Page 16 of Never With You
“Not with a high score like yours,” Taryn says.
“I track my cycle, but not with an app. I just do it in Google Calendar. It’s easy because I already use that every day for everything else.”
“That’s a good idea. I could try that. Or, like, my Notes app would work.”
“See?” I smile over a mouthful of food. “Menstruation cycles are a way better topic than Nate Farnsworth.”
Taryn lifts her brows. “You're the one who keeps bringing him up.”
It’s because he’s always on my freaking mind.
“Do you have a reservation?”the hostess at Oregano’s Italian Restaurant asks over the loud music and conversation.
“I’m with Emma. Party of six.”
She points behind her. “They’ve already been seated.”
Oregano’s is packed on Friday nights, but Emma’s uncle is the head chef, so we can always get a table for our standing second-Friday-of-the-month friends’ dinner. These are my ride-or-die girls I’ve known since elementary school. We made it through junior high, high school, and college and managed to still like each other.
When I get to our usual table, I sling the strap of my purse over the last empty chair. “Hello, hello!”
Everyone turns in surprise.
Camila is the first to speak, which isn’t shocking. She’s the lawyer of the group and always has something to say. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be on a plane to New Zealand right now?”
“Yes.” I dramatically drop into my seat. “But I’m not.”
Blair angles forward, her black, chin-length hair swaying as she leans in. “Let me guess. Nate kicked you off.”
“How did you know?” Sarcasm owns my words. “By the way, hi!” I wave back to her. “I haven’t seen you in forever.” Blair has been out of town for work the last three dinners. But that’s typical. She’s pretty hit or miss.
“It has been a long time. I go away for three months, and when I return, your office enemy is still a jerk.”
I laugh. “Are we even surprised?”
“I hate this for you.” Emma’s shoulders sink like she’s as devastated as I am. We can always count on sweet Emma to sympathize with us during our hardships. “You were looking forward to the New Zealand trip so much.”
“Yeah, well, now I get to look forward to Cabo next week.”
“Again? Didn’t you just go to Cabo?” Emma’s cute frown, paired with her red hair, makes her so endearing. She’s definitely the nicest one of our friend group. She’s not shy, but she’s not as outspoken as the rest of us.
“I went to Cabo two months ago, but yes, I’m going there again.” I open the menu in front of me with no intention of deciding what to order until the waiter stands in front of me. Though we all know I’ll get the pizza cookie for dessert.
“How can Nate keep kicking you off trips?” Juliet asks. Her brown hair is slicked on both sides into a sophisticated ponytail. Dangly gold earrings complete the look. “Can’t you file a complaint with your HR department over this? He’s clearly targeting you on purpose.”
“Do you guys even have a human resources department?” Juliet’s boyfriend, Vinny, asks. Vinny’s been allowed to attend our friend dinner every once in a while—basically whenever Juliet throws a fit about it. He grew up with us in Gilbert. He and Juliet have been together since ninth grade, so we’re all pretty used to having him around.
“We don’t have a human resources department,” I say, answering his question. “We have an HRperson, but she’s useless, as in she thinks Nate walks on water.”
“Then sue the company for harassment.” Juliet turns to Camila for legal help. “You’d represent Carly, wouldn’t you?”
“I’m a divorce attorney…so no. And that’s not harassment.” Camila swipes at her unruly dark curls, moving them back from her shoulder. “I’m not a fan of Nate, but I’m also not a fan of suing someone for no reason.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here with us instead of flying to New Zealand.” Emma gives me a quick squeeze.
“Thanks,” I sigh. “Let’s just forget about Nate. What were you guys talking about before I came?”
“Blair was telling us about her trip to Europe,” Emma says.
