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Am I the only one being lied to, or is he lying to us both?

I know that a workplace relationship can get messy. That’s why we’ve been keeping ours a secret. Justin said we should, to protect me, because I’m dating the boss and that might cause problems with my coworkers.

But maybe he just wanted to make it easier for himself to keep fucking around.

Me:I’ll make it up to you girls another night. I promise.

Dani:It’s not that. How can you let him take advantage of you like this?

If only she knew the half of it.

I was planning to tell my girlfriends about Justin’s cheating in person, tomorrow night, because I know they won’t take it well. I wish I could say that even one of them will be surprised to find out that he did me so dirty.

But they won’t be surprised at all.

I really can’t get into it now except to say…

Me:It’s complicated.

Dani:You really need to quit. There are other bakeries.

True. But sadly, there’s about a zero percent chance I’ll quitthisbakery, no matter how complicated things are between Justin and me.

Justin:Are you coming over?

I read the new text that pops up, and my stomach sinks. This is the first time he’s asked to see me in days.

Because he wants to know if he’s getting laid tonight, right?

I guess chocolate girl is busy.

He might as well have just saidWanna fuck?

It’s a lot less than I’m looking for after spending six months with a man. He probably doesn’t even remember that I’m working a night shift at Velvet on top of my day shift at the bakery.

There’s noWhere are you, sweetheart? I miss you.NoHow did your day go? Can I take you to dinner?

I text him back.

Me:Not tonight. I’m working late.

Then I message my girls again.

Me:Have to get back to work. Thirsty tippers. XO

Nicole:Go get it girl. And I don’t just mean the tip!

She punctuates that with a tongue-out hungry emoji.

I shake my head with a smile and toss my phone back into my purse.

Nicole is a cocktail waitress, too, and it was her idea that we both apply at Velvet last month, after dragging the squad here for a girls’ night. She was envious, I know, but not at all sore about it when I was offered a job and she wasn’t—because the best friends are supportive like that. The tips at this place are insane, and she knows I need the money.

She’d also love it if some hot new guy—or three—caught my eye here, and I left Justin in the dust. Attractive men are Nicole’s love language.

I wonder what she’d have to say about Mr. Black.

When I head back out on the floor, I run into Alessandra at the bar. “How’s it going with my favorite customer?” she says sarcastically.