Page 87 of Call Me Sir

Panic startles my brain like a bear woken from hibernation.

“Ace is welcome, I’ll bring my boyfriend and friend who are planning it.”

Without missing a beat, Oliver sounds excited. “That would be really cool! When are you thinking?”

Oh Jesus, I haven’t thought of anything beyond trying to not sound like I’m hitting on him.

“My place isn’t very fancy…”

“I bet it’s lovely.”

“I was thinking about this Saturday evening?”

“Perfect, for once we don’t have anything going on.”

“Awesome. I’ll text you my address. See you then.”

“Nice to meet you and I’ll see you then.”

As fast as I can without seeming rude, I end the call and stare at the phone call log. Did I seriously just make two huge phone calls?

I’m wondering if I should ask for a raise simply for the years I just shaved off my life expectancy from stress.

This Saturday I’m not only hosting Oliver Davis, but Ace Maverick.

My feet move before I can think clearly.

“Tony!” I should when I’m halfway out the doorway. “Tony!”

A startled yell comes from his desk. “What?! What happened?!”

Tony jolts from his chair like he’s ready for me to declare the world is ending.

“We have dinner with Oliver and Ace Saturday!”

Tony’s jaw flops down to his desk.

“WE?!”

I suck in a breathe. I probably look as startled as him.

“What do you mean WE?!” He asks, gripping my arm, hard.

“Ow!”

“TELL ME!”

Our coworkers start shouting intermittently throughout the room and quickly we’re surrounded after I say, “I have dinner plans regarding the gala with Tony and the boss!”

Suddenly everyone’s freaking out around us and asking me a million questions like what day and when.

Despite working with these people every day, I’m relieved I didn’t say boyfriend, and I’m extra thankful I didn’t say where. Because I do not want to have my place bombarded with paparazzi and my coworkers.

The excitement causing my brain to go off like firecrackers dims slightly when I turn and see Sal standing in his doorway with the biggest frown and pull of annoyance at his brow.

Why does he look so pissed?

Twenty Nine

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