Page 98 of The Manny

“I’m not in a relationship,” I said flatly.

That wasn’t a lie.

Brody actually looked disappointed. “No?”

“Nope.”

“I see.” He sighed. “Well, that’s too bad.”

“Why?”

“I guess because you two seem good together. Once you got past the rough patches, you’ve fallen into a nice rhythm. You and Thomas balance each other. You actually would make a really cute couple.”

I recoiled.“A cute couple?”

He laughed sheepishly. “Yeah.”

Hardening my jaw, I said, “He’s nothing to me but an employee. I have no idea why you guys are wasting your time thinking about my love life, but Thomas and I are nothing to each other.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” I snapped.

Brody held up his hands. “Sorry. I guess we all just misread the situation.”

“I can’t believe you guys even care about that stuff.” I scowled. “Why are grown men gossiping about my personal life?”

His face flushed. “You just seemed happier lately. More settled. I apologize for sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Surely you have more important things to worry about?”

“Of course. Sorry again.” Brody turned, as if he was about to leave the area.

Guilt hit me at his demoralized expression. I didn’t want Brody mad at me again. That was the last thing I wanted. “Brody, wait,” I said quickly.

He stopped walking and glanced at me. “It’s cool, Jack. You’re right. We were being nosy, but it’s none of our concern.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry if I snapped at you. I guess it’s nice that you guys… care.”

Some tension left his face. “We do. But it’s obvious we got it wrong.”

I raked a hand through my hair. “I’m not good at talking about my personal life.”

“Right. I know that about you, so I had no business butting in.” He sighed. “We overstepped. I guess me and the guys feel like you’re our friend, and not just our employer.”

I grimaced. “To be honest, Brody, I’ve never had many friends. I’m not great at that kind of thing.”

“I know.”

I gave a gruff laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure it’s more than obvious.”

“We should have respected the boundaries better.”

“I don’t reallymindthat you guys are curious… I guess I just don’t get why anyone wouldcarewhat I’m up to.”

“Like I said, we consider you a friend.”

“Right.” I frowned.

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