Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

“Eric, is there a point to this story?”

The young man serves our drinks, prompting Eric to smile politely while pretending he’s not checking the bartender out. There’s an awkward silence when he leans over, but thankfully he’s quick to pull back and continue to offer his services before leaving us to serve other customers.

“Did you smell him?” Eric asks, fanning himself.

“Yeah, he smelt nice. And?”

Eric cocks his head, staring at me with judgment. “I have so much to teach you still.”

I shake my head in disagreement. “The last time you taught me something, it stuck in the wrong way. Never again.”

“Oh?” Eric grins proudly. “Do tell.”

“No chance. Besides, I told you I only have an hour for lunch.”

In typical Eric fashion, he pouts when he doesn’t get his way, crossing his arms like a petulant child. Though, also like a child, he soon forgets, then brings up something else with excitement.

“Spill all the juice about Hunter Cash,” he begs with way too much enthusiasm. “I need to know everything.”

Eric isn’t the right person to discuss my brief encounter with Hunter Cash. Nor is Ava, despite her abusing me over text messages. What am I supposed to say, anyway? There was a stupid moment when I shook his hand, and something weird happened. How that night, when I was attempting to fall asleep, my brain wandered into uncharted territory, thinking about what it felt like to have an older man touch me.

The more I think about it, the more juvenile it sounds, or at least, the more juvenile it makes me sound. All I have to do is play this whole thing down and show Eric that Hunter has no effect on me whatsoever.

“There’s not really much to say,” I answer nonchalantly. “I met him last week in a board meeting. He was polite, but that was it. I really don’t have much to do with him. Actually, I don’t have anything to do with him. All the work I do is mainly for Meredith.”

“That’s not what Ava tells me.”

“Ava knows nothing,” I retort, realizing it made me sound guilty like I’ve done something wrong. “I meant to say that Ava is a bored housewife making shit up. There’s nothing to tell.”

Eric keeps his gaze fixated as if he’s attempting to break me.

“So, you don’t want to tell me Hunter Cash is besties stepdaddy?”

An unflattering groan escapes me. “You sound just like Ava. What’s the big deal? Yes, he is technically April’s stepfather. End of story. Can we please move on to something more enjoyable and entertaining to talk about?”

“Sure.” Eric grins in amusement. “How about your upcoming birthday? It’s the big two, oh.”

I somewhat regret changing subjects now. “Let me guess. You want to have a party of some sort?”

“Honey, it’s not a birthday without a partay,” Eric claims. His eyes light up, which I know is not going to be a good thing. “What are you thinking? Destination birthday? Something at home?”

I’m quick to interrupt him. “In case you have forgotten, a certain father of mine doesn’t talk to me. So, home is out of the question.”

“Not the best of my ideas,” he acknowledges, tapping his finger on his lip. “How about a dinner somewhere fabulous?”

“I’d rather just keep it low-key.”

“Low-key is no fun. Besides, you kept it low-key last year and the year before that.”

“How do you know I kept it low-key last year?” I question him with a frown. “Just because you weren’t there in Mykonos doesn’t mean I kept it low-key. Now when I think back, it was far from low-key. I don’t think I’ve ever been more drunk than I was that night. Thanks to April, of course.”

“This April,” he drags, rolling his eyes. “I must meet her. Find out what all the fuss is about.”

I place my hand on Eric’s. He’s such a jealous dramatic friend and doesn’t like it when he thinks someone is stealing his thunder.

“April’s chilled,” I say gently. “As for my birthday, let me get back to you. It’s not exactly on my mind right now.”

“Oh, yeah?” His eyes dance mischievously. “Is there a certain gentleman occupying your thoughts?”

“I wish. I feel like I’ve been without a boyfriend forever.”

“You have been without a boyfriend forever,” Eric reminds me so easily. “Look honey, I get the whole I don’t need a man thing, but kitty needs to eat. You know what I mean?”

“Eric, I always know what you mean. For once, I agree, kitty is hungry.” The moment it leaves my mouth, it comes across as all wrong, making me cringe. “That sounds incredibly wrong. There’s this one guy at work, Josh, but you said don’t shit where you eat.”

He nods eagerly. “Workplace romances can be so hot. You know, that whole enemies-to-lovers thing.”

“Okay, but Josh is not mean, so there are no enemies-to-lovers.”

“Fine, friends-to-lovers. My point is, workplace romances can get super awkward, especially when it doesn’t end well.”

“I’ve been invited to some work function. It’s no big deal like some client party out in Malibu this weekend. I’m kind of thinking of going, you know, just to show some team spirit.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Eric claps his hands. “Wear something hot, not too slutty, but enough to show everyone you’re fun outside of work.

“I’m thinking jumpsuit, maybe long sleeve, plus wedges.

“Virgin white jumpsuit,” he insists.

“Sure,” I jest, even though the term virgin white is unsettling. “I’ll see what I can find.”

As Eric excuses himself to use the restroom, I quickly check my phone to see if there’s anything important I’ve missed. He takes longer than expected, not giving me much time to get back to the office. As I grow bored, I check my Insta DMs to see the messages I’ve left unanswered. When it comes to social media, I’m the worst offender unlike everyone else in my generation who posts everything. Lately, I just can’t be bothered. It’s all a bunch of bullshit, anyway. All the photos people put up are fake or filtered. Everyone is trying to sell a lie they live.

Inside my inbox is a message from Beau that he sent over two weeks ago, and I forgot to respond to. From memory, I was on the bus and then got a call from Meredith about the job.

I read the message again, unable to hide my smile. It won’t surprise me if Beau is sleeping with his professor by now.

Me:You do know my father’s name is also Alex Edwards? At least, that’s what he used to be referred to as. Guessing you’ve found your way into your professor’s pants. Or she found her way into yours?

Eric walks back from the restroom, prompting me to put my phone away so we can leave. Judging by the look on his face, something must have happened in the restroom, but as always with Eric, some things as better left unknown. Once you hear something, it’s very hard to unhear it.

“Thanks for lunch, Uncle Eric,” I tease.

He shudders in his expensive Dior suit. “Please don’t. Until I wear man pads and a cane to walk, Eric will suit me just fine. Actually, Big Daddy might work. Lex seems to like Charlie calling him that.”

I slap his arm without hesitating. “You promised to behave.”

“Sorry, Big Daddy promises to be on his behavior … next time, okay?”

* * *

I’m dressed in the so-called virgin white jumpsuit, not that I look like a virgin, or maybe I do. Who knows anymore. I wonder if it’s possible to be revirginized since the chances of it happening to me are quite high.

The sleeves of the jumpsuit flare at my wrists, making the low-cut cleavage not seem as noticeable. The jumpsuit looks quite plain as I glance in the mirror, so I grab a belt just to accessorize. My hair is left out loose into soft waves down my back. It’s been a while since I’ve cut it, but I don’t mind the length so much.

My makeup is simple, just a little wing eyeliner, nothing too dramatic.

April enters the room, throwing herself on the bed. We haven’t seen each other much since she got a casual job working at a studio lot.

“Oh, you look hot, Mama.” She whistles, admiring me from the bed. “Maybe I should come? Find some hot guy in Hunter’s office.”

I turn around from the mirror. “I think I need to get laid.”

“Wow,” April shouts while sitting up to rest on her knees. “You’re admitting you’re human and not a robot?”

“Funny,” I sneer. “Eric pointed something out the other day. He’s right. It’s been forever since I’ve had a boyfriend. I’m not craving a relationship or anything serious, but I do miss having a guy around. Is that bad?”

“No. Why do you put this pressure on yourself, Alexa?”

I shrug. “Things with Cole became so intense too quickly. I think I’ve just been scared to experience another relationship like that.”

“But every relationship is different.” April restyles her hair, placing a bun on top of her head while she speaks. “I don’t have a ton of experience, but every guy I’ve been with has been different. It doesn’t hurt to play the field a little.”

“Maybe,” I mumble, letting out a long-winded breath. “If it happens, it happens. Just not tonight. I don’t exactly want to mix business with pleasure.”

April throws her head back, laughing. “In an outfit like that, I won’t be surprised if you bring a guy home.”

“I’m good.” I grin, then finish putting my hoop earrings on. “Do you think you can give me a ride to Malibu? I can Uber it back. I just don’t want to risk anything, you know, if I have a couple of drinks.”

“Um, are you forgetting that we’re no longer in Europe?”

It only dawns on me now my drinking days are over, at least for another year until I turn twenty-one.

“Shit, you’re right. I didn’t even think about that,” I say, lost in thought. “God, sometimes I just wish we could go back. So much freedom, the responsibility here is so much more.”

Since drinking isn’t possible, I don’t see any reason for April to drive me. That is until I attempt to start my car, and it makes a funny sound. Of course, my luck, it has to happen tonight. I end up having to ask April again for the favor and just plan to Uber it back. April doesn’t mind since she plans to meet an old friend in Santa Monica with the possibility of crashing there.

With my purse ready to go, April drives me to Malibu. The event is being held by a major client of ours. A lot of people from the office said they would attend, except Meredith. She didn’t do work events unless Mr. Cash asked for her attendance.

When we get there, April waves goodbye after I exit the car. Taking a deep breath, I put on my best smile, knowing if I want to make an impression and keep my job, being social gives me the best chance.

Thankfully, Monica is here as well as some other people I’m somewhat friends with.

“Alexa,” Monica calls from where she’s sitting at a long picnic-style table. I wave with relief, then walk over, glad not to be alone. “Happy you made it.”

“Me too,” I respond politely.

“What are we having to drink tonight?” she asks, even though all the girls at the table already have a drink in hand.

I don’t want to sound like a party pooper, but don’t want to get anyone into trouble.

“I, uh, can’t exactly drink.”

“Why not?” Caitlin, one of the girls from marketing questions. “Oh my god, are you pregnant?”

“No,” I blurt out, then look down at my stomach. “Why? Is it the jumpsuit?”

Caitlin and Monica laugh in unison. “It’s just this thing when new girls start. They kinda know they’re pregnant but hope to secure a job. You know, cause firing a pregnant woman is so frowned upon. We have bets because it’s happened way too often.”

“Right, I had no idea,” I muse, then smile. “I’m not twenty-one.”

Monica places her arm over my shoulder, bringing me in for a hug. “Well, I’m twenty-one times two. I’ll get you a drink.”

Before I have a chance to tell her it’s fine, I can drink a mocktail or even soda, she’s left for the bar. It’s not overly busy, so she returns soon after with a colorful-looking drink. It looks like juice of some sort with a bit of red, plus mixed fruit floating at the top.

Taking a sip, I try not to make any facial expressions from whatever alcohol is mixed into the drink. A few more sips and it becomes delicious enough, given the sweetness of the pineapple juice, but I try to pace myself.

As Caitlin tells us a story about this guy she met on Tinder last night, Monica orders more drinks to make the night more enjoyable.

Between the warm sea breeze and good company, I relax and enjoy the atmosphere. We laugh at all the gossip circulating in the office until the CEO of the company holding this event makes a quick speech. He thanks everyone for attending and makes sure to end by wishing everyone an enjoyable night.

I suck on my straw, emptying my second glass so easily. This time, Adeline, the other girl sitting with us, fetches the round of drinks. Monica appears to be too wasted already, singing loudly to the song playing in the background.

“So, have you met Kevin from the mailroom?” Adeline asks once she returns. “He’s notorious for delivering big packages.”

Monica and Caitlin fall into a fit of laughter. Even though I haven’t been formally introduced to Kevin, I have walked past him once or twice, and the only thing I noticed was his big biceps.

Caitlin is sitting across for me, but suddenly, her laughter fades, and her eyes widen. She’s staring directly at me, causing me to tilt my head in confusion from the sudden change in demeanor. She purses her lips as if to warn me of something, but my reflexes are slow from all the drinks. As I turn behind me to look at what she’s glancing at, my stare hits a body a few inches away.

My eye level, from sitting down, is to the belt buckle of the pants in front of me. I lean back against the table, slowly drawing my eyes up until they meet Hunter Cash. Everyone at the table sits up straight, all with a smile on their drunk faces.

“Good evening, Mr. Cash,” they greet in unison while I sit here silently.

“Good evening, ladies,” he responds with a friendly smile, nothing at all like the cold-hearted CEO inside the boardroom. “It looks like you’re enjoying yourselves.”

The girls nod while on their best behavior. If only he had heard Caitlin telling everyone how her Tinder date wanted anal on the first meet-up or about Kevin’s large package.

Unlike the suit I’ve seen him in, his attire is slightly more casual. Navy dress pants, a white buttoned shirt, and tanned-colored shoes. Why is he so sexy? Cocktail talking … just the cocktails … plural.

His eyes fall upon me as a smirk plays on his lips. God, they look so … don’t say it.

“It’s nice to see you are fitting in well with the team, Alexandra.”

How he says my name triggers something inside me, or maybe the multiple cocktails. Either way, I start to feel dizzy, but I do my best to come up with something intelligent.

“Thank you,” is all I manage to say.

You idiot.

“Well, I’ll leave you ladies to it. Enjoy yourselves.”

As he walks away, Adeline leans forward, almost tipping a glass over. “Why does he have to be so hot? I swear, I can’t get anything done when I’m in the office.”

“Argh, me too,” Caitlin complains.

Monica laughs. “I can get a lot done, which is why I was promoted to finance manager. My husband wouldn’t be happy if he knew I was thinking dirty things about my boss.”

“Fantasies,” Adeline corrects Monica. “Fantasies are healthy. Ask Alexa. She’s young and hot too.”

“What do you think about Mr. Cash?” Caitlin puts me on the spot.

“Old,” I admit, not wanting to say he’s hot in case it somehow leaks to him. “I mean, he’s older than me.”

“Yeah, he is older than you. But do you think he’s sexy?”

“Of course, he’s attractive, but not my type. He’s not my age, so I’m looking for a guy my age.”

Monica grabs my hand. “I have a brother.”

“Oh, here we go again,” Adeline drags. “Monica has been trying to set her brother up with everybody.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

Monica purses her lips. “Nothing is wrong with him. He just lives with my parents still.”

“Enough said.” I cringe, then continue to ask, “Wait, how old is he?”

“He’s graduated from college,” she simply replies.

“Okay, well, that’s not so bad.”

“He’s also into Star Wars,” Monica adds.

I pull a face again until Caitlin yells out, “Hey! I like Star Wars.”

“Is he a hot geek?” I question with trepidation.

Monica lets out an exaggerated groan. “No, my sisterly due diligence is over. Why don’t we go dancing? I need to burn off all these cocktails, or my husband will kill me since we’re visiting his parents tomorrow.”

There’s a band playing music in the corner. The beat is funky, a few songs I recognize, and a few I don’t. Until we got up, the dancefloor was empty. Then, people joined us, and before we knew it, the space was full.

Josh makes his way to where I dance, and it’s only polite I dance with him. He’s a good dancer, plus smart enough not to put his hands on me at a work event.

As we continue to dance, my eyes accidentally fall upon Hunter, who is standing with some people I don’t know. He is staring directly at me, so in a panic, I turn away, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

For the rest of the night, I try not to look at him and enjoy the music. When the band calls the last song of the night, we make sure to dance our hearts out, but then the lights come on.

Out of breath, I place my hand on my heart. Josh leans over to suggest going somewhere else.

“I’d love to, but it’s late. I should get home.”

The girls interrupt the awkward moment just to say goodbye. I make my way up the wooden stairs, almost stumbling on the last step.

My hand reaches into my purse to retrieve my phone. The screen turns on, bright and blinding me, but I still manage to find my Uber app. There appears to be a shortage of drivers, fuck.

“You need a ride home?” Josh asks.

Suddenly, he’s next to me again.

“Um, no, I’m good. There’s a driver—"

“It won’t be necessary, Josh,” A deep voice behind me says. “I would much prefer if I took Alexandra home.”

I turn around swiftly and stare into Hunter’s eyes. Or is it Mr. Cash? Argh, my head is spinning. Stop overthinking everything.

“It’s really not necessary for either of you to take me home. I can manage an Uber.”

Hunter juts his chin, then raises his brows. “I take my employee’s safety very seriously, Alexandra. So, I insist on taking you home, end of the story.”

Josh steps back, intimidated by Hunter’s command.

“Of course, Mr. Cash.” Josh touches my arm gently, a gesture Hunter notices. “See you on Monday, Alexa. We’ll do lunch?”

“Sure, sounds good.” I smile.

As Josh begins to walk away, Hunter’s expression shifts. He looks angry, which makes no sense. I could ask him what was wrong, but I barely know the guy. The thought of being alone with him in the car is already awkward enough.

“I’m honestly fine to wait for an Uber,” I tell him one more time.

Hunter grabs my hand to cross the street, catching me by surprise.

“I’m your boss, Alexandra,” he states firmly, releasing his grip on my hand when we reach his car. “Just get in the car. I’m taking you home.”