Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Thanks for picking me up,” Remy said in her sweet voice as she pulled her seatbelt on. “I have no clue how to even get to where we’re going!”
“It’s no problem at all,” I told her as I pulled away from the curb. “Hold on tight, we won’t be long.”
The two of us sat in a comfortable silence throughout the short journey. It wasn’t awkward since we were used to working together in an environment with little discussion. The radio was playing quietly in the background and that felt like enough noise for the two of us, although I couldn’t help but dart my eyes to the side every now and then to get a glimpse of Remy. Her dress was riding up her thighs a little and I couldn’t help taking in the creamy, pale skin revealed there.
By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I welcome the cool, refreshing air as I stepped out of the car and put some distance between Remy and I. It was a fancy Italian place just a few blocks away from the office and we were seated promptly thanks to Kelly’s reservation. I placed my hand on Remy’s arm reassuringly as I led her through the customers and toward our table at the back. Mr. Washington and his wife were already present and chatting with Kelly and Isaac over cocktails while they waited for us to arrive.
“Griff!” Isaac greeted with a big smile. He reached out to give me a friendly hug before turning to the rest of the group. “Let’s take our seats then.”
As we approached the table, I pulled out the first chair and indicated for Remy to sit. “For you,” I told her with a charming smile.
“Thank you,” she replied and graciously took the seat, adjusting her dress as she sat down.
Opposite her, Mr. Washington also helped his wife into her seat before glancing over at Remy. His eyes lingered longer than I thought was appropriate and I noticed he smiled at her that felt more like he was trying to pick her up than be friendly. Luckily, Remy was oblivious. For some reason, the whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. I could feel an awful, unfamiliar feeling rising in my stomach like bile. Jealousy, I realized.
Now is not the time, Griff, I told myself firmly as I took my own seat next to Remy. I was here to try and keep my job, not get jealous over my pretend girlfriend being ogled by someone else. Yet, I couldn’t get rid of the uncomfortable feeling Mr. Washington gave me.
I sighed. It’s going to be a long night.
8
Remy
As soon as I was seated at the table, I felt overwhelmed by just how nice the restaurant was. The wait staff were all dressed in formal uniforms, there were delicately folded napkins sat next to expensive-looking silverware, and all of the menus were written in Italian. I couldn’t speak a word of it and I could feel myself beginning to sweat a little. I was so far out of my comfort zone, it was unreal. On a Friday night, I would usually be cuddled up on the sofa with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s, wine, and a sappy rom-com, not at an elegant restaurant having dinner with important clients! The whole thing was a lot to take in.
Because I was nervous, I took a few more sips of my wine than I probably should have done. My glass emptied at a much faster rate than Kelly’s or Mrs. Washington’s, but I figured that wasn’t too bad. After all, I could use a little Dutch courage. Apart from the drinking, I made sure to mimic everything the other women did. I took one of the soft cloth napkins and laid it on my lap in the same manner that they did and I made sure to laugh whenever they did, even if I didn’t understand the joke that was being made. All in all, it could have been going worse.
“So, just how is the development of the new recycling system going?” Griff asked with a polite smile across the table.
“In all honesty, we’ve been stopped by a little red tape at the moment,” Mr. Washington responded with a grimace. “It’s all bureaucracy for bureaucracy’s sake, if you ask me!”
“I definitely understand that,” Isaac chimed in with a charming smile in the client’s direction.
I zoned out a little. I couldn’t stand much more shop talk after a week of it in the office. Friday’s were when I let myself unwind and relax. I didn’t want to stuff my head with more facts and figures. I sighed and perused the menu, trying to work out what the words meant and failing miserably. Luckily, by the time the waiter came to take our orders, Griff ordered for me and sent a little wink in my direction. Though I knew it was pretend flirtation, I couldn’t help but feel dazzled by the action. I always did love a man who was confident and happy to take charge. Griff was the perfect man in every way.