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“I must not have told you; we’re doing Guys and Dolls.” He shifts in his chair. “It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I don’t think I’ve seen you since you were sleeping with my brother.”
“I didn’t sleep with Mark, and you know it.”
“No. I don’t know that.”
“We fell asleep watching a movie. You know, like you and I have done a thousand times.”
“I just find it funny.”
“Find what funny?” My defenses are up. Armor in place.
“That you were spending time with Mark in the first place.”
This is the perfect opportunity to be open and honest. Just tell Jonathan about dating Mark. Sure, he will be mad, but he will get over it.
“You’re right, it has been a while, but I’m here now. Anyway, I’m sure you told me, things have been pretty busy with work. I have two different launches happening within the next few weeks,” I explain.
“That’s exciting.”
“It really is. One of them is for Franklin Davis.”
“Is he still being all crazy about contracts?” Jonathan laughs.
“You have no idea! Mark finally got the wording right on this last one. It’s the seventh copy, and he finally signed it yesterday!” I stop in my tracks and know right away my faux pas. I try to swallow down my guilt. “I guess it’s been so long since we’ve talked, I haven’t had the chance to mention that Mark works in the law office in my building.”
Jonathan’s eyes narrow. “No. You haven’t.”
“Small world, huh?” I say weakly.
“It would appear so.”
I push the bags towards him. “You should eat. Don’t want it to get cold.”
Jonathan looks into the bags. “It’s salad.”
“Don’t want it to get warm then.” I unload the bags of food onto the table. “You said there was a number you wanted me to see?”
I am trying to sound more upbeat. Things just got pretty heavy. I came here to spend time with Jonathan and to help him with his show. And that’s what I’m going to do.
The rest of rehearsal goes pretty smoothly, despite the awkward tension we started out with. Jonathan has a really talented group. They are amazing. They have put in a lot of work, and it shows. I can’t wait to see the final product. It was also nice spending time with Jonathan; it’s been way too long since we have spent time together, and I know a lot of that is my fault. I’ve been so afraid of what he will think about me dating Mark that I have completely neglected our friendship, which is totally unfair. Jonathan has been there for me through thick and thin over the years and deserves better.
Chapter 22
Mark
Birthday 3 Years Ago
“Ijust want to thank everyone for coming tonight and celebrating my Marky. Happy birthday, Baby!” Natasha raises her glass in a toast.
“To Mark!” Everyone shouts in unison.
I look around the room and I hardly know a single name of anyone toasting in my honor. That seems to be the most consistent birthday tradition. Happy birthday to me from a room full of strangers. Well, they aren’t exactly strangers, I do work with them, or at least most of them. I think.
A well manicured finger glides up my arm. “Penny for your thoughts.” Natasha coos into my ear as she leans up to kiss my cheek. I can tell she’s had a few drinks by the way she’s swaying.
I smile down at her, “Just thinking about how lucky I am.” I pull her into me and I’m about to kiss her when she straightens.
“It’s Mr. Watson and Mr. Bancroft,” She whispers, “I can’t believe they came! I’m telling you, you are a shew in for that promotion.” She straightens my tie. “They wouldn’t come to just anyone’s birthday celebration.” She moves her body to stand next to me like we are some kind of power couple.
