Chapter 16
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I need to remember to thank Howard on Saturday. This job has been perfect for me, and I get the feeling everyone is happy with my work.
To top it off, I’ve spent the last two days organizing a charity event.
I couldn’t be happier at work.
In all truth, it was beginning to feel like my world was crumbling down around me. Lauren moved away, Tina is busy with her own family, and, well, there is my mother. I think I will always hold out hope that my mother will be there for me, but lately it feels like I am losing what little faith I had left in our relationship. I can’t reach her anymore, and I find myself wondering if I ever did, or if she played me too.
Then came this job, and Declan and Lucas, and my life began to fill up again.
Since Monday, I’ve been counting down the days until our office dinner. Now it’s tonight.
Janice hasn’t stopped talking about their past dinners all week. Getting dressed up, going out on the town, and having a lavish dinner with my new coworkers–especially coworkers as good–looking as Declan and Lucas, is my kind of night.
Getting to know them over the last couple of weeks has been wonderful. Under all of those good looks, they are both great guys. I’ve watched them speak with men and women at the office, and they both have a natural ability to read people and react appropriately. They put everyone at ease, myself included.
I’m looking forward to interacting with everyone outside the confines of a professional atmosphere. I imagine Declan and Lucas are even more mesmerizing to be around away from the office. I also believe that Janice is probably a lot more vocal and opinionated when she has some drinks in her, and I’m looking forward to testing my theory tonight.
I decided to go with the cocktail dress I had at home. I’ve barely worn it, so it looks new, and although it is a little risqué by my standards, Lauren tells me it is more than appropriate. I love the way it feels on my skin. I’m not normally a dress person, but this is different. It is a dark, silky charcoal gray and has a plunging neckline that I wimped out on exposing and added a dainty necklace to. The belt is a shimmery metal chain, and it clasps loosely around my hips. I like the length; it hits a little above my knees with a slit that climbs up to the middle of my thighs. Unless I am pulling at it, the slit doesn’t fall open easily, so it’s not noticeable.
It’s still early in the afternoon when my bosses walk out through Lucas’s door. Janice wears a look that tells me she knows something I don’t, and I glance between everyone. I’m clearly the new kid on the block, because I don’t know what is coming next.
“Well, Janice, you know the drill,” Lucas starts with a suggestive smile as he shifts his gaze over to me. “It’s time we got this thing going. We’re calling it a day.”
You don’t need to tell Janice twice. She’s already got her phone to her ear and is recording an out of office message as she reaches for her purse.
“Well, Jayne. What are you waiting for?” Declan has an amused look on his face.
“Um, I’m not sure what’s going on. We’re leaving early?” I tap my pen against my notebook, and both men
9:41 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 16
smile at my question.
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“It’s part of the appreciation. We get to go home early, relax, and get ready for tonight.” Janice has already mentally checked out of work. She is all aboard the party train.
“We’re sending a car to pick you up at seven, and we’ll see you at the restaurant.” Now Lucas is beginning to hover, and I get the impression leaving work early today is more mandatory than optional.
“A car? Like my own driver?” I ask as I reach for my bag and stand. I can’t suppress a smile now, even if I wanted to. I don’t think I’ve ever had my very own driver.
“Yes, well, we want you to enjoy yourselves and not worry about anything. Your driver will bring you to the restaurant and back home,” Lucas answers and I look up to see Janice halfway to the elevator, waving her goodbyes. She is clearly on a mission.
“Someone’s excited.” I smile as the elevator doors close on Janice. Then I look over to Declan and Lucas, who both seem to be in full–on relax mode. They are standing still, and their eyes are on me.
Janice isn’t the only one who seems excited for this evening. Both of the guys look as though they are patiently waiting for something.
Waiting for me? Right, I’m still standing here like an idiot when I’ve been given my marching orders to leave so they can lock up for the day.
“Well, I’m excited too. I’ve never had a driver before. I guess there’s a first time for everything. See you guys tonight.” I make my way over to the elevator and press the button.
Suddenly, butterflies flare to life in my stomach, and I’m filled with nervous excitement.
I’ve given up on containing the big grin taking over my face.
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