Chapter Twelve:

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Ashley and I got ready for work together and left together. We stopped by our resident coffeehouse and got breakfast, on the way. I laughed, as we walked into work. We feel so in sync. I didn’t realize how distant I felt from her, until we reconnected again. It’s nice. Ashley is easily my best friend.

“What are you doing tonight?” She asked me, before George gave us our assignments. I shrugged, almost afraid of what her reaction will be, once I let her know that I have plans with Matt.

“I’m supposed to see Matt tonight…” I sighed. Her eyebrows rose.

“Oh, really?” She asked me, cocking her head to the side. I nodded.

“I already agreed to the same with Brian the other day. It’s only fair and I was guilted into it!” I admitted. She laughed.

“Text me if you need me to show up somewhere with a friend emergency. You know I’d do it for you.” She gave my hand a squeeze.

“I love you. You know that? Like, I really love you. I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like you, but whatever it was, I’m really fucking glad I did it.” I beamed. She smiled.

“Hey, it’s what friends are for. And anyway, I’m pretty sure that you’ve done more for me than I can ever replay.” She denied. I opened my mouth to protest, but George picked that moment to clear his throat and start making demands. Of course. It’s going to be a long fucking day.

---

My first stop was at Dom’s work. I ran into him at the lobby. He smiled when he saw me.

“Hey stranger,” he greeted me, pulling me in for a hug. It didn’t take me long to return it. He kissed both of my cheeks, before releasing me. “Speaking of the devil, I was just thinking about the fact that I neglected to get your number. I was serious about us going out. I need someone unbiased to help me find someone. My track record is awful. I have the worst taste in people.” He sighed, dramatically. I giggled and motioned for him to give me his phone. I entered my info and handed it back. “You’re a godsend.” He sang.

“Nah, I’m not that cool.” I laughed. “So, what kind of person are you looking for, so I can be on the lookout?” I asked him.

“Gorgeous, funny as hell, an ass that you’d write songs about,” he swooned. I giggled, but nodded.

“Sex preference?” I asked him.

“Someone who would prefer to have sex with me, yes.” He replied. I hit his arm, playfully.

“You’re something else. I’ll let you know that. We should hang out soon! If you’re not doing anything tomorrow night, I think Ashley and I were going to go out for drinks or maybe a movie night or both?” I offered.

“That would be lovely. Count me in.” He winked at me, before being called back to his desk.

---

I went through the motions and tried to get through work with record timing. I feel like I'm on edge and I need some sort of release. I'm thinking of taking up kickboxing, but I'm always beat after work... Maybe I'll see what Dean is up to, after my plans with Matt... Decisions, decisions.
"I've got one more package. Who wants it?" George asked us. I grimaced, as he looked my way. Mama needs a nap. Today is supposed to be my half day. I've been looking forward to my nap, since I got up this morning.

"I'll take it, G." Chris offered, saving me from one extra trip. I smiled at him gratefully.

"I'm out." I told my boss. He looked like he wanted to say something else, but I shook my head.

"Any way you can come in early tomorrow, Kare?" He asked me. I shook my head, again.

"It's supposed to be my half day tomorrow. I only work tomorrow afternoon and I already gave up my other day off this week. There's no way that's happening. Sorry, not sorry." I declined his offer.

"Come on, Karen." He tried, again.

"No way, Boss Man. It's not gonna happen. Better luck next time." I told him, as I rode out of the building.

---

I ran into Dean, as I stepped into the lobby. He smirked and reached out his arms to steady me. I saw Dom wink at me and give me a thumbs up, out of the corner of my eye. I suppressed a giggle.

"You should be more careful." Dean teased me.

"Maybe you should worry about yourself, old man."

"Old man, huh? Why don't we take this upstairs, and I can show you just how young I am?" He challenged me. I couldn't deny that his offer was tempting.

"I have plans tonight and I don't want my apartment to smell like sex, when I have them." I shook my head.

"What about after your plans?" He asked me in a low voice.

"I'll let you know." I told him, instead of giving him the definitive answer he wanted.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, babe." He promised.

"Good." I ended the conversation and wheeled my bike onto the elevator. Dom joined me. I smiled, when I saw him. He waited until the elevator doors were closed, before saying anything.

"And what are your plans tonight, lovey? Do tell." He asked.

"I'm hanging out with Matt."

"And that's what you're wearing?!" He looked actually pained. I glared at him, playfully.

"No, I just got off of work."

"Oh, good. Don't fret, sweetheart. I'll take good care of you. Once I'm done, Matt won't know what hit him. God knows I've been itching to do a makeover."

Notes

Next chapter will be up tomorrow! It is already in the works! Sorry, again!

Xo,
Katie