Page 44 of Outside The Wire

I quirked an eyebrow at her. Frankly, I thought it was hilarious that she thought she had that much sway over Asher’s mental state. “I can guarantee that you’re not the reason for his mood. He told me about your threats and I can assure you he was not frightened.”

She flinched back in shock. “Not even a little?”

Great, now I’d offended her. “Well, maybe a little. But he was in high spirits when he left. Whatever happened, it wasn’t because of you.”

She pursed her lips and glanced down at her kit. “Well, just to be on the safe side, I better leave this at home.”

“Maybe that’s best,” I nodded, trying my best not to laugh.

“Alright. I’ll put on my game face.”

“What’s that?”

“You know…morose and…unhappy.”

I smirked at her. “And here I thought that was your everyday face.”

“Oh, you’re funny,” she said, swiping her hand at me, but missing. I hurried for the door and rushed out before she could catch me. By the time I got to the truck, I remembered that Asher was not himself and wiped the smile from my face. Not that I had to be sad because he wasn’t in a good mood, but I wasn’t going to try to make him happy either.

Noelle got in the back seat, tapping me on the shoulder. “Hey, Asher,” she said cheerily.

“Hey,” he responded, not any happier than when he picked me up. “Sorry, I forgot the cocoa this morning.”

“No problem. I’m not really in the mood for it today. My stomach’s a little upset.”

He glanced in the rearview mirror, frowning slightly. “Should you go to work?”

“Oh, I’ll be fine. I brought some Pepto with me.”

His frown increased.

“You know, the pink stuff.” Then she sang the original song, ending with her hands in the air, ending with a shout.

His lips didn’t even twitch.

She shrugged her shoulders. “Well, that’s the original song, anyway.”

“So, you’re good.”

“Yep.”

I choked back a laugh as he backed out of the driveway and took us to work. I really hoped his day got better. He was missing out on some great stuff.

11

ASHER

I neededto pull my head out of my ass. I was missing conversations left and right. Wyatt was talking to me and I was spacing out, not hearing a word he said. I messed up three orders and didn’t order the parts like he asked. He had to remind me twice, and by the third time, he snatched the paper out of my hands and said he’d do it himself.

I stepped outside and zipped up my coat. I needed a minute to get my head on straight. At this rate, I was gonna get fired, and I couldn’t afford that. Not because I needed the money, but because it was what stabilized me and kept me sane.

The door jerked open and Wyatt stepped. I knew instantly what was coming.

“Wyatt, I’m really sorry about everything. I just?—”

“I don’t want to hear it. Go home.”

Fuck, he was firing me.

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