Page 61 of The Thorne at My Side
Now that I've seen the AI Media data from the debate I'm not so sure I can trust him. If the Senator decides to rely on AIM more for the next week, I’ll be left editing for a computer. I said from the beginning I wouldn’t be able to do that. My reputation and pride are at stake.
Austin will essentially be in control of my job security. And after how I bolted from his roomI'm not sure I can face him again. And, now that his company is poised to replace me I don’t think I want to.
I pick up my phone and force myself to feel brave.
MAGGIE:Hey.
Well, that’s not brave at all. You’re a professional writer. Do better.
AUSTIN:Hey yourself.
MAGGIE:I know we said the election was our end date but I’m calling this earlier.
AUSTIN:You sure?
MAGGIE:Yes. So, thanks, I guess.
AUSTIN:You’re welcome?
I can picture him laughing at me. The thought makes me laugh at myself.
MAGGIE:This is weird. I’ll see you around.
AUSTIN:Take care MC.
I exhale a deep breath. Okay, that’s done. Now I'll focus on meeting DCFox and put everything I have left into getting the senator elected.
???
I thought the rule of threes only applied to celebrities dying. But it appears the rule of threes applies to the guy you've beenhaving sex with but don't want to see anymore because you're about to meet the guy you've been texting with.
I ran into Austin on my run yesterday morning. Literally. I was coming up to a crosswalk and was looking down the one way street for any cars when I slammed into someone. It was Austin on freaking roller blades.
First the skateboard, then the yoga mat, and now roller blades. Why can't he do a normal workout like everyone else? Except, okay, his body is fit and it begs to be touched so when he swung around to get his balance by clinging to me I wrapped my arms around his torso and enjoyed the solid warmth of him. Clearly I need to pay better attention to my surroundings when running.
Yesterday afternoon I saw him at the deli near our office. I managed to keep myself hidden from view by ducking behind shelves stocked with artisanal candy and peeking through the items to keep track of him. Austin didn't see me but at one point I was so distracted watching him that I kicked over a corner display of gluten free mac n cheese boxes and then ducked for cover and watched his legs pass by through the lower shelves. Even the quick and distorted view of his gait immediately sent a volt of lust through my insides.
And now, as I make my way into a challenge-myself-to-try-something-new puppy yoga class with Sam, I see Austin leaning against the welcome desk talking to the, very pretty, receptionist.
"We can talk about this tonight," the receptionist says and I am seized with jealousy. The mere suggestion of Austin spending his night with someone else triples me. I only snap out of it when Sam elbows me in the side, hard.
"Oww!" I grumble.
"Look who it is!" She stage whispers so loud that Austinturns around and spots us immediately.
I smile sheepishly and walk up to the desk.
"Hi, I'm Maggie Collins," I say as I try to ignore Austin's form next to me. He is still leaning against the desk and I can sense how big his smile is. "I'm here for the puppy yoga at 9:00."
"Sam Gibson," Sam chimes in from behind me. Then I hear, "Austin, are you taking this class?"
"I wasn't going to, I just finished my power flow class, but now that I've got some friends here, maybe I will." He turns to the receptionist, "Can you fit me in, Elle?"
"Sure thing, Austin," then she turns back towards me. "Did you bring your own mat or do you need to borrow one?"
"I, uhh, need to borrow one."
"I brought mine!" Sam adds unhelpfully as she lifts her mat in the air behind me.
