Ten Days of Perfect (November Blue #1)(22)

I looked forward to seeing where Bo grew up, and it made me realize how far into him I’d fallen. Shit. Ethically, I needed to rein things in with Bo. Spiritually, I couldn’t force myself to do it. Realistically, I shouldn’t be excited to see the hometown of someone I was “just” having fun with, and might be working with in a professional capacity. Double shit.

We thanked Carrie, wished her well on her trip, and headed home for the day. I went to Monica’s house for dinner. Josh was waiting for us; he’d spent most of the day hanging out and preparing dinner, since he didn’t work on Tuesdays. As I headed up her stairs my phone dinged with a text message.

Bo: Hey, sorry I didn’t text all day-crazy busy. R we all still meeting 4 lunch tomorrow?

I was both relieved and bummed by his casual sounding message.

Me: It’s ok-busy 4 me too. Boss will be out of town for the rest of the week. Tomorrow’s still good-come by office at noon. At Mon’s for dinner. Text you when I get home.

As soon as I hit send, I wondered if I should have asked him to come to dinner - what with the amazing sex we had and all. But, I needed a minute to clear my head and talk with Monica, outside of the office, about the possible ramifications of all of this, work and soul.

“Ember! Good to see you - get your nose out of your damn phone!” Josh hugged me with the sincerity of a big brother.

“Shut up Josh, I text maybe once a day.”

“Was that lover boy?” Josh elbowed me and I glowered at him just before Monica piped in.

“Shut it, Josh.” She sounded as tense as I felt.

“What the hell?” Josh looked at both of us.

“Ugh. It’s nothing, really,” I lied.

Josh laughed dismissively, “Oh, you mean because lover boy isn’t only rocker Bo Cavanaugh, but is technically the wealthy Spencer Cavanaugh - your future boss of sorts? You’ve gotten yourself into a real cock-up, haven’t you?”

“Seriously Monica?!” My eyes widened in betrayal.

“Relax November. This is Josh, I tell him everything. Who is he going to tell? You had sex with a hot musician who happens to be seeking our mad knowledge.”

“You guys had sex!” Josh half-cheered as Monica mumbled “oops” under her breath.

“You’re oh-for-two. Got anything else you’d like to spill?” My anger hissed inside as she continued to help with dinner.

I couldn’t reconcile if my anger was from embarrassment at my sex life being in Josh’s head, or at myself for knowingly entering into a sexual relationship with a potential boss. I’d never felt so torn. My practical, realist side - the side with whom I chose to align most frequently - reminded me that the responsible thing to do would be stop seeing Bo until this collaboration deal was finalized. My free-love side told me to ride the wave with Bo; soak up his intellect, share music, share passion - have sex with the boy. I liked her more and more.

“Guys,” I broke the awkward silence, “I’m sorry for being all weird. I just feel disoriented, disjointed, all sorts of dis.” It felt weird being this vulnerable in front of Josh.

“Ember, it’s fine. I just can’t believe how shitty this is. This is the first guy I’ve seen you fall uninhibitedly for since Adrian, and this thing could get in the way.” Monica walked toward me and gave me a little squeeze.

“Hey, ladies, isn’t your boss out of town through the week and weekend?” Josh asked, and we nodded.

“Well, since she’s the one you’re worried will find out . . .” He looked at us with wide eyes and raised brows.

“What, Josh?” I asked.

“Screw it! Enjoy the week with Bo and worry about it later - or not at all. Mazel Tov!” He raised his glass to cheer.

Monica and I laughed and toasted Josh. With the clink of our glasses I willingly entered into a week of spontaneity. The rest of dinner had a much lighter mood, for the most part.

“You OK, Josh?” I sipped my wine, waiting for an answer.

“Yea. Why?” His eyes surveyed the table, but never met mine.

“You seem a little off.” I shrugged.

“Yea, babe. You OK?” Monica placed her hand on top of his.

“I just feel bad for Ember, is all.” He looked at me and continued, “This guy’s really done something to you. I don’t know, you’re happier. I’ve never heard you sing like that, either.”

“Josh, you hear me sing almost once a week.” I looked at Monica, who shifted her eyes side-to-side. She didn’t know where Josh was going with this either.

“It was different last weekend, Ember. It was all of you up there. No one else has ever brought that out of you before.” Josh bit the inside of his cheek and left the table.

“What the hell?” I whispered to Monica as Josh washed his dishes.

“He really wants you to be happy, you know. He doesn’t want this to blow up in your face. He can see how good Bo is for you.” Hopeful sadness was the show playing in Monica’s eyes tonight.

I furrowed my brow as I headed toward Josh in the kitchen.

“Hey, Josh, it’s going to be fine, OK? And, even if it’s not - I’ve got great friends to help me out.” I gave him a playful squeeze across his shoulders.

“I know, Ember. You’re tough as hell. But what’s between you and Bo is obvious. It’s gotta work out.”