Page 100 of So That Happened

Because sharing is caring. Not because I want to see Liam get powdered sugar on his totally NON kissable mouth.

Yes! That was better. Ish.

“What was what about?” I ask as we hurry around to the front door of the building. It was raining this morning, but now, the sun’s out. I breathe in the warm, damp smell of sunshine after rain. I really do like Atlanta in the spring.

“Um, when you basically blacked out in the coffee shop just now, and then tipped the extremely rude and obnoxious counter staff?”

“She was insightful.”

“I’d be surprised if she didn’t spit in one of our coffees,” Vanessa says with a roll of her eyes as we step back into the lobby. “It’s like you weren’t even in the same shop as me.”

“I’m just distracted today.”

Luckily, I’m saved from having to explain myself further by the lady in the elevator across the lobby. She’s holding the door for us, so Vanessa and I hurry through, heels clicking on the glossy floor.

“Thanks,” I pant as we dart inside, sloshing coffee as I go.

“Which floor?” The lady smiles, showing off perfectly straight teeth. She’s wearing cute, oversized sunglasses, and has honey-colored hair. She looks like one of those people who could be wearing a garbage bag and everyone would assume it’s a new trend they weren’t cool enough to know about yet.

“Two. Thanks.” Vanessa digs one of her heels into the ground, swiveling her attention back to me. “You’ve been distracted all week. Away with the fairies.”

Is it that obvious?

Vanessa purses her lips and gives me the side-eye. “Did something happen last weekend?”

“Last weekend? No, nothing. Just the tournament, obviously. After which, I went home and slept.” I nod convincingly. This sounds good, believable. Vanessa studies me, and a flustered feeling stirs in my belly. “Alone. Slept alone.”

Nooooo. Why would I add that? Now it sounds like I’m lying.

“I see,” Vanessa says with an eyebrow raise that tells me this isnotover.

I look away sheepishly… right into the eyes of the stylish lady.

At least, I think she’s looking at me. Hard to tell with those sunglasses.

The elevator pings and the doors open. Vanessa clacks out, and the lady gestures to me. “After you.”

“Oh, thank you!” I rebalance my donuts and coffee, and step into the hallway. I didn’t even notice that only one floor was selected on the elevator ride up. Is she here for Stay Inside the Lines? There’s one other office on our floor, but this lady doesn't look like she needs hair plugs.

When we reach the doors to SITL, the woman follows Vanessa and me into the reception area. I’m about to ask her how we can help when she takes off down the hall with a confident familiarity.

Okay, she’s clearly been here a million times.

I place the box of donuts on the table in the breakroom and select a raspberry donut for myself. Just as my mouth closes around a huge bite of doughy, sugary goodness, my eyes fall on sunglasses lady through the window-walls.

She throws open the glass door to Liam and my workspace and practically throws herself at Liam, hugging him tightly.

What in the?

“Who isthat?” Vanessa squeaks, her hands clenching her coffee cup so tight, I’m surprised we don’t have a volcanic coffee eruption on our hands.

“No idea. Maybe a contractor?”

Liam pats the woman’s back, then smiles at her affectionately. His eyes crinkle at the corners, shining with warmth. He’s magnificent when he smiles, and I’m momentarily dazed.

She chatters away, and he listens attentively. His body language is calm, relaxed.

The two of them are clearly well-acquainted. Comfortable.

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