Page 43 of The Right Garza

Until now, I hadn’t thought about it, that no one brought me lunch today.

Where the heck is my lunch?

“Huh,” I say, getting out my phone from my back pocket. “I have no idea.”

Pulling up Trent’s number, I’m about to text him—as if he owes me anything—when a familiar black jeep comes speeding up the driveway.

With the front ground packed with cars, vans and delivery trucks, the jeep brakes half-way up. Michael jumps out, takeout bag in hand, and jogs toward me. I go to meet him.

“I’m really sorry for getting this to you late,” he tells me. “Traffic was shit.”

“It’s fine,” I assure him, taking the bag. “I was just about drive out and get something.”

Michael shakes his head, his eyes widening a fraction. “If you like me, Lexi, and you don’t want me to lose my job, please don’t tell him that.”

I raise a brow. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating.”

He shakes more vigorously this time as he begins moving backward. “Believe me, I’mnot.”

Maggie sidles up next to me as Michael jumps back into his jeep and reverse out. “What’s for lunch today?”

I lift the bag between us and sniff it. “Don’t know, but it smells delicious. Let’s go tear this bitch up.”

~

Later that night, I’m soaking my overworked and sleep-deprived body in a warm bath withTen Towersspilling from my phone, on the verge of nodding off, when the music is interrupted by the signature chirp for text notifications.

Lazily, I dry my hands in a towel before reaching over the edge of the tub to pluck up the phone from the floor and check the screen.

Trent: What you doing?

Me:Soaking in Epsom Salt.

Me:And before you ask, NO, I won’t come keep you company if you’re bored on the job. You don’t keep snacks.

Trent:*laughing emoji* Not working tonight

Trent:Why are you soaking in salt? You hurt?

Me:No. Just achy muscles.

Me:By the way, this is A LOT of work. Pretty sure I’ve worked off 92k already. You should be paying me a salary now.

Trent:Have you ever worked a REAL job before? You know some people don’t even make 60k a year, even with two and three jobs? You haven’t even been at this for two months and already you feel cheated

Me:I’m used to working less for more. Sue me.

Trent:And look where that got you

Me:Did you need something?

Trent:What are your plans for the night?

Me:Wine and zzzZZZzzz

Trent:Come to Venice with me tonight

Me:What’s in Venice?