Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

He grins, “Oh, yeah. ”

Awesome.

Chapter Eight

The object of my affections

“He did what?” Lola looks like she’s about the spew fire.

I answer, “He had me investigated. ” I go about my business and try to ignore the stares from Lola and Nat.

“But, why?” This from Nat. She’s quiet and sounds confused.

Lola chides, “Oh, hell no, this conversation doesn’t go any further until we have Mimi add her wisdom to it. ” She walks up to the counter, puts the phone on speaker, and dials what I assume is Mimi’s number.

The phone starts ringing and then we hear Mimi give us her usual greeting, “Yo. ”

Lola clears her throat and begins, “Meems, we’re all here and need you to be a part of this conversation. The topic up for discussion is why Nik had Tina investigated. ”

Mimi actually sounds amused through the speaker, “Well, hot damn, that’s awesome!”

The three of us at the store all say, “What?” a little too loudly.

Mimi sounds exasperated, “C’mon guys, don’t you know what this means?”

The silence is enough to let Mimi know we have no freakin’ idea.

She sighs and enlightens, “It’s because he wants to keep her around! And I’m guessing since you guys know, that he told Tina about it which means he trusts her. Excuse me for being happy about this because, yes, it’s a breach of privacy but Tina doesn’t have anything to hide. So, teeny Tina, you’re in!”

I whisper, “I’m in?”

I look around to Lola and Nat whose expressions have changed so abruptly from scowls to small smiles.

Mimi laughs over the speaker, “You’re in, babe. Listen, I have to go. See ya later. ” She hangs up.

Nat nudges my shoulder and admits, “I guess I was a little too shocked to see what Meems just pointed out. ” She looks me in the eye with a meaningful look, “How much does he know?”

I know what she’s asking. Nat is the only one who knows I own Safira apart from my dad.

Rawr Raaawr

A customer walks in and Lola straightens up, “I’ll take it. ” She walks over to them with a big smile.

Nat and I are alone so it’s safe to tell her ,“He knows I own Safira. He doesn’t know about Mia, Mom, or Jace. He doesn’t know about Mom’s inheritance money, either. ”

Nat looks thoughtful and clarifies, “So he thinks you have very little money and still wants to keep you around even though he was worried you were after him for money. That’s awesome. ”

I’m glad the girls are letting this go. It wasn’t even that big of a deal to me. I get people having trust issues. It’s why I’ve only had one relationship in my twenty eight years. I want Nik to trust me. I understand that’ll take time and I’ll have to be patient. That’s all right with me. He’s the kind of guy who’s worth it. I want him around. So, I’ll be patient.

It’s only been a few weeks and he’s already changed so much towards me. I know he was weirded out by my need to be affectionate and touchy. When he brought Nat and I lunch and I hugged him, he actually hugged me back. It wasn’t just a hug, he stroked my hair. And it felt nice. So nice that I want to hug him every time I see him and feel his big, muscular arms around me, keeping me safe.

Keeping you safe?

I guess I feel protected by him, which is strange, but it’s also nice. I just came from his office and I want to see him again. Like, now.

You’re getting too attached.