to ignore the tingling in my belly and focus on my anger, as I watch him pull away.
After I change shoes and clean up inside, I make it to work in a less than stellar mood. I’m fuming, as I put my stuff away. My co-workers shoot questioning glances my way but don’t ask. It isn’t until we’re at lunch that Lucy and Travis ask if I’m okay. I finally come clean about my neighbor and what an asshole he is.
“Sounds like he’s into you,” Kassandra says, between bites of her turkey club.
My brows disappear into my hairline, and I practically choke on the chip in my mouth. “I’m sorry, are you listening to the words coming out of my mouth? He purposely let Max shit on my lawn, so I could step in it. Like, how calculating do you have to be to make sure your dog shits in the exact place he knew I’d step?”
Travis is leaning back, his hand partially covering his smirk, as he stares at me. He hasn’t voiced his opinion on the subject. He’s just been listening to me prattle on and on about how much I hate Roman.
“I’m just saying. Guys are weird. And to me, it sounds like you irk him because he likes you. He’s probably pissing you off on purpose to be a dick. Travis, you’re a man. What do you think?” Kassandra asks.
Travis chuckles, swiping a hand down his scruff. He’s still biting back his damn laughter at my expense.
“I can’t speak for the guy in question, but he’d be an idiot not to be attracted to you.” I stop mid-chew and freeze at his answer, and when I glance at Lucy, she’s looking down at her sandwich, as if she didn’t hear what he said. My heart pangs for her. “I know a good way to get your mind off it. Come out tonight. It’s Mark’s birthday, and we’re heading to the bar to celebrate with a few rounds.”
I’m just about to say no, when Lucy butts in with a forced smile on her face. “I think that’s a great idea. Travis is right. Drinks always take my mind off my bad moods.”
I shoot her a sympathetic smile, but she quickly averts her gaze, uncomfortable with my knowledge. It’s not exactly rocket science. It’s obvious she’s more into Travis than she leads on. I guess that’s what happens when you mess around with the people you work with. Except, our boss, is a bit of a manwhore, uncaring who he hurts in the process. And Lucy here, always making herself available to him, even when he’s sleeping with other people at the clinic, doesn’t exactly send the right signals to him.
He’ll likely never get it, until she says something. Or, he could be using it against her, only looking for a quick fuck and nothing monogamous.
I feel bad for her. She’s such a beautiful and sweet girl, and even though Travis is quite the catch, she can do better. She deserves better.
The rest of the workday, I’m left stewing, already thinking of what I’ll do after I get home from work. I let my diabolical mind run rampant with possible scenarios—anything to get back at Roman. It isn’t until we’re heading to the bar that I remember why I can’t chew him out just yet. It’s probably for the best anyway.
Maybe a few drinks are all I need to help me forget about my shitty morning and my even shittier neighbor.
The bar we head to isn’t one of the nicer, newer bars I’ve seen around. This one has a homier vibe with people from all walks of life. The lights are dimmed, music is playing, and the TV, in the corner, broadcasts the nightly sports game for the die-hard fans who simply cannot miss a single one. We all settle at a table near the center of the room. Travis heads to the bar to get drinks for everyone, and of course, Lucy follows. Any reason for her to be close to him.
While we wait, I chat with Kassandra about my issues. And by chat, I mean vent. She snorts, giving me a list of acts for retaliation. Her ideas consist of animal feces, wrapping his car or bike in some kind of wrapping paper or saran wrap, ruining his lawn, and, a few others, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to try out.
Our conspiratorial smiles are refreshing, and dare I say, it feels good to be