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“Oh no,” I laugh pointing at myself. “Single AF over here.”
Putting down the item she was holding, she chuckles under her breath. Even though she’s looking down, I can see she’s smiling. This is the first time I’ve seen her smile; it’s beautiful.
“You did all this?” She points around the room.
“Party planning committee did.” I nod.
“Gotcha. Listen, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. Not to make excuses for my behavior, I was having a shit day. And yes, the ice cream cake helped.” She turns on her heels and walks away.
Chapter Three
Bobby
“Thirty minutes we start counting silent bids,” I say through my earpiece mic, catching a glimpse of myself.
The Mission Impossible theme song plays in my head, and I can’t help but wiggle my booty. The earpiece makes me feel like a spy on a secret mission. Hate to toot my own horn, but I’m looking quite dapper tonight in my favorite deep purple suit. I noticed bossman wearing a similar suit, only difference is my vest is paisley and his is plain and boring.
Taking a moment to order a drink, I admire how all our hard work has come to fruition. The transformed first floor lobby looks like a sophisticated high-end club. It gives me the warm and fuzzies.
With the annual event falling on Valentine’s Day, some wanted to make it all about love. Others wanted to be more inclusive for us single folks. Kyla, who reads those naughty lady books at lunch; you know, the ones with the half-naked dudes on the covers. She convinced the others that we should do a sexy masquerade ball. Her excitement was contagious. So here we are.
The music is pumping, the bid-boxes are filling up quickly and everyone is having a good time. I don’t know if it’s love in the air or the full moon tonight, but even mister Walker has congratulated us on a job well done.
Praise from Caesar.
I find it funny I only recognize a handful of people. How can these silly little masks offer so much ambiguity by only covering the eyes? Chuckling to myself, I take a drink as two women and a man enter the lobby. Again, no clue who they are. Pretty sure the women work for the firm, so I concentrate on them. Then the one in the strapless black mini dress smiles and I sit straight up. I’d recognize that smile anywhere.
Shayla.
Squeezing my eyes closed tight, I open them and focus on her with my mouth open wide. She looks like she stepped off the pages of a magazine. She’s always been beautiful, but tonight… wow.
Soft, bouncing brown curls cascade over her shoulders. I’ve never seen her with her hair down. It’s so long and beautiful. I want to run my fingers through it. My eyes travel down to her red lips, so full and kissable. I can’t take my eyes off her.
“Bobby.” Judith appears out of nowhere, startling me.
I scream uncontrollably while my arms and legs move wildly on their own as my drink splashes out of the glass. Trying to stay on my feet, I look like a baby giraffe walking for the first time. My voice changes several octaves as my soul leaps from my body, making a run for the hills while Judith glares at me. Finally, I’m able to regain control when my soul decides it’s safe to return.
“What?” I hold my chest, trying to catch my breath. “I wasn’t thinking anything.”
“Obviously.” She rolls her eyes. “We’re going to tally the bids. I’m tired, my feet hurt, and I despise drunks,” she scoffs.
“Yeah,” I say in a high-pitched voice while nodding my head.
“Did you pee yourself?” She stares at my crotch.
“Hey, hey. Eyes up here.” I cover myself and point at my face. “It’s white wine spritzer.”
“Your mommy’s special guy, aren’t you?” She laughs hysterically.
“She tells me that all the time.” I grab napkins from the bar as Judith bursts into a fit of laughter.
Wiping my jacket and shirt, she continues to cackle while walking away. Trying my best to ignore her, I pat my pants dry. Well, as dry as I can, considering I’m using these fancy black napkins. I swear the added color is keeping them from absorbing anything.
“Here ya go, buddy. For what it’s worth, that lady has scared me all night,” the bartender chuckles, placing a fresh drink in front of me.
We laugh before he turns away, while I continue to dry myself with the least absorbent napkins ever.
“Have an accident?” A soft voice says over my shoulder.
