It’s been days of working in the marketing department and I’m finally settling into a routine. Being transferred has been a godsend. I haven’t seen Grant since he left my place and I want to keep it that way for as long as I can.
Paige invited me to lunch with her today and I happily obliged. We’ve been hanging out on our lunch breaks and I’ve really grown to like her. I act the same. I look the same. I talk the same.
I am not the same.
Grant changed something in me. Something fundamental, yet subtle. Being away from him is pure torture, but I know it is for the best.
“Okay, so you need to meet this friend of Jared’s. His name is Ryan and you two would be so super cute together.”
I groan. “I’m not really on the market.”
“You’re seeing someone?”
I shake my head vigorously. “No. I just don’t need to get tied down with anyone right now. I want to focus on landing a job.”
“Fine. You don’t have to double-date, but could you come hang out with us? We’re all going to dinner tonight, and I really don’t want Ry to feel like a third wheel. He always does and I’m starting to feel bad.”
I purse my lips at my new friend. “Sounds an awful lot like a date.”
“No matchmaking . . . promise.” She lifts her fingers in the Girl Scout salute, which makes me laugh.
“Fine. I’m in.”
I’m laughing at Paige’s excitement when I lift my head and my gaze collides with Grant’s. My smile instantly fades as he walks by our table without even muttering a hello. Paige doesn’t notice and just continues.
“You’ll love him. I swear he’s great. We can all meet beforehand at my place for a couple of drinks.”
“Sounds nice. I’m looking forward to it,” I lie.
The rest of lunch we discuss our plans, her job, and she gushes on Jared. It’s cute that they’re hooking up. They’re both great people, so it makes sense. When our time is up, we agree on a time to meet tonight and say our goodbyes.
I’m walking toward the women’s restroom when Grant comes strolling out of a door in front of me. Without an escape and to not seem childish, I say hello.
“Hi, Bridget. You look well,” he responds. I move to walk around him when he grabs me by the arm. “How are things in the marketing department?”
“Fine, but I really need to get back there. I’m running late from lunch.” I try to pull myself out of his grasp when he tightens his grip.
“So, you’re going out tonight?” His lips are pulled down into a frown. He looks . . . hurt.
“How do you know that?”
“I overheard you.”
For as large as this hotel is, it feels really damn small at times.
“You were listening to our conversation?” I ask, appalled.
His head shakes back and forth. “I heard you, but not because I was eavesdropping.”
My eyes roll. He damn well knows he was listening in on me. The fact he’s even trying to deny it is ridiculous. We’re adults. He needs to act like one. We’re in this position because of the secrets he kept.
“Either way, I don’t find it any of your business.” I turn to leave, but he grabs my arm.
“Just answer my question, Bridget. Are you or aren’t you?” I’m surprised by Grant’s tone. He sounds jealous and angry. Two things he has no right to be.
“Yes, I am.” I purse my lips in defiance, standing my ground and looking him directly in the eye.
“Is that really a good idea?”
I bark a laugh, but I’m not at all amused. “It’s exactly what I need right now, so yes, it’s a good idea.” I try not to sound petty but fail miserably. My body is on fire from his touch, yet I’m trying my hardest to feel unaffected and annoyed. I need to get away from him and fast. I don’t want him to know how hurt I am.
“It’s a little fast.”
I pull my arm out of his grasp, throwing my arms into the air in frustration. “What do you want from me?” I say harshly. “You chose this, so let it be.”
He steps back, starts to say something but shakes his head, changing his mind and ending the conversation with, “Have fun.”
I shake my head and watch as he walks away from me, again.
Jared’s friend Ryan is as good-looking as Jared. The two are very similar, both cute, flirty, and friendly. It’s a welcome surprise to find that not only am I attracted to someone, but I enjoy his company.
“So, what do you think of Ryan?” Paige asks when the guys head to the bar and we’re left alone.
“He’s great.”
“So, why do you seem so uninterested?”
“What? How?”
“I don’t know. You’re not yourself tonight. I get the feeling you’re not that into him. Although, I must say, you’re probably making him want you more by being that way. I have a feeling Ryan is the sort of guy who’s used to girls falling at his feet.”
I laugh. “You’re probably right. He has that sort of charm about him, doesn’t he? I don’t know. I had a bad day at work and I’m a little out of it.”
“Forget about work. Just enjoy yourself.”
“I’m having a good time. I really like him, but I’m not rushing into anything because he’s charming. I’ll see how it goes.”
“Okay.” She shrugs as if she really doesn’t care either way.
“Tell me about you and Jared?” I ask in an attempt to change the conversation. Thankfully it works.
Paige grins. “We’re amazing.”
“I’m so happy for you. He’s a great guy. I totally approve.”
The combination of Paige, aka Jessica Rabbit, and Jared equals one hell of a power couple in the looks department. Add to it their stellar personalities, and it’s a match made in heaven.
“Look at them, they’re trying so hard to look manly in front of us and here we are finishing our cocktails and barely looking at them,” Paige says with affection. “The bartender is definitely favoring the female clientele. At this rate, they’ll never get us another round.” She chuckles. “Come on, let’s join them at the bar.”
My phone vibrates in my purse and I grab it out to see a text from Grant. Taking a deep breath, I open it up.
Grant: Be safe.
That’s all he wrote. There’s a war going on in my head. One side is pissed that he’s inserting himself into a space he has no business being. I’m a big girl. This is my time. I’m trying to move on and he’s making it impossible. The other side is soaring at the fact he cares and is concerned about me.
I shove my phone back in my purse, refusing to deal with Grant. Fuck him. He chose this. We spend the rest of the evening drinking and laughing. Every now and again my mind turns back to Grant and sadness bubbles up inside me that I never experienced before with anyone. There’s something about Grant that pulls me toward him, but I can’t allow my mind to go down that path. I try a bit harder with Ryan.
It’s been a week since my date with Ryan. He asked me out again, but I turned him down. It just didn’t feel right to lead him on. At this point, I’m in no place to start dating again. Besides, work demands too much of my time.
My desk overflows with work that still needs to be completed, but before I can dive in my phone rings. I’m not surprised to see it’s Paige calling.
“What’s this I hear about you not seeing Ryan again?” she asks.
“Wow! Not even a hello.”
“I don’t understand. You had an amazing time. He really likes you,” Paige says.
I groan. “He’s very nice, but I don’t think he’s my type. I don’t want to lead him on.”
“What exactly is it about him that’s not your type? He’s charming and thoughtful. I think he’s perfect for you. Plus, he’s gorgeous. The two of you would make beautiful babies.”
“Babies!” I shout and then remember where I am and quickly lower my voice. “I think you’re getting a bit ahead of yourself. Look, Paige, he’s very nice and, yes, he’s very cute, but I just don’t feel it.”
“Why don’t you go out with him one more time? You might find you actually do like him.”
I laugh. “Why are you forcing this? Just because you and Jared are so happy doesn’t mean I need a boyfriend too.”
“I don’t know. I guess it would be fun. You know, the four of us.” It’s not hard to see she just wants another couple to do the whole double dating thing with. I don’t want to commit because right now it just doesn’t feel right.
“I’ll call you later. I really do have to go. Some of us do work in this office.”
“Funny. I work.”
“You’re doing a bad job, then.”
She laughs and says her goodbye before the line goes silent.