The more I think about it, the more juvenile it sounds, or at least, the more juvenile it makes me sound. All I have to do is play this whole thing down and show Eric that Hunter has no effect on me whatsoever.
“There's not really much to say,” I answer nonchalantly. “I met him last week in a board meeting. He was polite, but that was it. I really don't have much to do with him. Actually, I don't have anything to do with him. All the work I do is mainly for Meredith.”
“That's not what Ava tells me.”
“Ava knows nothing,” I retort, realizing it made me sound guilty like I’ve done something wrong. “I meant to say that Ava is a bored housewife making shit up. There’s nothing to tell.”
Eric keeps his gaze fixated as if he’s attempting to break me.
“So, you don't want to tell me Hunter Cash is besties stepdaddy?”
An unflattering groan escapes me. “You sound just like Ava. What's the big deal? Yes, he is technically April’s stepfather. End of story. Can we please move on to something more enjoyable and entertaining to talk about?”
“Sure.” Eric grins in amusement. “How about your upcoming birthday? It’s the big two, oh.”
I somewhat regret changing subjects now. “Let me guess. You want to have a party of some sort?”
“Honey, it's not a birthday without a partay,” Eric claims. His eyes light up, which I know is not going to be a good thing. “What are you thinking? Destination birthday? Something at home?”
I'm quick to interrupt him. “In case you have forgotten, a certain father of mine doesn't talk to me. So, home is out of the question.”
“Not the best of my ideas,” he acknowledges, tapping his finger on his lip. “How about a dinner somewhere fabulous?”
“I'd rather just keep it low-key.”
“Low-key is no fun. Besides, you kept it low-key last year and the year before that.”
“How do you know I kept it low-key last year?” I question him with a frown. “Just because you weren't there in Mykonos doesn't mean I kept it low-key. Now when I think back, it was far from low-key. I don't think I've ever been more drunk than I was that night. Thanks to April, of course.”
“This April,” he drags, rolling his eyes. “I must meet her. Find out what all the fuss is about.”
I place my hand on Eric’s. He’s such a jealous dramatic friend and doesn’t like it when he thinks someone is stealing his thunder.
“April’s chilled,” I say gently. “As for my birthday, let me get back to you. It's not exactly on my mind right now.”
“Oh, yeah?” His eyes dance mischievously. “Is there a certain gentleman occupying your thoughts?”
“I wish. I feel like I've been without a boyfriend forever.”
“You have been without a boyfriend forever,” Eric reminds me so easily. “Look honey, I get the whole I don't need a man thing, but kitty needs to eat. You know what I mean?”
“Eric, I always know what you mean. For once, I agree, kitty is hungry.” The moment it leaves my mouth, it comes across as all wrong, making me cringe. “That sounds incredibly wrong. There’s this one guy at work, Josh, but you said don’t shit where you eat.”
He nods eagerly. “Workplace romances can be so hot. You know, that whole enemies-to-lovers thing.”
“Okay, but Josh is not mean, so there are no enemies-to-lovers.”
“Fine, friends-to-lovers. My point is, workplace romances can get super awkward, especially when it doesn't end well.”
“I've been invited to some work function. It's no big deal like some client party out in Malibu this weekend. I'm kind of thinking of going, you know, just to show some team spirit.”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Eric claps his hands. “Wear something hot, not too slutty, but enough to show everyone you're fun outside of work.
“I'm thinking jumpsuit, maybe long sleeve, plus wedges.
“Virgin white jumpsuit,” he insists.
“Sure,” I jest, even though the term virgin white is unsettling. “I’ll see what I can find.”