Page 56 of February

“Keep it that way,” her mother told her as she patted Bridgette on the shoulder and left the break room.

“Sorry. I just thought it would be fun to tease you,” Monica said.

“It’s fine. I’m used to being teased – I work for my parents. Did you come in here for coffee?”

“No, just hoping to talk to you about the Valentine’s Day line. Do you have a minute?”

“Sure,” she replied.

An hour later, Bridgette had finished talking about the major holidays that get new card lines each year and what was involved in that process. Monica had taken a few notes and had mainly just listened to her, but having her staring at Bridgette while she talked had been difficult. Bridgette had found herself often unable to meet Monica’s eye, but she’d made it through itjust as the other employees in the bullpen started to leave for the day.

“Honey, your father and I are leaving and heading back to Baton Rouge tonight to check on the house and the office. We’ll be back tomorrow, though,” her mom informed her as she leaned into the conference room.

“Okay. Drive safe,” she said. “Love you.”

“Love you, too. Monica, we’ll see you tomorrow. Have a great night.”

“Thank you. I will.”

Bridgette sat at the table, waiting for Monica to ask another question, but Monica sat there quietly, too, as if waiting for everyone to leave.

“So, what’s on your agenda for the night? More work?” Bridgette asked to fill the silence.

“Probably, yeah,” Monica replied.

“No Sophie?”

“No.” Monica shook her head and closed her laptop. “You?”

“Drinks with my friends. Kyle is finally able to move into her house. Well, sort of. There’s still work to be done, but some of the major stuff is finished.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

“Yeah. We’re going to celebrate. Mel and her girlfriend will be there, as well as my friend, Jill.”

“Our tour guide,” Monica remembered.

“Yeah.” Bridgette cleared her throat. “Um… You can come.”

“You don’t have to invite me, Bridgette. I’m okay on my own.”

“We’re going to the Quarter. Barhopping for a bit.”

“Barhopping? I haven’t done that in decades, I think.” Monica chuckled.

“Then, you’re due,” Bridgette replied. “And you’re supposed to call me Bridge now.”

“Sorry, I guess those dagger eyes kind of burned your full name into my brain.”

Bridgette laughed lightly and said, “Come out with us. It’ll be fun. There will always be more work to do, right? How often will you be in the French Quarter?”

“I have to eat first. I can’t barhop and drink if I’ve had nothing to eat.”

“We’ll grab Po-Boys on the way there.”

“Still haven’t had one of those.”

“Then, let’s get you one.”

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