of the massive company we worked for and they were this down-to-earth. I mean, down-to-earth if one forgot that they were wearing head-to-toe couture and diamond-encrusted Cartier everything.
“You remember Tariq. He’s also on the Davidson’s team.” Rocco gestured to the rest of the GEC crew. “And this is Salome. She’s an assistant professor at North Texas University.” He smiled warmly at the group, but when he got to me, it was like ice. He literally looked right through me.
Oh, this is how it was. We were cool until the bosses showed up. Good to know.
I felt dumb and little and was working hard at trying to become invisible when José spoke up again. “Julia managed to find all the New Yorkers in the entire company.”
“She did.” That was Rocco, who was still not looking at me.
“Muffy, we should’ve come with them instead.” Mitzy kept talking, seemingly unaware of how stiff Rocco was. Nobody seemed to be aware of it except for me. His tell was in those baby blues. When you spoke to him, he made sure to give you his focus, but when he wasn’t comfortable he held back his gaze. His eyes everywhere but where they were supposed to be. Because they’d sell him out. They’d announce to the world exactly how he felt.
“We’re guests at Mark Cuban’s box today,” Mitzy explained while I kept my eyes on Rocco Quinn. “There’s nothing but old men drinking too much and talking about their money.” She shuddered and we all laughed. “I like it much better here.”
There was some pleasant banter for a few more minutes, before the twins regretfully said they needed to return to their own party. Before slipping out, Muffy came over to me. She smiled and looked over at Rocco, who was talking to her sister. “I’m so pleased that you’ve gotten some rapport with the consultant. It can’t hurt us.”
I was startled at her words and wondered if they’d noticed anything going on with me and Rocco. I looked over at where he was, his face devoid of all emotion, shoulders stiff. This was exactly why I needed to leave this alone and keep my distance. I’d almost kissed him. The twins could’ve walked in on us. I could be impulsive. Exhibit A: Moving to Dallas for Matt. But I was not a fool.
This was foolish. Things were complicated enough without me looking for ways to hurt myself, the programs, and possibly Rocco. I could not, under any circumstances, forget that. I must’ve been looking particularly distressed because Rocco excused himself from chatting with Dani and Tariq to come over to me.
“Is everything okay?” He looked worried and, even in my panicked state, a warmth spread through me when I saw him looking out for me.
Me and my fool-ass head.
“I’m good.”
“Are you sure?” He seemed like he was one more noncommittal answer on my part from checking my temperature.
Smile, Julia.
“So good, thanks!” I ducked out from under him and went to the bar. I needed to dial it back and I needed to keep my game face on. For both our sakes.
Chapter Ten
Julia
“That bitch needs to go down.”
I sighed as I walked around my apartment trying to do some cleaning while I chatted with Alba. My best friend’s approach to most things was “cut-a-bitch,” which despite being appealing in Vicki’s case was not exactly optimal. She’d approached me once again offering to talk to clients if I needed “testimonials” for Davidson’s. I wasn’t going to parade around the people we served like some kind of human show-and-tell. And I certainly wasn’t looking for more opportunities to have one-on-ones with Rocco.
For once, I’d heeded my own advice and avoided the man at every turn since the game. Three days in and it was still hard to avoid him on the group chat, but I had to keep my shit together, especially when there were plenty of professional crises going on in my life already. I did not need to throw a workplace affair into the mix.
I slumped on my beautiful blue velvet sectional—the one thing I’d splurged on for the move, since I thought I’d be paying only half of it. I refused to dwell on the monthly payment and enjoyed how amazing my couch was. Because Matt may be an asshole, but I’d always have this velvet dream. Even if Vicki’s trifling ass was harshing my buzz.
“Did you hear me, Julia del Mar?”
“Alba, I’m not going to be the one to bring Vicki down. Yes,