Page 2 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

“There’s got to be something better you can do with your time, man. Find a hobby or something.”

Being socialismy hobby. I’m not the sort of person who enjoys hanging out at home after my usual eight hours here.

If Nicolas wasn’t so caught up with his own issues, he’d be a little bit cooler. I’d have a drinking buddy and a wingman to help score chicks. Instead, I’ve got the guy who can’t stop looking at his phone even while in the middle of a conversation.

He doesn’t think I see it, but he’s making it kind of obvious here. All the disinterest in the women I try to set him up with, it’s a tragedy. This man is obsessed with an old girlfriend. He might try to hide his phone screen, but I’m sure she’s the one who always has his attention.

How sad. What if I’m able to help solve this issue of his and clear up his schedule?

All these years, watching him spiral toward his downfall from the background, I don’t want to see my good friend here suffer anymore. Out of the goodness of my heart, I know I can use my skills. With all the experience on my belt, it’ll only be an insult if I can’t fill the hole in his chest.

At least with Rhett, it makes sense with his bachelor status. I can’t fix a resting bitch face. The dude scares off every woman who even tries to wiggle her way over. He’s happy to be single, so there’s no point in rescuing him.

Nic, I can do.

Entering the elevator, I’m surprised when he hits the ‘twelve’ on the pad, I lift a brow. “Now you’re abandoning me as well?”

“I have work to do.” Nicolas explains shortly. “Rhett wants us to follow up on our departments. Please tell me you check your emails when he sends them.”

Shrugging, I earn an eye-roll before the doors slide back open.

“Follow up before Rhett gets serious about layoffs. I’d hate to see you go.” His grin makes it hard to take him seriously. Both men love me, even if I annoy them a bit. My managing skills are top notch.

Helps that we haven’t gone bankrupt yet.

Saluting him as the doors slide shut, I take the elevator higher and higher while catching the view through the glass on the way up. After all these years, I’ve never grown tired of seeing the city.

As the doors slide open, I step out onto the top floor.

Putting my plan in action now that I’m alone, I hit up the front desk managing the three doors belonging to our offices. The thin brunette is currently taking a call, shooting me a smile as I catch her gaze. Lucy always melts from a little bit of attention.

Rhett immediately told me not to hook up with the woman when I showed a little bit of interest. What a shame. She’s not bad on the eyes one bit. I might not be able to sleep with her, but that doesn’t mean I can’t humor myself with a flirtatious smile from time to time.

Heading toward Nic’s office, I convince her not to breathe a word. I want this to be a surprise.

Taking a seat at his computer, an unwelcome locked screen meets me right at the start. Unfortunately for him, I know his password is her name. I may have watched the rush of his fingers enough times to put two and two together.

Nicolas must believe no one would dare do something like this. Why else would he have his desktop and phone connected with the same account?

Always gives me stalker vibes whenever it comes to how he feels about his past relationship, but who am I to question one of my best friends? Typing in Eloise’s name, a little browser history hunting is all it takes to find what I need.

The woman is running a bakery in some small town I’ve never heard of. It’s attached to a bay of water, so I’m sure it’s got quite a view.

He’s got her looked up on most of the social media platforms. Clicking on the most recent to avoid suspicion, my breath catches when an image of the woman fills the screen.

I’ve never had the chance to see her before, not like Nicolas would reveal enough so I could hunt her down during my free time. I’ve got to say, she’s something. I’ve always wondered what his type was, but I didn’t take him for a blonde and curvy type.

Staring at the image of her standing in front of aGRAND OPENINGsign, my eyes burn as I forget to blink.

She’s got a soft smile paired with lit eyes. It looks like the picture was captured only two years ago.

Now knowing her full name and where she works, I power everything down despite having the urge to start clicking through photos. I can do that on my own time without arousing any suspicion.

In and out in a matter of minutes, I’m taking the elevator back down while strolling through my phone. Instead of following up with the marketing district on the sixth floor, I walk aimlessly down the halls. I’m too busy starting my hunt. I hardly have enough time to be distracted by those around me. Instead, I’m too focused on taking everything in about Eloise.

I wouldn’t dare try to steal a woman from a friend, but I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous she’s spoken for.

Not bad on the eyes at all. Not exactly my type, but that is always subject to change.

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