Page 75 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Once I move apartments, then at least I’ll only have to avoid awkward office confrontations.

I can do that. I can cope.

Just not today.

* * *

“So,how have you been getting on with Roisin’s task?”

I recognize Molly’s voice immediately. I quickly lift my feet off the floor so they can’t be seen under the cubicle door.

“I’ve tried everything, but I can’t get him to kiss me, let alone anything else. I’ve pretty much thrown myself at him. It’s humiliating.”

The voice of frustration has an Italian accent. Sophia.

“What do you mean he won’t kiss you? Padraig’s not gay, is he?”

“Of course he’s not gay. He managed to get it up forher,didn’t he?” she hisses in disgust.

She’s obviously referring to Jaine.

“Why then? I mean, it’s not like you’re not beautiful.”

“It never concerned me before or even crossed my mind. When we were first betrothed, I was under the age of consent. Then, when I turned seventeen, I assumed Padraig was being gentlemanly. Perhaps choosing to wait until we were wed. But it’s not that. He’s not interested. He doesn’t find me physically attractive.”

I can almost visualize the pout.

“But why?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? It’s because he’s still in love with her!”

“You can’t be serious? Are you telling me Padraig O’Connell hasn’t slept with anyone else in all this time?”

“That’s exactly what I am telling you. You heard what Roisin said. He’s been in love with her since he was nineteen. What other reason can there be that he won’t take what I’m pretty much throwing in his face?”

“Roisin won’t be pleased with this update.”

“And what can I do about that, Molly? I can’t force him to have sex with me. And don’t think because Eoin is sleeping with you it makes your position any safer. From what I hear, he has a host of individually hand-picked women at his beck and call, including his PA. He may just have added you to his extensive harem so he appears interested. Has he asked your father for your hand yet?”

“No.”

“You see? He’s using you and keeping you quiet while looking for any excuse to declare you an unsuitable match. He’s still in love with her too. I think Roisin is correct on both counts. They’re both waiting for her to return to Manhattan.”

“But you’ll be married before then.”

“Yes. Trapped in a loveless marriage having to watch as my husband pines over another woman.”

There’s a silence.

“Maybe we have to take matters into our own hands, Sophia.”

“Yes, maybe we do. Because if Jaine Jones is offering me a lifetime of solitude and misery, then maybe I should afford her the same courtesy.”

I stay where I am until the restroom door opens then closes.

You know what? Maybe I’ll attend today’s little soiree after all, because things sure are starting to get interesting around here.

* * *

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