Page 144 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“Justin being called into HR.” I don’t know what that fucker did, but this is New York. I can easily find an equally, if not better qualified accountant in this city.

“I know nothing about that.”

“Rumor has it he crossed a line with Juni,” he says with emphasis on her name.

My hackles rise, but I try to remain calm. “Oh yeah? What’d you hear?”

Stopping before he opens the door, he says, “Don’t worry about it. Joseph will handle Justin. Oh, and happy Monday.”

“I’m noting sarcasm.”

“Note it in my file, so it’s official.” He walks out laughing. For a lawyer, he sure laughs a lot. It’s a nice change from when he used to mope around. I’m thinking it’s not the work that makes him happy, but his wife.

I’ve never been in the market, but he makes it sound more appealing.

As I watch the TV, the numbers scroll by, but my mind is still elsewhere. Like inside Laurie’s office. I wonder what was said or what he did this time.

I need to let HR do their job and not get involved. That asshole is just so fucking infuriating. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I stand. But then I sit. I should stay. They can handle it.

I practically have to sit on my hands. Leaning back in my chair, I decide to tuck them behind my head and stare at the couch where Juni sat.

My thoughts cross many lines with her.

Her legs.

Those lips.

The shoes.

Her hips.

Fuck me, I’m no better than Justin.

And knowing she’s just across the office from me is distracting. Did I make a mistake by asking her to stay? I’m starting to think that seeing Juni every day will be a lot harder than I thought.

13

Andrew

I never knowwhen I’m going to see Juni.

I just do.

She’s suddenly there, behind a bush or on the office floor. I never know when I’m going to see her next.

Scanning the street when I arrive home, I expect to see her walking Rascal or coincidentally catching her as she crosses my path. Hell, skydiving onto the awning wouldn’t surprise me at this point.

But even though I don’t, her presence fills my air. My world is feeling much smaller these days. The part I don’t understand is why I’m not bothered by it. For years, nothing sidetracked my goals, ensuring CWM thrives. It’s been my only thought day and night. And now, it’s as though my mission has shifted, and I’m stuck in the middle of a Tom Hanks movie.

Tut.

What am I thinking? We’re not in a romance movie. This is real life.

Mine, to be specific.

But admitting that I wish I knew where she lived is the first step. If I did, I could be on the lookout or even parachute into her world for once. But I didn’t even know her last name until this morning.

Jacobs.

---