Page 113 of King of Pain

Jen comes striding into my cubicle like she owns the place, her black pantsuit perfectly tailored, her red pumps clicking against the floor. Her hair is swept up, no longer held together by random pencils but by elegant pins.

“Didn’t you hear me calling your name?” she asks, arching a brow.

I look up at her and smirk. “Yes, but I was hoping it was just indigestion from the breakfast burrito I had this morning.”

Jen laughs and points at me. “You’re rude. Funny, but rude.”

I eye the bags she’s holding, recognizing them from my favorite sushi spot downtown. It’s past one o’clock, and the burrito was at six this morning.

“Whatcha got there?” I ask slyly.

“Oh, now you want my company?”

I shrug. “Meh. You can just leave the sushi.”

She scoffs and playfully smacks me upside the head. “I thought I’d bring you lunch since you never leave this desk. I don’t see you as much anymore now that we’re grownups.”

She pulls a chair over, slides it next to mine, and starts unpacking the food. She hands me chopsticks, and we spread everything out to share.

“Yeah, well, you know I have goals for my own agency,” I say between bites. “I have to bust my ass and work my way up.”

Jen hums knowingly. “And it keeps you distracted.”

I point at her with my chopsticks. “That too.”

My phone buzzes and I glance down.

Butters:Hey, just confirming you're coming to the game Sunday. I have your name down for two people at the VIP entrance.

Jen raises a curious brow.

“It's Butters. Wants to know if we’re still going to the game.”

Jen grins. “Of course we are. It’s the playoffs. I still can’t believe we know a quarterback in the pros.”

“And a running back,” I remind her.

She smirks. “Speaking of Beau—don’t forget we have his and Lexi’s wedding the first weekend in March. Have I mentioned I’m the Maid of Honor?”

I sigh. “Like a hundred times.”

She grins. “Well, a Maid of Honor needs a hot date. So, unless you find one yourself, you’re on gay bestie duty.”

I groan. “Nope. No wedding date of my own.”

Her expression softens. “How’s that going? It’s been a year, Anthony. You only get one turn at being a young fledgling gay. You should be living it up. I still can’t believe you’veneverkissed anyone.”

“Will you keep your voice down? That’s not something I want people knowing. Besides, I’m trying.”

Jen scoffs. “Really? Are youreallytrying?”

“Yes. I even have a date tonight.”

She perks up. “Ooh. With whom, pray tell?”

I shrug. “Some guy from the app. Matt or something, I don’t know.”

“Wow, you sound thrilled.”