Page 32 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

"She's not here. I just saw her at the elevator when I came in and she was heading out."

Mona came over, her eyes darting between the two of us. "What's going on?" she asked.

Jared spoke up first. "Oh, just your friend here is too scared to take on a bet with me."

"What kind of bet?"

"It's about Venus La Fleur and going to a charity event on Friday to try and talk to her."

"Oh, that sounds like fun." She clapped her hands together. "Let's do it."

Before I could say another word, she called Marcella over, and the next thing I knew, the whole office was gathered around, egging us on, brainstorming things we could do for this ridiculous bet.

At this point, there was nothing I could do. We were now caught up in a whirlwind of excitement, and I'd be the biggest stick in the mud if I put a stop to it.

So instead, I plastered a smile on my face and gave in to it, my stomach swirling with anticipation. I needed to win this thing. I had to win this thing. Because the last thing in the world I wanted to do was go to a charity gala with Jared.

Not only would it be weird and so not fun to spend an evening with him, but it would also be challenging to be so immersed in my former life as a rich daddy's girl, dressing up for balls and hobnobbing with the so-called elite. And that was the least of my worries. What if someone recognized me there?

While I sat there stewing, a flurry of activity happened around me, everyone oddly excited about this stupid bet, a smiling Jared in the middle of it all. Marshmallows and hot sauce appeared in front of me. Oh, God.

Someone whistled, and everyone quieted down, forming a crowded circle around Jared and me. "Okay, here's the plan," Mona started. "Three challenges. First up is chair spinning. Who can spin around the longest without getting dizzy or falling over."

"Easy," Jared boasted, scooting his chair away from his desk.

"Ready, Cordelia?" Mona asked.

"I've never felt so betrayed in my life," I muttered as I got into position.

She laughed, then counted down. "Three, two, one... go!"

Loud cheers hit my ears as we both started to spin. At least, I assumed Jared started to spin as well. All I could focus on was myself at the moment, whirling around faster and faster. The room became a blur, and my stomach churned, but I gritted my teeth together, sheer determination keeping me going.

I could hear snippets of encouragement, laughter, and clapping from my co-workers, which honestly spurred me on,past the dizziness. My head grew lighter and my vision more distorted. Amongst my spinning, I was able to catch glimpses of Jared who was still going strong. The asshole.

But because of his stubbornness, I was able to push through, pure willpower keeping me upright.

Just when I thought I had a handle on it, a sudden wave of dizziness struck me like an avalanche, and I slumped over, needing to stop or I'd vomit. I didn't need to look up to know that Jared was still going, his squeaky chair confirmation of that annoying fact.

"Jared wins!" Mona shouted.

Whose side was she on anyway?

Some kind people, not Mona, clapped me on the back, giving me reassurances that I'd win the next one. Which I was scared for.

Jared finally slowed to a stop, a triumphant grin overtaking his stupid face, somehow looking completely composed, despite my head still spinning and my bruised pride.

Marcella gave me an ice cold bottle of water. "You should take small sips," she suggested.

I did, and between that and a few minutes of rest, the dizziness ebbed away, and I noticed what was happening now. Mona held a big bag of mini marshmallows which she emptied out onto my desk.

"And now for the suck and blow game," she said, handing us each straws.

Oddly enough, I'd played this game before, and I'd been quite good at it. My suck and blow skills were outstanding.

She placed two bowls on my desk, instructing Jared to move closer so we could share the space and the marshmallows.

I gave him my best game face as he slid in beside me. "Be prepared to lose, sucker."

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