Page 12 of Losing Forever
“My dad was more into music.” An A&R for a music publishing company.
Her features pinch. “Oh, gosh. I probably sound like a perv to you. You're not going to tell Noah what I said about him or Grayson, are you? It was just sports talk, just for fun. I didn't mean it. I mean, they're hot and incredible athletes, but I didn't mean to sound pervy. I know they're my bosses. You are, too. Oh, God!” Her features squeeze tighter, and she sinks into her seat. “You could fire me. I just forgot in the excitement, and you're so easy to talk to. You don't say much and just listen. I don't have many friends like that, but I know you're not just a friend. You're my boss, and I'm so sorry. Please don't fire me.”
I can't see myself being friends with Caitlyn. Maybe my old self, pre-accident, but not who I am now. Still, I’m not ready to give up the idea of a friend who isn't related to me.
“I wouldn't fire you over this,” I say. “And I won’t tell Noah.”
“You won’t?” Her brown eyes widen.
“Why are you so surprised?”
An apologetic grin curves her lips. “You don’t ever joke or smile. I thought, you know, that I might have offended you with my frankness. It’s a family curse. All the women have the outspoken gene. My granny says it's a trait to be proud of, but my daddy thinks it’ll get me into trouble one day.” She lets out a dry laugh. “He might have been right if you had found my big mouth to be offensive.”
“Just don’t talk like that around Noah,” I warn her. “He won't think it’s funny. Then again, he’s a guy so he might.”
She giggles. “You made a joke.” The surprise on her face isn’t as alarming as it was a moment ago.
I force a small grin and grab my bag. “I should get to work.”
“It was nice chatting with you.”
I nod. She did more talking than I did, but, yes, it was nice. Usually, I only talk about work with Noah. Today, I chatted with Caitlyn and Grayson.
When he flirted with me earlier, I got so flustered. My heart raced like it does when I have a panic attack. That’s why Noah freaked. It wasn’t just the scarf that concerned him; it was all of it—the rambling, laughing, and teasing. I was acting out of character, like my old self. No. Not my old self. More like a blended version of the way I used to be and the way I am now. I’m not sure how I feel about that person. I don’t know if I’m ready for her.
As soon as I open my laptop on my desk, Noah walks in, all bright-eyed and cheery. His cheeks are red from laughing. I know this because I heard him and Grayson cracking up. For some stupid reason, I feel left out. I doubt I would have gotten the inside joke, if that’s why they were laughing, but I would have liked to have been included.
Oh, God. It's like I’m thirteen again. I smack myself on the forehead.
“You okay?” Noah asks, sounding like a broken record.
“Yep.”
“You sure?”
“Yes,” I hiss, regretting it at once. “Sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm good. I promise.”
“It’s cool.” He strolls to his desk as if unbothered and sits. “Grayson is going to manage the real estate side of the business. I think it’s a good fit for his overly charming personality.”
“Don't you mean overly egotistical?”
“That too.” He chuckles and glances over his shoulder at me with a strange expression.
“What?”
“You’re being different. Emotional and semi-sarcastic.”
“Am I?” I play ignorant and change the subject. “Does Grayson have his real estate license?” It's a valid question, even though I’m certain he'll sell many houses for us, especially if the buyers are female.
“Not yet.” Noah picks up his pen with the football helmet eraser. “He’s signing up for the classes now.”
I spin my chair toward Grayson's office to peek at him but find him bending over the receptionist counter instead.
Caitlyn stares up at him, her lips smacking as she chews her gum and plays with the silver necklace that hangs near her cleavage.
He flashes her his amazing smile, and she practically melts in the seat. He’s such a showoff.
“Is Caitlyn setting up the classes for him?”
