It is a day I will remember forever. Such pure souls united for a cause near and dear to my heart.
The principal even displayed the artwork at the front of the school during Autism Awareness month. Nothing had been able to wipe away the proud smiles on my students’ faces when they passed it every morning.
My heart swells as the memory blankets me in the same warm fuzzies I felt at the time.
This is why I’m here.
The reminder is necessary and I’ll chant it like a mantra if it gets me through this summer with Edward Knight as my boss.
Still, I think a drink and some girl chat will do wonders to help me recover from the crazy whirlwind that today has been.
Swiping upward, I unlock my phone and text my best friend, Charli.
Crazy day. Up for happy hour and snacks at Banana Boat?
I know the mere mention of food will sway her in the right direction.
A few minutes later, I’m clicking through emails when my phone buzzes.
You know I’m in! What time? NOW?! Can’t wait to see your gorgeous face xo
Smiling, I send a reply and get back to work. Charli’s company will lift my spirits in a heartbeat and I can’t wait to get her take on my current dilemma.
With something to look forward to, the rest of my day passes quickly. When five o’clock rolls around, I can’t get out of there fast enough.
Time to unwind.
Five
LILAH
“Please tell me you’re going to call him!” Charli erupts as I finish the long-winded recap of my day.
The waterfront bar I chose is teeming with people despite it being a Monday night. The summer air is warm, pulling people who would usually stay home out for a night of fun. Loud music is blaring as people dance and chat.
Charli and I are seated in a far back corner, as secluded as we can possibly get in a place like this.
She can find no fault in what I told her about Andrew and looks positively thrilled at the prospect of me “climbing him like a tree” as she so eloquently put it.
I can’t even pretend like that’s not exactly what I want. My stomach is quivering as I recall the way his eyes pierced me with their focused intent. He didn’t have to say a word and still I melted like the ice at the bottom of my glass.
“Fuck your uptight new boss,” Charli declares loyally, her amber eyes defiant on my behalf. “I say you screw Andrew’s brains out and ask him for the donation instead. It’s not like he can’t afford it.”
Uncontrollable laughter bubbles out of me at her bold suggestion.
“Girl, I’m serious,” she deadpans, shoving her overgrown bangs from her face. “Let him eat your cookie at least.”
My shoulders are shaking by now, my right hand clasped over my chest. This is exactly why I called her up. In six years of friendship, Charli’s never failed to make me laugh by saying exactly what I’m thinking.
We met during our senior year of college and have been hanging tight ever since. She’s the only reason I’m in this town in the first place. After graduation, she landed me a job interview with the principal who hired her and the rest is history.
“Hell, one of us should have a fun summer break before we return to Harper’s View Elementary,” she says.
Sliding her an indolent smile from across the table, I wait for her to continue. Because I just know she’s not done. Charli is never done.
“You know I’m right.” She twists a lock of her curly ebony hair around her finger. “When school starts, neither one of us will have energy to do anything but drink cheap wine in our yoga pants after work.”
Ain’t that the truth?
As convincing as she is, I still know that I can’t go there. My “career” at Castle is too new and way too fragile to add in other complications at the moment. Especially those of the finger-licking sexual variety.
Besides, nothing will distract me from my goal. I’ll just have to call on my willpower to get me through these next three months.
Forget the fact that I haven’t been touched in two years. I’m desperately craving a release that isn’t self-induced with the help of my trusty vibrator, Ronaldo.
Yes, I named my vibrator. The two of us spend quite a lot of time together, so it was only right. Speaking of which, I’ve got a feeling I’ll need to swing by Walgreen’s and stock up on some batteries on my way home.
“Besides, what woman wouldn’t want to be able to say she screwed one of the richest guys on the east coast? The Knights are loaded.”
Charli is still prattling on and on about how easy my decision should be when an overly perky waitress appears at our table holding a plate with two cupcakes resting at the center.
“Enjoy, ladies,” she says, smiling brightly before scurrying off.
Confused, I raise an eyebrow and wait for my friend to explain.
Grabbing one of the cupcakes, Charli smiles deviously at me.
“We never got a chance to celebrate your new job!” she says excitedly.
Rolling my eyes, I look at her and I know my stare is asking her the question that I haven’t voiced.
Is she serious right now?
“It’s not a real job, Charli.” It’s just a stupid hoop I have to jump through to convince one rich man I’m worthy of his investment by convincing rich people to trust me with their wealth.
When I think of it like that, maybe it is a job…
Instantly, I have to check myself. I can’t think of this as a burden when it’s laying the groundwork for me to
