Page 37 of Rules of Engagement

“You are unbelievable, you know that?” I pick my card up and drop it in my satchel.

“Oh. My. God. You didn’t!” She rolls her eyes. “You're the one that is unbelievable.”

She looks over her shoulder and sees Mario putting the top on my coffee. She leans in and whispers. “How do younotfuck a man like that brains out first chance you get?”

We stand glaring at each other as Mario walks up.

“Good morning, Jorja.”

“Morning, Mario.”

He pushes my order to me, and Margie puts her hand on his arm. “I got this, Mario. Your job is just to deliver the food to the counter.”

He nods, “Have a good day, Jorja.”

“You too.”

I reach for my coffee and cake, but Margie places her hand on mine and squeezes. “Listen, sweetie, you know I love you. You need to either choose Jocko or let him move on! He doesn’t deserve to be strung along anymore.”

I stare at her, dumbfounded. “I haven’t been stringing him along.”

“Not intentionally, but you have been.” She presses her lips together. “As your bestie, I’m telling you the truth. You need to fuck the poor man. Today!”

“What?”

“You're always overthinking and analyzing everything. But this time, you need to let your heart tell your head to shut the fuck up.” She looks over her shoulder again. No one is paying us any attention. “You're a grown woman. Go ahead. Get down and dirty with him. It will be crystal clear to you then.” She releases my hand. “Just fuck him and feel it, then you can stop lying to yourself and admit that you're his girl.”

I take my order and walk to the door. Right before I push it open, I glance back at her. She mouths. “Do him. Today.”

The door shuts behind me.

* * *

Sitting at my desk sipping my coffee and fingering my cake, Margie’s words echo around and around. I take a bite and a sip, then swirl them around in my mouth.

She is right. I need to let him know, and everyone else, for that matter, that I’m not confused anymore. I’m the one that fucked up. I’m the one that has been lying to myself. He’s been clear on how he feels the whole time, and for the past six years, believed he was coming home to a girl who was waiting for him.

I drain my cup and decide. I’m Jocko’s girl. Time to tell the world.

* * *

When Desiree and Britney come in, I give them a smile. “I saw Jocko yesterday.”

They make a beeline for my desk. “And …?”

“And … Woozier!”

Britney throws her head back while Desiree gives me a high-five. “You are so freaking lucky!”

Sidney walks in, so they continue to their desks.

“Good morning, Jorja.”

“Morning, Sidney.”

“I looked over your article on Daisy’s Flowers. Good work.”

Sidney is a perfectionist, so when she gives a compliment, it means something.

---