“Cavendish Group dodged a bullet with that one,” he murmurs, and I can’t help but internally do a victory dance.
We’re on such a short timeframe that the last thing I need is the divas. Holly doesn’t seem like that at all.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve got to say, I’m relieved not to have to deal with her.”
“I can assure you, you should be relieved. Hopefully, you guys got someone better.” He takes a drink of his iced tea. “To be honest, I wouldn’t even be surprised if she breaks her contract with Bauer.” He grimaces. “Please don’t repeat that. I could get in so much trouble.”
Both of my hands rise. “I won’t say a word.”
“So... we really are... okay?” he asks, looking uncertain.
I smile. “Yes. We’re really good, Ash.”
He takes a huge breath. “Good, because we have some planning to do.”
I lift a brow. “Planning?”
“You do realize that Lily’s birthday is coming up, right?”
I gasp. “Oh, crap. I completely forgot.” My palm slaps against my forehead. “I haven’t talked to her in days. I’m the worst friend.”
I lay my head on top of my hands. Asher leans over, patting the back of my head.
“This is why you have me. To remind you of the stuff that you forget while trying to navigate corporate America.”
I chuckle. “Thank God for you, then.”
“Thank God, indeed.” He grins at me.
I laugh, my head falling back on my shoulders. It feels good to be back to normal with Asher. It’s been too long. Even before our fallout, I’ve practically tiptoed my way around him since my mom and Lily planted false ideas in my mind about his feelings for me.
It was unfair because I should’ve known better. I should’ve just talked to him.
When my eyes lift, they land on a figure over Asher’s shoulder. My heart stops for a moment before galloping.
“What’s wrong?” Asher asks.
I gulp. Charles is walking in the doors. And he isn’t alone. On his arm is an impeccably dressed woman with long, blonde hair and scarlet-red lips.
“It’s... well... it’s my boss.”
“Oh, shit. You’re allowed to be here, right?”
“Yeah, it’s my break.”
He sits back. “Hopefully, he won’t see you.”
Asher seems completely oblivious to my inner turmoil.
“Nope. He saw me. He’s coming this way.”
I want to slink into my seat and disappear. I haven’t seen him since yesterday, and based on his current company, I’d rather not.
Charles approaches, wearing a dark navy suit, similar to Asher’s, but on him, it looks tailor-made. Why does he always have to look so perfect?
“Raven,” he says, never once looking at Asher. “Aren’t you supposed to be in an interview?”
“Hello, Mr. Cavendish. Nice to see you,” I say, keeping the bite out of my voice and things ever so professional. I can tell it annoys him. “My interviews are later. It’s still my lunch break. I’m here with my friend, Asher Anderson,” I say, motioning toward Asher and forcing Charles to acknowledge his presence.