Page 10 of Hooked on Lane

Mr. Longford and Lane made the lunch more friendly than work related once they brought the food out. They were going back and forth, telling their best jokes. By far, Lane won, but I didn’t tell him that. Instead, I sided with Mr. Longford because I only had him in my life for such a short time.

“What about you, Jennifer? You have any funny jokes?” Lane asked, taking a sip of water while the server brought the check. “Let’s hear it. Everyone has at least one.”

He’s wrong!I didn’t have one. The only joke I knew... “Why did the bicycle fall over?”

Lane and Mr. Longford looked at each other and then shook their heads.

“Because it was two tired.”

They both chuckled, and I was sure it was just to make me feel better about having one of the lamest jokes ever. It looked like I would need to do some research for some funny jokes to have on standby. Apparently, they both thought they were comedians.

“Alright, gentlemen. It was nice, but I need to get back to work. I’m behind schedule and can’t stay late today.”

They stood with me and followed me out, hailing a cab, and riding back to the office with me. I ended up in the middle of the back seat, and it forced my leg to rub against Lane’s.

When the cab pulled up in front of the building, Lane hesitated getting out, and his hand landed on my thigh to brace himself. When he realized what he was doing, he removed his hand and locked eyes with me. “I apologize. Um… that was inappropriate and won’t happen again.”

As he extended his hand to help me out of the cab, I walked right into the building without looking behind me. This man wassending mixed signals, and he knew just how this could affect both of our careers.

I was so ready to go grab some drinks and sing some karaoke tonight. Laura would fish for information, like she always did, and at least I would have something good to tell her.

Chapter Nine

Lane

As I emerged from the law firm, day done, my phone started to vibrate in my pocket. Home Away From Home showing on the screen. A chill ran down my spine. The exhaustion of the twelve-hour day peeled off me as I answered, but the cheerful voice of my mother was on the other end.

“Hey, sweetie. How’s New York City treating you?”

“Is everything okay? Why aren’t you calling from your phone?” Something was wrong.

“I fell, but I didn’t break anything. I’m okay.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” My mother had always been less than forthcoming with her health. It wasn’t until I started going with her to the doctor appointments that I realized how much her Parkinson’s had progressed without me realizing years ago.

“I'm fine, sweetheart. Just take a few deep breaths.”

I inhaled deeply and let the air fill my lungs before slowly blowing it out. The tension in my body melted away. “I love you, Mom. Please be careful. You know you can call me anytime. My assistant knows to always put your calls through.”

“Assistant, huh? Watch out, New York. My son is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”

She had always believed in me. Especially in what I wanted to do as a career, but I knew us being far apart wasn’t easy for her. “Ma, I’m only here for a year. That’s the contract.”

“Yeah, yeah. Love you. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Love you too.”

I opened the door to the dive bar. A single light flickered in the corner while country music played from a jukebox in the back. I claimed at stool at the Bar. A woman with cropped dark hair, and a deep set of wrinkles came to take my order. “What'll it be?”

“Bud Light, please.” She turned around, popped the top and placed it in front of me. I put eight dollars on the bar and turned around to take in the rest of the bar. I was the only guy in a suit in a room full of pool tables and neon beer signs. It wasn't until I'd been watching the baseball game on the giant television for two hours, sipping my beers slowly, that people started to trickle in. Soon enough, it was packed. Then my eyes found Laura and Jennifer.

They were in evening wear, laughing and smiling, enjoying a carefree night out. Of all the nights and all the places in NYC, they had to come to this one on the night I was here.Go figure, that's my luck.

Turning back around, I tried to make myself invisible, because if they saw me, then they would leave. Who wanted to hang out with their boss after work? Jennifer commanded attention in her black halter dress and red pumps. My throat tightened as I tried to avert my eyes.

The ladies had taken a seat at a table and were in the middle of a conversation when a tall, dark-haired man made his way over. I fixed my eyes on Jennifer as he sauntered closer, talking loud enough for the entire bar to hear. Without thinking, I crossed the room and took my place beside her, planting a swift kiss on the top of her head. “Hey, babe, you need another drink?”

The man's voice had a hard edge. He jammed his hands into the pockets of his fashionable jeans. It was clear he hadn't shaved in days. Jennifer's eyes darted back and forth between us like she was trying to detect a trap. She leaned close to my ear. “What are you doing?”

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