have seen Atlas and let words fly from my mouth that I shouldn’t have.” She bites her lip. “He looked like shit for a few weeks. Sydney said he locked himself in his office.”
“His cousin died,” I point out.
She shrugs. “Yep, but I don’t think that’s the only reason for his downturn.”
I don’t want to know anymore, so I stay quiet, and she changes the subject.
“Have you thought about what I said? About you opening your own online clothing store?”
I have thought about it, last night when I was running.
“Oh, gosh, you’re smiling. You did think about it, right?”
“Just ideas.”
“Do it! You have all the contacts to make it happen for you. You can do it, I have faith in you.”
“Maybe.”
Derek’s at my door, his hands in his pockets as he looks up at me.
“You probably don’t want to see me…” he says, then continues, “… but I’ve come to apologize. I thought I could impress you. Take you out of your comfort zone. You seemed a bit uptight that night.”
“It’s okay, Derek, I did have fun. Until…” I let the words hang out there.
He smirks. “‘Till we got arrested,” he says, then scratches his head. “Yeah, about that, I’m so, so, sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?”
“Nothing, I’m fine. I swear.” I hold up my hands.
“Tina told me I had to do something, or else she’d fire me,” he tells me.
I chuckle at his choice of words and the look of chagrin on his face.
“Of course she did.”
“She mentioned you may need a hand with this business you plan to open, maybe turn one of your rooms into an office? I can help with that.” He smiles. “For free, of course.”
I didn’t think of that, but it would be smart to ask for his help.
“I’ll pay you.”
“I won’t accept.” He smirks. “Look, would you go out to dinner with me? No police involved this time, I swear.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I tell him honestly.
He nods, gives me one of his great smiles, and steps away. “I had to try.” Derek looks behind him. “Until next time, Thea.” He gives me a head nod and walks away. I watch as he slides into his car and drives off.
Going back inside, I call Marissa, and she answers straight away.
“Oh my God, are you coming back? Please… please tell me you are,” she says when I tell her it’s me.
“No, I’m not. But I was hoping you could email me the suppliers email addresses?”
“Umm… okay. Why?” she asks. By the sound of her voice I know she’s baffled.
“I think I may start my own business. Maybe.”
“Thea, oh, God. Yes. That’s such a smart move. You will kill it. Can I work for you when you start hiring?” I laugh. “I’m serious. And did you forget to tell me something?”
I pause and don’t say anything.
“Our boss is your boyfriend?” she whispers. “He was the one at your car that day. Is that why you quit because you don’t want to mix business and pleasure?”
“No.” I cringe.
“Okay, well, he was in, and girl… every girl was drooling over him. I need me one of those… no talking, all brooding types. I bet he is a firecracker in the sack. Does he choke you?”
“Marissa.” My voice goes higher pitched at the end of her name.
“Okay, okay, don’t tell me. Whatever. But I bet his cock is as vicious as that stare he gives anyone but you because I remember the way he looks at you. And girl…” she pauses, “… I want someone to stare at me the same way.”
“You’ll email me the addresses?” I ask, ignoring the remarks regarding Atlas.
“Fine! Yes, of course I will. If I get fired for it, you have to for sure hire me, though.”
“You won’t get fired,” I say. Actually, I have no idea, but I hope she won’t. If she does then I will have to take her on as an employee, I will owe her that much.
“Okay, well, can we meet up soon? We all miss you, and you’ve been gone so long.”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Sydney just walked in and asked for the cell, see you soon, Thea.”
“You are requesting information?” Marissa squeaks, and I close my eyes at Sydney’s booming voice. “Your friend isn’t very quiet about it. Next time, Marissa, shut the door and don’t use the speaker.”
“Yes, Miss.” I hear Marissa say to Sydney.
“Now you… what are you trying to do? Tina mentioned that you will be starting