Page 15 of Not A Whisper

What I have with the guys is complicated. Now is definitely not the time to get into it. With a simple one shoulder shrug I say, “Kind of, yeah.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you were a player, Bri.” Jonathan letsout a low whistle. “And judging by all this pep in your step, it’s working well for you.”

Aplayer? I snort. If only he knew the truth. Once he does, I’ll never hear the end of it. So, until I finally gather the courage to admit I’m dating more than one guy, I’ll be this so-called player.

I beam at him. “It sure is.”

My date with Trip and Jason had ended back at my place. After cumming hard enough to see stars, I was left alone in bed with a smile on my face. It was not a bad way to end the night.

“Well, keep this up, and I don’t have to do anything around here. You’re handling everything. I love that I can be the lazy one between us.”

Even his teasing couldn’t put a blemish in my day. How could it when I know I’m going to see Jason tonight?

I’m nearly flying over the floor by the end of the day to get to the break room to grab my belongings. As I grab my purse and jacket and Jonathan grabs his coat, Ms. Barbara strolls into the break room.

“Ah, Briella, there you are.” My boss beams at me. “Do you have a second? I can walk and talk if that works for you.”

“Yeah, of course.”

Jonathan nods at the both of us. “I’ll let you talk. See you guys later.”

Before either of us can return the sentiment, Jonathan slips out the door in front of us.

“So, there was a meeting today about the budget proposal and it was… Well, nerve wracking to say the least. Rather than allot each department funds, they’re having us plead our case in front of the top investors for the school as to why we each need money,” Ms. Barbara starts.

I grimace. “That’s going to be cutthroat.”

“Yes, it is. I’m worried that we won’t get the money for thatnew IT system you pitched to me a few months back.” Her voice echoes down around the stairwell as we head to the first floor. “So, I was wondering if maybe you could jot down a few key points for me, so I don’t miss anything important. I’d also appreciate it if you would come with me, in case there are any questions.”

“Yeah, I can do that, and I’m more than happy to sit in with you.”

The relief on my boss’s face is intense. “You’re a gem, Briella. I’m so thankful I have you.”

For as fussy and cross she can be at times, Ms. Barbara really isn’t all that bad of a boss. My chest swells with pride and I return her smile.

We make it to the front of the library where my boss stops. “Thanks again, Briella. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She shoos me out of the Atwater Library, and I leave without complaint. I try to tamp down my grin, but it clings to my face as I stroll toward the parking lot at the back of campus. It feels good to begoodat something. Better yet, for my hard work to be noticed by my boss—I feel on top of the world.

My joy falters, however, when I get to my car and see a text from Jason waiting for me.

Jason: Have to go out to G’s ranch tonight to help a sick horse. Won’t make it over.

Heaving a heavy sigh to expel my disappointment, I turn the car on and pull out of the parking lot.

I don’t go home straight away.

Instead, I stop at four different places, picking up orders,checking the progress of others and finally grabbing something quick to eat.

By the time I make it back to my apartment, I’m exhausted.

But I don’t stop when I walk through the door. Two of the five bags are dropped onto the kitchen table. The rest come with me as I stroll through the tiny apartment into the guest room turned office. It’s a small space, but I’ve managed to make the best of it. Set up on tripods are three different project boards with various items pinned, pasted, and taped to them. Textures, notes, patterns, sketches, and floorplans—all of it is on display for me to view and tweak at will.

Along the far wall, on the desk, are notepads full of handwritten ideas, binders full of contracts, and in a pile beside the binders are fabrics and pamphlets—folded and sorted by color. The desktop, currently asleep, is full of emails, saved documents, and other bits and pieces of the project that I simply can’t have readily available.

I pause just inside the room to take it all in.

A swell of pride gathers in my chest, and I can’t help but smile. Before me is a dream that’s slowly becoming a reality, concocted by three young men and stemming from a vendetta against another. It’s amazing what can inspire people sometimes.

---