Page 24 of The Sidekick

Everything else in this office is kind of trashed. Even the cushions on the sofa are askew. I don’t know how that would even happen. Yet under the desk, there’s a thick, rolled-up yoga mat, a neatly folded fuzzy blanket, and a cushion so soft I have the urge to lay my head on it. There’s not a speck of dust. Everything is organized to be out of Trevor’s way when he’s close to the desk.

Weird.

Wait, that’s really a yoga mat. Is Trevor a secret yoga person? I’ve been looking for a partner. Classes are too scheduled for me with my work hours. Sometimes, I want to sleep in, and someone else’s schedule will not stop me.

I’m lying. I would stress about missing a class and defeat the whole purpose of the relaxation yoga provides me. Plus, there would be other people there, and it’s intimidating. I doubt I would be able to handle Trevor next to me stretching without drool being involved.

I'm sure the pillow and blanket are for when he naps on the couch. His office door is closed a lot, so it makes sense.

I stop gawking and grab the pen, sitting perfectly in the center of the blanket. Oh my gosh, it is so soft! I’m feeling the urge to steal something, but it’s more of a stalker urge than a burglar urge, and it kind of grosses me out. I wonder if it smells like him? Oh lord, stop me from being a creep!

I hit my head in my rush to get away from temptation. It’s a good motivator for me to get out of this room.

I’m rubbing the sore spot as I wander into the break room. It’s filled to capacity with people, and I’m tempted to slink away and pretend I’m fasting.

“I got you a plate,” Trevor says from where he’s seated between Diana and Pat. Max is sitting across from him and turns to frown at me.

How hard is it for him to sit across from his boyfriend while women rub up on him? He isn’t even mine, and it irritates me. No wonder Max is grumpy all the time.

The seats on either side of Max are empty, and he gestures to the plate in front of one of the chairs. He turns away to carry on his regular scowling at everyone. It’s nice that he’s back to normal, but I miss his taunting. His mocking behavior is done in a good-natured way despite his angry demeanor. He’s mischievous instead of cutting. How can I get that back without making myself a nuisance?

Andi is sitting with two of her boyfriends between her and Diana. If I sit beside Max on the left side, I’ll have to be beside Ira. If I sit on the right, I’ll be by Felix. Maybe I should just eat standing. Or skip eating at all.

Trevor’s eyes narrow on me, and I feel exposed. He can read my mind. I’m sure of it now.

“Would you sit down and stop hovering?” Max snaps, and I glare at the back of his head. It's time to rethink liking him being himself.

I want to say no just to irritate him, but I don’t want to cause a scene, so I sit and pick up the pizza slice, even though I don’t want it. I eat it quickly and wash it down with the water bottle in front of me.

“I thought you only liked coffee,” Ira remarks from his position on the other side of Brody. I suddenly hate round tables. Everyone can see and speak to everyone at round tables.

The comment isn’t insulting by itself. It’s just that I’m so used to everything I do being judged by them it rubs me the wrong way.

I try to keep my tone civil when I ask, “What’s wrong with water?”

I want to take the bitter-sounding words back as soon as they leave my mouth. This isn’t getting me away from the drama. I’d rather go unnoticed by them. It gives them less of a chance to tear me down again. Why did I open my mouth?

My shoulders hunch as I stare at the grease left on my empty plate. I need to get out of here.

“Thanks for the food,” I hurriedly say to Trevor, honestly grateful that he’s nice enough to feed us all but unable to look up from my plate.

Before anyone can say anything, I grab the bottle and my trash, stand to throw it away and walk out. Thankfully, no one says anything about it, but I hear Trevor say one word in a deadly tone that gives me chills and makes me walk faster to the office.

“Two.”

Chapter Nine

Trevor

Max’s enraged gaze meets mine as Tera leaves, and I wholeheartedly agree.

This isn’t a simple submission. This is a woman being torn to pieces one tiny comment at a time. When did this bullshit start?

It doesn’t matter. I’m ending it.

“Two.”

The assholes look at me in surprise. Even Diana and Pat lean away from me at my tone.

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