Page 63 of One Good Reason
“Between six and seven. We’re going straight there after closing up here.”
“I could probably swing it.” I nodded. “Do me a favor and don’t tell Talitha about my invitation. Let it be a surprise cause I don’t want her to back out. You know a lot of people don’t like to let their hair down around their boss.”
“She’s going to have to get over that.” Rossi laughed. “Especially since we do a company Christmas party every year… Wait!” He paused. “Are we still having one this year? I know Dah was the one to plan that. If you need me and Talitha to take over, we can do that.”
“Yes, I still plan on having the Christmas party. And no worries, all you guys have to do is show up. I’ll send an evite to everyone the closer it gets to the holidays.”
“Whoo.” He breathed. “I’m happy to hear that. We look forward to that every year.”
“So do I,” I let him know before confirming the meet up time again. After walking around saying my goodbyes, I gathered my things and left the center. I had two hours to get home and change before rolling up to Centennial. Clearly, Talitha couldn’t ignore my ass all day.
“How long do you plan on being sir?” Baker asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll text you when I’m ready.”
“That’ll work. Have fun and don’t go pissing nobody off.” He laughed.
Baker had been my driver and essentially my right-hand for years. After I left the youth center earlier, I told him how Talitha was giving my ass the cold shoulder. It was him who suggested I show up to the park with a few bottles of wine to help plead my case.
Stepping out of the truck, I shot Rossi a text for their location and after getting the confirmation I needed, I headed toward the entrance with my bag of apologies in hand.
Once I located the trio, I made my way over to them. God must’ve been on my side because the spot on the grass next to Talitha was available. As soon as I was at her side, I unfolded my blanket and placed it down on the ground.
“What the hell,” she muttered.
Instead of acquiescing her, I passed the bag of wine to Rossi. “I hope you guys drink Moet. I stopped by and had them put together this charcuterie board and I also grabbed a few pastries.
“Thank you so much Mr. Harvey,” Marsha gushed and immediately fished the items out of the bag.
“Why are you here, Law?” Talitha gritted.
“Wanted to see who had the pleasure of taking you out on a date this evening.” I shrugged.
“You are so difficult.”
“All you had to do was agree to dinner and I wouldn’t have impeded on your evening plans.”
Before Talitha responded, she looked over to make sure Rossi and Marsha wasn’t paying us any attention. The two of us were having a heated, muffled debate unbeknownst to our other two guests. After realizing they were in their own little world, she rolled her eyes and turned back to me.
“I told you I had plans.”
“You lied and said you had a date.”
“Same difference.”
“Had you been truthful, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
“You shouldn’t be here regardless,” she groused. “I’m trying to unwind from an already chaotic work week. Hanging with mybossoutside of work is not my idea of unwinding.
Ouch. I’ve been reduced to just her boss.“Is that where we are?”
“It’s where you put us.”
Scooting closer to her, I placed my hand at the small of her back, leaned in and whispered. “Is that all I am to you? Just your boss? You’ve reduced me down to that.”
She shrugged. “You made it this way when you went ghost on me. I know I have an issue communicating but from what I’ve seen, that’s never been your issue. You’ve been very vocal up until that point. So, what brought about the change?” she challenged.
“I don’t mind telling you. However, here isn’t the time nor place.”
