Page 43 of Big Dix

He nods his head, and I hold my breath.

“That’s good to hear. I’m sorry that I even have to mention this but considering you’re my employee and you’re seeing my wife’s best friend, I thought it was best to address this head-on. You and me” —he points between us— “we are all business when we are in this building. Outside of here, we can be friends.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I appreciate you being concerned, and I appreciate you addressing this issue. But I have no intentions of treating Evelyn in any way less than honorable. Just so we’re clear.”

“Mate, I never expected anything less from you.”

He rises from his chair, and I do the same so we can reach across his desk to shake hands. I turn and head for the door. Talk about an awkward conversation. This is the last thing you expect to discuss with your boss, but he’s right. His wife’s best friend happens to be the girl I’m interested in. I can’t blame the guy for just looking out for her and setting the record straight as far as where we stand on work issues. For him, work is work. I respect the hell out of that.

“Oh, Atticus, one more thing before you go.”

I turn in the doorway to face him. “What’s that?”

“Good luck. These girls are a fucking handful, but they are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t cock it up.”

TWENTY-FIVE

Evelyn

“Yee-haw, bitch. Get in.” Jen laughs, scanning me on her way down the sidewalk from her house.

It might be this mini red cowboy hat I’m sporting, not sure.

She throws her head back and yells, “Road trip!”

I can’t help but laugh. It’s always fun to have a getaway with the girls. Glory andChristina were, unfortunately, unable to get away this time. They have a signing at the bookstore this weekend. I did, however, leave them a stack of books to get signed.

“How much stuff did you bring? We are only going to be gone for a few days.”

Her arms are full of bags, and she’s pulling a wheelie suitcase behind her.

“A girl’s gotta be prepared. Plus, you usually end up wearing half the stuff I bring.”

“That’s true. I hope you brought some cute stuff for me.”

“You know I did.” She finally gets my back seat loaded and hops in the passenger side.

“I have a surprise for you. Open the glove box.”

“A surprise for me? I love it. What is it?” She opens the glove box, and I glance to the side to see her expression.

“Shut up! No, you didn’t! Is this a car karaoke microphone?”

“Yup. Here.” I hand her the auxiliary cord to plug it in.

“Sweet. Cue up a playlist.”

“What do you feel like?”

“Surprise me.”

She turns on the microphone, and the lights flash. A few seconds later, Madonna’s greatest hits are blaring through the speakers, and we are singing our hearts out as we make our way to the interstate.

About an hour into the trip, we stop to fill up my car with gas since I didn’t have time to do it before we left. Jen gets out of the car to go inside to get some snacks, and I just can’t resist having this microphone in my hand.

“Jen, get your girl some donuts,” I shout into the microphone.

She stops midstride. “You own a bakery,” she yells back to me, and I laugh into the mic.

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