Page 53 of Wild Card

“How do you know about Friday episodes?” She’s coming down the ladder.

Well. Now I’ve just told on myself accidentally.

“I subscribed when I ran out of regular content. Nothing better to do when you’re stuck in bed.” I try to play it off.

Her face goes from anxious to offended in record time. “Thanks for describing my content as ‘nothing better to do.’” She snatches the notes from my hands.

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Right. Also, don’t subscribe. That’s my like… personal space.”

“A public subscription site is your personal space?”

“It’s… crossing this employee/employer line, yes.” She’s grasping for straws.

“Is working on your private projects during the time I’m paying you to be working in here crossing that line?” I raise a brow.

“Not if you’re already watching the channel and subscribing.”

“I should get a discount.”

“Yes, because the man with the immense personal collection and library needs a discount.”

“Fine. Then I should get bonus content.”

“Like what?”

“I can give you a list of ideas.” I smirk.

Her brow raises and she shakes her head, her eyes raking over me.

“Yeah? Submit them in Morse Code and I’ll think about it.”

“Challenge accepted.”

TWENTY-NINE

Scarlett

Harper,Joss, Violet, and I are all sitting in a booth having drinks and enjoying the atmosphere of the bar. It’s a feminine little place accented by pink and lace made for a girls’ night out, and all the drinks have adorable names and come with over-the-top garnishes and fancy glasses. We’re still on the fence about the decor but the drinks are delicious, which is the most important part.

“So… how goes the new job?” Joss looks at me with a grin.

“Going okay. Mostly just getting caught up on all my reading for the year most days.”

“Reading?” Joss looks at me quizzically.

“She gets him his food and checks up on him, and otherwise keeps to herself in the living room reading books.” Harper offers.

“So the two of you don’t talk or interact?” Joss raises a brow.

“We do when the situation calls for it, but otherwise I stay out of his way. He’s been pretty miserable and in a lot of pain. Even now that he’s getting better, he’s still not much for company, or at least my company. The guys going over tonight seemed to be something he was looking forward to. I’m sure he misses having his parties.”

“He needs to quit with all the parties. Cancel them for the foreseeable future and probably sell that house too.” Violet frowns.

“That’s going to be a hard sell.” Harper raises her brows and takes a sip of her drink.

“If he wants to keep his career, he’ll do it though,” Violet adds.