He has a secret. I arch an eyebrow at him and he shakes his head once.
It must be a good one if he’s not willing to tell. Or it’s fucking damning. And I won’t be able to think of anything else until I know.
SOPHIE
Itext my friend, Valerie, on Monday asking what her plans are for this weekend, then get to work. Today is an in-office day which means the pressure is on. I’ve noticed Neal and a few others looking at me differently. Not in a good way either.
It’s like there’s some conspiracy floating around about me. I rub the back of my neck and walk to my dad’s office. He glances up at me and continues the phone conversation he’s having, motioning for me to shut the door.
Once he wraps up, he smiles. “Hi, baby girl. What is it?”
“The reports you requested. Holden and I compiled them yesterday.” I murmur.
Dad gently takes my hand after setting the folder down. “What’s wrong, Sophie?”
“I don’t know. I feel like people are looking at me differently. Have you heard anything?” I ask while trying not to chew my bottom lip.
He considers it for a moment and dials a number. “Can you come in here please?”
It sounds like a question, but I know better. Whoever it is would be stupid to disobey. The door opens behind me a moment later and there’s Roman. The back of his hand brushes mine and I look between the two men.
“Sophie, go ahead.” Dad motions to Roman.
“Do people have a problem with me working from home or … has that true rumor about me with you guys finally taken root?”
“Neal poked around about all your absences and how it violates company policy.” Roman shrugs. “As far as Nick and I are concerned-”
“He says with obvious bias.” My dad narrates.
“It’s not an issue as you have never had any issue getting all your work done and have yet to call out. It’s all been approved.” Roman shrugs. “Do you have a different opinion, Miles?”
“She works from home which proves she can work from other locations.” Dad folds his hands together. “We’ll keep an eye on things and I’ll have Nick address the company handbook.”
“I don’t want people to think I only have this job because of connections. I’m working hard.” I insist. “I am. I do a full eight hours five days a week, just like everyone and-”
“I know, Sophia.” Dad assures me. “It’s not like you’re getting wild promotions or luxuries. And you weren’t paid for the time off you took in Italy. I don’t see any issues. Just keep in mind that public opinion is different from the rules in place.”
I nod and return to my office without another word to Roman. I get through a slew of emails, responding, setting up meetings after consulting calendars, and writing those meetings in. I answer some Q&As from some potential clients, making sure to consult the public website so I don’t give any details they shouldn’t have.
By the time lunch rolls around, I’ve committed to eating in my office. I have a text from Valerie that asks why I’m curious and another saying she’s not busy. So I invite her to the party on Saturday, also inviting her to spend the night Friday and Saturday so I can get some time withanyoneother than the four men I love.
And I do love them. I love them like crazy, so much that I’ve nearly forgotten about having friends and other people around me. I’m nearly worried about the party this weekend. I mean, I was able to handle the wedding, it was a big test, but I think most normal people have some distance from their boyfriend.
I tap my pencil against the desk and then spin in my chair so I’m facing the wall. I lean back and let my shoes drop off my feet. I kick them up in the air and groan. “What a day. Still half to go.”
“Something bothering you, sweetheart?” Nick asks.
His hands slide over my shoulders, rubbing gently. I look at my unpolished toes. “Just life.”
“Big topic. Want to narrow it down?”
I lean back further to look up at him. He rubs my cheek gently. God, I’m never going to get tired of looking at Nick’s face. So handsome. I can’t believe I have himandthree other sexy men. How is it even possible?
“Does it bother you that we’re always together? It’s either coworkers or the five of us. Like no other friends exist.” I ask.
Nick smiles and spins me around, forcing me to sit like the adult I don’t want to be. He rubs my hand gently, settling for something easy and acceptable. “It’s harder as working adults. We make friends at work, go home and rest, relax, maybe have a hobby. Friends tend to factor in less unless you live close.”
“So it’s normal?”