She picked up the receiver. “Good morning, Brothers Ink. How may I help you?”
“Crystal?”
She frowned. “Shannon?”
“How are you?”
“I’m great. God, it’s so good to hear from you. How are you?”
“Good. Angel and I were sitting here having coffee, and we just realized it’s your birthday this weekend.”
“Oh, God, don’t bring that up.”
“What’s the matter? Not wanting to turn thirty?” Shannon teased.
“I’m staying twenty-nine forever.”
“Sorry, kid. It doesn’t work that way.”
“Rats.”
“So, anyway, we’ve decided a girl’s weekend is in order.”
“You’re coming here?”
“No. We were thinking bigger.”
“Bigger?”
“Vegas, baby.”
“Vegas? Are you insane?”
“Nope. I already made reservations. And don’t worry about the cost. It’s on us. Your birthday present.”
Crystal bit her lip. “I appreciate the thought, but I can’t. I have to work this weekend. Pretty much every weekend.”
“No excuses. You’re coming.”
“Really, Shannon, my boss would never let me off.” Crystal noticed someone out of the corner of her eye and turned to see the man himself standing with his arms folded looking at her. And he wasn’t happy.
Shannon’s voice sounded in her ear. “That’s why we already asked him. I’m betting he just walked over to your desk, didn’t he?”
“Yup.”
She heard both Shannon and Angel giggling through the phone. “Pack your bags, sugar. He said yes. Oh, and by the way, he was a little pissed you didn’t mention your birthday.”
“I hate you.”
“You love me.”
“I’ve got to go.”
Shannon giggled. “I bet you do. See you tomorrow night. I just emailed you all the info.”
Crystal quickly said her goodbyes and hung up the receiver, her eyes on her boss. “Sorry about that. Did you want something?”
“Were you going to tell me?”