Fat Cat Liar

I say a silent prayer that Lawson won’t tear out of here as the two guys begin the all too common argument about dinner. Jenny throws in her choice of sushi, which sends the conversation escalating.

Condoms, trivia geeks, and now a knock-down about food; he’s going to think we’re all nuts.

He surprises me by lowering his mouth to my ear. “With the exception of Enrique sending me death glares, your friends seem nice.”

“He’s a bit protective.”

“I’d be protective, too.” His warm breath coats the shell of my ear, and I shiver slightly.

If he notices, he doesn’t let on, continuing to whisper, “Are they always like this?”

“Don’t let the term ‘Nerd Herd’ fool you. We can be a bit,” I search for the right word to describe our tribe, “passionate, at times,” I finish.

They continue to argue loudly over their choice of dinner, and Bessie giggles.

His hand moves to my waist, giving it a squeeze. “Passionate I can deal with, but how long does this usually last?”

The small gesture sets my heart racing again, and all I can do is shrug. Finally, Jenny and Enrique go into a staring lockdown, which ends when Jenny huffs dramatically, throwing a hand up in defeat.

Enrique winks triumphantly at me. This does not go unnoticed by Lawson, who grips my waist again.

“Ignore him. He’s gloating,” I try to explain.

“Looks more like flirting, but I can’t say I blame him since I’m doing the same.”

I suck in a breath and try to remain standing as my knees threaten to give out. I glance at Jenny and Bessie, who are watching us closely. Rolling my eyes, I gather my composure. Then I do the only thing I know to do to take the attention off me.

“Who wants a refill?”

•8•8•

‘Lawson’ His name flashes on my phone screen, and my stomach flips with excitement.

“Hello.” My voice squeaks in greeting, and Haley crinkles her eyes. “It’s him,” I mouth, pointing to the phone.

She goes back to reviewing our schedule for the next month.

“Please, tell me you’re in your office.”

“As a matter of fact, I am. Why?”

“Because I’m standing in the middle of the women’s section and somehow wandered into the lingerie. Can you come save me?”

“You’re here?” I jump up, knocking my knee on the sharp corner of my desk, and wince in pain.

“You okay?”

“Yes, occupational injury.”

“Do you think you can come rescue me?”

“Be right there.” I disconnect and massage my aching kneecap.

“I take it you have a visitor?” Haley grins widely. “Told you he was interested.”

“Have you been talking to Jenny again?”

“I don’t have to talk to her to know the behaviors of a man who’s interested in a woman.”