The Set Up

Peach Salinger

I hate the way I feel right now. Like a clingy bed mate that’s jealous of another woman. It makes me feel like I don’t know my place, like Rhys and I do more than sex.

I swallow hard. He’s on a date with Nichole. So what?

Rhys’s eyes meet mine, and the smile slips from his face. For a moment, we just stare at each other, the noise of the city fading into the background. It’s awkward as hell, and I wish I could disappear, but my feet refuse to move.

Nichole notices me too, and her eyes widen. “Oh, it’s you!” she exclaims. “The girl from the elevator! The one I spilled coffee on earlier today!”

I force a smile. “Yeah, that was me. It’s no big deal. I was the one not looking where I was going.”

Reggie, who’s been silent beside me, looks between us, clearly confused. I quickly clear my throat, trying to salvage what’s left of the situation. “Mr Van Acker, this is Reggie, my... friend. Reggie, this is Mr Van Acker, my boss.”

Rhys nods curtly, his expression unreadable