Page 79 of Forever Not Yours

“We’re stopping all this sexual harassment in the workplace and now you’re suggesting I get naked with the boss?”

I had to laugh, because this is what Faye did. She mademerelax. Drop my walls.

“No. What I’m suggesting, completely off the record, is that Juliet needs a friend. Perhaps you could be that friend? Just a drink. Suggest it.”

“I’m not a lesbian, Bash. Even though Juliet is very attractive and has the most perfect legs. I’ve got leg envy.”

“She’s also a wonderful person. Warm and caring. I think you’d like each other.”

“Bash, if I asked her out for a drink, she would definitely sack me.”

“She’s got tickets for Kim Fabulous on Friday. I said I would go with her. I won’t because you will.”

“Who the hell is Kim Fabulous?”

“Drag stand-up. Hysterical. You’ll like it, it’s right up your street.”

“And you’re not going because…?”

“Because I will feign a cold and am taking Jake away. So you’re taking Juliet. Because me and Juliet going out on a friendly date is not anything either of us will deal with well at this time. Too soon. Too raw.”

“Still can’t believe you two were getting married. How weird. The boss shagging the head analyst. Madness. Total madness. I still suspect this is some weirdreality show that I’m a part of. Always looking for the hidden cameras. But anyway, I would be doing this as a favour?”

“Yes.” It was funny how I was masterminding everything with such ease these days. “It’s perfect. Juliet gets a night off, away from the bullshit she’s dealing with. You get a fun night out and get to see Kim Fabulous. I get to take Jake away. Everyone’s happy.”

“And what’s in it for me?”

“I convince Juliet not to sack you.”

She hung up on me. I didn’t mind because she rang straight back.

“We still need to verify this account.”

“Then let’s do it.”

She was still smiling. So was I.

Jake wasn’t, though, when he came back from work that Friday night and found me ready and packed by the door.

“What?” he barked, still planting a kiss on me.

“We’re going away. It’s Friday, and from now on? I’m in charge.”

“Brat,” he spat out, but he was trying so hard not to laugh.

“You’re all packed, I’m all packed. We’re going. Things to do.”

He shook his head. “Do I get to shower first?”

“Nah.” I grinned. “Get in the car.”

He was still in his work scrubs, but I didn’t care. This was my time. My thing. My—

“Do I want to know where we’re going?”

“I’ll tell you when you’ve fastened your seat belt like a good boy.” Yes, I could play this game too.

He rolled his eyes at me and smirked. “Where are we going, Bastien?”

---