Page 59 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

“When can you start?”

“Two weeks,” I reply. “I need to give my current employer notice.”

Meera looks relieved. “Two weeks I can handle. Just don’t let me down, okay?”

“I won’t,” I promise.

Stepping out of the office. I feel the vibrant buzz of the businesses around me.

I did it. I really did it.

Amber will be through the roof. I whip out my phone and dial her number. The moment she answers, I blurt out the news.

“Time to celebrate!” Amber exclaims.

When I get home, I quickly change into casual apparel, and we spend the rest of the afternoon painting the city red. First, we hit our favorite café, where the barista knows our orders by heart. We sip on lattes and share a decadent chocolate cake as we chat about everything and nothing.

Then, on a whim, we decide to catch a matinee. We pick a comedy, and it’s just what I need—a chance to laugh and let loose. The movie ends, but our day is far from over. We stroll through the park and find a street performer playing the violin. The music is beautiful and haunting, and we stand there, lost in the melody until he finishes his piece.

As the sun begins to set, we head to a little boutique Amber’s been raving about. She insists I need more new outfits to match my new job, and who am I to argue? We try on outfit after outfit, giggling like schoolgirls in the dressing room.

Dinner is at a cozy Italian restaurant with the best pasta in the city. We toast to new beginnings, to friendship, and to whatever the future holds.

It’s dark when we finally make our way home, spirits high from the day’s adventures. But our smiles fade once we spot Alex waiting on our doorstep with a look of concern.

“Where have you two been? I’ve been calling.”

Amber gives him a quick peck on the cheek. Oh, right. They’re official now. Apparently, Alex performed wonders that I’d rather not imagine on their first night together. I always forget since Amber rarely talks about him. I know she’s been downplaying it, not wanting to rub her happiness in my face since I’ve sworn off love. It's sweet of her, but I’d never want to rob my friend of such joy. Her happiness radiates from her, even when she tries to hide it, and I can't help but feel happiness for her.

“Sorry, our phones have been on silent. What are you doing here?” I ask.

Alex holds up six plastic bags. “These are for you,” he says sheepishly. “I might’ve exaggerated to Daniel that you were sicker than a dog to go along with your story, and he sent all this over. He said you needed it since you’re too stubborn to go to the hospital.”

“Are you serious?” I take the bags and rifle through them to find an assortment of medicines and first aid supplies.

“You should have seen him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so worried about anyone, let alone ask about them.”

“Really?”

“He’s in love with you!” Amber suddenly shrieks.

“No...no. That can’t be. He probably...I dunno. He probably just feels guilty or something.”

My phone beeps—speaking of the devil.

It is a message from Daniel.

Daniel Andrews: Hi Chloe. Michelle would like you to join us for her birthday dinner in two days. Your presence would mean a lot to her.

“Look at this,” I turn the phone to Amber and Alex. “Not even a ‘how are you?’ Just straight to the point.”

“You’re holding enough medicine to stock a small pharmacy, and you think he doesn’t care?” Amber says pointedly.

“Chloe. Sorry, but I’m with Amber on this one. He might not know how to say it, but he’s showing you now. He’s in love with you.”

20

Daniel

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