Nope.” Alex flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I don’t like the fact that my boss is pushing his daughter on me. To work with me in my office. The little bitch sat in my chair and plunked her crap in the middle of my desk like she owned the place.”
Suzy giggled.
“It’s not funny.”
Hope joined in and laughed so hard she choked on her margarita.
“Haha. Glad you two think this is hilarious.” Alex huffed. “I’m missing the humor.”
“Sorry, hon,” Suzy said. “I’m laughing because this poor girl doesn’t have any idea who she’s dealing with.”
“Ditto,” Hope said. “She will never one-up our Alex.”
Alex grinned a sly smile. “Thanks for the votes of confidence, but since her dad is my boss, it’s a sticky situation.”
Suzy shook her head. “He shouldn’t have done that. Isn’t that nepotism?”
Alex shrugged. “Guess not when she isn’t on the bank payroll. She’s an intern and receiving college credit for her master’s marketing class. Whatever happened to working your way up the ladder without daddy’s help?” Alex leaned back and fumed. “I used to love my job. I still do. I just can’t stand Hannah.”
“I could never work at a bank,” Hope said.
Alex grinned. “I could never work at a school with those pimply, whiny kids and lice alerts.”
Hope giggled. “Oh, God. Remember when everyone at school had to use RID due to a lice infestation over a year ago?”
Alex absentmindedly scratched her head. “Don’t remind me.”
Suzy straightened her pink scarf. “You two are lucky. You should work with neurotic brides. Trust me, it isn’t always a dream job. I guess every profession has its downside.”
Hope held her margarita in the air. “We still have each other. We’ll always have that.”
Gus appeared at their table. “Do my favorite customers want to enjoy cocktails first or would you like to order?”
Alex waved her wineglass in the air, as if answering Happy Hour was first. “Let’s change the subject. What’s going on with you, Hope?”
Hope blinked. “Not much. The only thing going on in my life is helping my students apply to colleges, hearing them complain about deadlines and long essay questions, and trying to secure more scholarships and student aid for them.”
“Is that all?” Suzy quipped.
The counselor grinned. “Let’s see. There are the real tragedies where students cry about boys who haven’t yet asked them to school dances or ballgames, the disastrous acne outbreaks, and ‘mean’ girls or teachers.” Hope ran her fingers through her frizzy, curly hair. “Remember how hard it was to be a teenager? Oh, the drama.” She pretended to fan herself. “I’m starving. Let’s eat.” Hope waved Gus over and ordered crab cakes, salads, and sodas.
Alex’s eyebrows furrowed. “There’s something else that’s new. I think Tony’s ex is stalking me.”
Suzy sucked in her breath. “Why would she? I thought his ex ran around on him. Like multiple times, right?”
“Yep, she was a total slut when they were married, but now that he’s with me, he must look more attractive to her. You know the grass is always greener, plus after Tony discovered little Joey is actually his nephew rather than his son, our relationship is suddenly very convoluted. His ex rarely lets Tony see the little guy and I’m not even on the radar for that possibility.” Alex blew out her breath. “This relationship may be more of a challenge than I’m ready for.”
Hope’s mouth flew open. “I’m shocked. You were crazy about Tony.”
“I’m still crazy about him.” Alex fiddled with a paper straw wrapper. “It’s complicated.” She laughed. “Isn’t that the name of a movie?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I’m still nuts about Tony but I’m not sure about his ex, his son-slash-nephew and his jerk brother, Sean, who is, thankfully, undercover doing God knows what. Tony and I are just dating so it’s easier for me to take my time and keep him at arm’s length.”
Between bites of salad, Hope asked, “Is it possible your imagination is on overdrive?”
Alex took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Maybe but I feel like I’m being followed when I’m on my routine stops—leaving the bank, shopping at T.J. Maxx, or at Starbucks. I’ve noticed the same vehicle behind me several times. It’s probably my overactive imagination.”
“Hopefully, it’s a coincidence,” Suzy said.
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Alex shrugged. “Tony and I get along great when it’s just us, but I have some doubts about his ex, even though we’ve never met. I also have concerns about Joey, to be truthful.” Alex’s voice wobbled. “I-I’m not sure I’m ready for a self-made family.” She enjoyed being the tough, together one of the bunch and didn’t like to show her feelings—even to her closest friends. “Dammit.”
“Take your time. You don’t need to be in a rush, especially if you have doubts. I’ll volunteer to be your date if you need one.” Hope chuckled. “I’m always available.”
Suzy smirked. “Sorry to bust up our ‘fun’ evening but Ken will send out a search party if I don’t get home soon. Plus, I have a sink full of dirty dishes. I can guarantee Izzy didn’t do them. See you soon. Hang tough with your intern, Alex.”
Alex gave her a thumbs-up. “Same to you with your stepdaughter.”