Just as that thought crossed my mind, I saw Alvin’s car pull up in front of her, and then him getting out of the car, opening the door for her with the kind of protective gesture he’d never shown me.
It hit me like a punch to the gut. Howe he never treated me that way?
I turned away, trying to shake off the feeling, but before I could, I caught Alvin’s eyes through the window. His brow furrowed when he saw me.
I quickly looked away and turned my attention back to Josh. He had finished ordering and handed me the phone. I nced down at the choices he’d made.
Every dish was something I loved.
But how did he know? I didn’t remember ever telling him my favorites. Was it a coincidence, or did he just happen to have the same taste?
I nced up at him, about to ask, but then stopped myself. Thest thing I wanted was for Josh to think I cared too much.
Instead, I casually asked, “Want some wine?”
“I don’t drink,” Josh replied. “Plus, I’ve got things to do this afternoon.”
Right, he still had to look at more apartments.
I figured that was why he wasn’t drinking, so I quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry, I’ll go with you to see the ces. I’ll make sure no one takes advantage of you.”
“I appreciate it, but…” he hesitated. His eyes locked with mine, and he finished, “I’ve decided to just choose on my own. I want to take my time and look around more.”
I nodded, understanding. Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled about tagging along either. It would be exhausting, and if something went wrong with the rental, I’d feel responsible.
I ordered two drinks instead of wine, then sent the order in.
Just then, the light in the restaurant dimmed slightly, and an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air. “Aren’t you supposed to be working? Why are you sitting here eating?”
It was Alvin, of course. He couldn’t stay away, and I had no idea what Thea had been telling him.
His words stung. Was eating lunch somehow beneath him when there was work to be done?
Before I could retort, Josh spoke up, “It’s a break today.”
Alvin shot him a cold, dismissive look, then turned to me. “Who gave permission for this ‘break’?”
“I did,” Josh responded calmly, not even ncing my way.
Alvin’s expression grew colder. “You? You’re just a lighting tech. What right do you have to demand a break? You’re supposed to be working with us to finalize the lighting setup, not wasting time on lunch.”
It was a tant insult. I could feel my temper rising.
“Mr. Dolton,” I snapped back, “The amusement park project is my responsibility. Today’s break was my decision. What,
should we all work ourselves into the ground with no rest, just because you think we should? We’re human too.”
The metaphor might not have been perfect, but it fit the situation.
Josh chimed in. “I may just be a lighting tech, but you guys are in a rush, aren’t you?”
Alvin’s face went a deeper shade of grey, and he was clearly furious.
*Fine. You two enjoy your meal. Company’s picking up the tab today.” Without another word, he stormed off to the front desk to settle the bill.
I shot Josh a wry smile. “Did we order too little?”
He stared at me for a moment, and though he didn’t answer, his eyes held a look that made me feel suddenly guilty.
Before I could look away, Josh spoke again, his voice low. “Someone sent you a message.”
“Oh?” I asked, surprised, as I pulled out my phone.
I read the message and felt my ears turn red.
It was from Jasmine. [Is Josh that bad in bed? Otherwise, how could he sleep in the same room with you, and yet not make a move on a gorgeous girl like you?]
I wanted to p myself. Why had I left my phone unlocked this morning when I ran out of Josh’s room, and why did I share that awkward story with Jasmine?
She’d never responded until now-why did she have to reply with that message, of all things?
I couldn’t even look Josh in the eye. His voice broke the silence, low and steady. “I’m perfectly healthy. Everything’s working just fine.”
I was speechless.