As Eric excuses himself to use the restroom, I quickly check my phone to see if there's anything important I've missed. He takes longer than expected, not giving me much time to get back to the office. As I grow bored, I check my Insta DMs to see the messages I've left unanswered. When it comes to social media, I’m the worst offender unlike everyone else in my generation who posts everything. Lately, I just can't be bothered. It's all a bunch of bullshit, anyway. All the photos people put up are fake or filtered. Everyone is trying to sell a lie they live.
Inside my inbox is a message from Beau that he sent over two weeks ago, and I forgot to respond to. From memory, I was on the bus and then got a call from Meredith about the job.
I read the message again, unable to hide my smile. It won’t surprise me if Beau is sleeping with his professor by now.
Me:You do know my father's name is also Alex Edwards? At least, that's what he used to be referred to as. Guessing you’ve found your way into your professor’s pants. Or she found her way into yours?
Eric walks back from the restroom, prompting me to put my phone away so we can leave. Judging by the look on his face, something must have happened in the restroom, but as always with Eric, some things as better left unknown. Once you hear something, it’sveryhard to unhear it.
“Thanks for lunch, Uncle Eric,” I tease.
He shudders in his expensive Dior suit. “Please don’t. Until I wear man pads and a cane to walk, Eric will suit me just fine. Actually, Big Daddy might work. Lex seems to like Charlie calling him that.”
I slap his arm without hesitating. “You promised to behave.”
“Sorry, Big Daddy promises to be on his behavior … next time, okay?”
* * *
I'm dressed in the so-called virgin white jumpsuit, not that I look like a virgin, or maybe I do. Who knows anymore. I wonder if it’s possible to be revirginized since the chances of it happening to me are quite high.
The sleeves of the jumpsuit flare at my wrists, making the low-cut cleavage not seem as noticeable. The jumpsuit looks quite plain as I glance in the mirror, so I grab a belt just to accessorize. My hair is left out loose into soft waves down my back. It’s been a while since I’ve cut it, but I don’t mind the length so much.
My makeup is simple, just a little wing eyeliner, nothing too dramatic.
April enters the room, throwing herself on the bed. We haven’t seen each other much since she got a casual job working at a studio lot.
“Oh, you look hot, Mama.” She whistles, admiring me from the bed. “Maybe I should come? Find some hot guy in Hunter’s office.”
I turn around from the mirror. “I think I need to get laid.”
“Wow,” April shouts while sitting up to rest on her knees. “You're admitting you're human and not a robot?”
“Funny,” I sneer. “Eric pointed something out the other day. He’s right. It’s been forever since I've had a boyfriend. I'm not craving a relationship or anything serious, but I do miss having a guy around. Is that bad?”
“No. Why do you put this pressure on yourself, Alexa?”
I shrug. “Things with Cole became so intense too quickly. I think I've just been scared to experience another relationship like that.”
“But every relationship is different.” April restyles her hair, placing a bun on top of her head while she speaks. “I don't have a ton of experience, but every guy I've been with has been different. It doesn't hurt to play the field a little.”
“Maybe,” I mumble, letting out a long-winded breath. “If it happens, it happens. Just not tonight. I don't exactly want to mix business with pleasure.”
April throws her head back, laughing. “In an outfit like that, I won’t be surprised if you bring a guy home.”
“I’m good.” I grin, then finish putting my hoop earrings on. “Do you think you can give me a ride to Malibu? I can Uber it back. I just don’t want to risk anything, you know, if I have a couple of drinks.”
“Um, are you forgetting that we’re no longer in Europe?”
It only dawns on me now my drinking days are over, at least for another year until I turn twenty-one.
“Shit, you're right. I didn't even think about that,” I say, lost in thought. “God, sometimes I just wish we could go back. So much freedom, the responsibility here is so much more.”
Since drinking isn't possible, I don’t see any reason for April to drive me. That is until I attempt to start my car, and it makes a funny sound. Of course, my luck, it has to happen tonight. I end up having to ask April again for the favor and just plan to Uber it back. April doesn’t mind since she plans to meet an old friend in Santa Monica with the possibility of crashing there.
With my purse ready to go, April drives me to Malibu. The event is being held by a major client of ours. A lot of people from the office said they would attend, except Meredith. She didn't do work events unless Mr. Cash asked for her attendance.
When we get there, April waves goodbye after I exit the car. Taking a deep breath, I put on my best smile, knowing if I want to make an impression and keep my job, being social gives me the best chance.