Page 76 of In Good Company

LUCY

“Oh my God, you had sex,” Charlotte declares the moment our eyes meet.

A blush immediately creeps over my cheeks as my eyes dart around the dinner table at Pembroke Grill.

Jude barks out a laugh at Charlotte’s words while Cal coughs in surprise.

All I can do is stare at my best friend in horror, wondering how she could tell with just one look at me and why she decided to announce it to the entire table the moment Cal and I walked up to it. Luckily, the only people seated at the table are her and Jude right now.

“Charlotte,” I scold, my voice tight as I look around the restaurant. Everyone here used to be my coworkers; I don’t need them knowing that I’ve slept with Cal.

Charlotte narrows her eyes on me. “What? You can’t tell me I’m wrong. You have thatI’ve just been fuckedflush to you.”

I groan, embarrassment coursing through my veins.

“Come with me,” I demand, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her from the chair.

“Whoa,” Charlotte mutters with a laugh, thankfully letting me pull her away from a snickering Jude and a smirking Cal.

My grip on Charlotte’s wrist stays firm as I lead her to the bathrooms. I try to keep my eyes down, not wanting to get stuck talking to any former coworkers before I can lecture my best friend about what’s appropriate to yell in public and what should be discussed in private.

“Lucy, if you move any faster, you’re going to make me fall on my ass because of these heels.”

I sigh but slow down just enough to keep her steady on her feet. I have no idea if any Pembroke employees look our way or not. I keep my focus on the floor as we close the distance to the private bathrooms.

As soon as we make it there, I pull her in and slam the door shut behind us.

When I turn to Charlotte, a knowing grin is plastered on her face. “Speaking of heels, those look new and expensive.” She nods her head to the new pair of heels Cal bought me while shopping today.

“Charlotte, quick question. Has anyone ever told you about keeping some thoughts to yourself?”

Charlotte shrugs before tossing her perfectly curled hair over her shoulder. “Don’t get mad at me for stating the obvious. You’ve got it written all over you.”

I groan, my eyes closing for a moment. I wasn’t going to keep this new development a secret from Charlotte. I definitely wanted to talk about it with her, but I just thought I had more time before I had to explain how everything is strictly casual and nothing more.

“Lucy, shut the fuck up. Is that a Chanel bag?”

Charlotte closes the distance between us and carefully grabs my purse. She crouches down and pulls it closer to her face to inspect.

I can’t help but smile when Charlotte looks up at me with her jaw wide open.

“Yes, Cal might’ve bought me the shoes and the bag today,” I answer, trying to keep my voice nonchalant.

“Why are you living my dream? Good sex and a rich man spoiling you? Sign me up.”

I laugh. “Who said it was good sex? Plus, don’t pretend Jude isn’t flirting with you all the time.”

Charlotte rolls her eyes before standing up once again. “Everything about you tells me you’ve had hot, sexy, toe-curling sex. You’ve got a flush to your cheeks that won’t go away, and your lips look plumper than normal, probably from all the making out you’ve been doing. And to your second comment, Jude flirts with everyone. I’m nothing special. He would not be buying me a Chanel bag.”

I sigh, deciding that since she’s already onto me, I might as well not lie to her. “The sex with Cal is incredible. It’s new…like,today was the first timenew.”

Charlotte’s perfectly lined lips spread into a smile. “Good for you for not letting your stupid ex get in the way of having mind-blowing sex with Callahan Hastings. I want to know all the juicy details. “

I bite my lip. I don’t feel guilty for sleeping with Cal, even if he is Ollie’s brother. It’s been so long since Oliver and I dated, I know he wouldn’t care, but I know if people knew that I also dated Oliver and was now sleeping with Cal, they might judge me. And if they weren’t judging me for that, they might judge me for sleeping with my boss.

I push the thoughts from my mind. Cal and I are adults who can sleep with whomever we want. No one outside of our close inner circle even needs to know. Once I’m gone after Labor Day, it won’t even matter.

“Things with Cal were too intense to let anything hold us back,” I answer honestly. “I tried fighting it aslong as I could, but it was only a matter of time until things happened between us.”

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