Open for Business, Chapter 9
Ethan now wants solo play while Elise is wondering if she should dial back.
How the tables turn… Ethan now wants to play and Elise is wanting “normalcy.”
And enter another hot woman because why not?
Let’s remember where we left off.
Let’s start over.
Chapter 9
Ethan completed his first month at Perry and was enjoying it. Not necessarily for the numbers and analysis.
He and Lydia spent almost every lunch together, and they grew close – as friends. Sure, there were occasional quips of flirting and inappropriate joking, but they were genuinely enjoying their friendship. The whole “Will they?” sentiment always simmered below the surface. It was also just nice to be able to vent with someone so compatible and safe.
“So, what’s it going to be today, Mallory?” Lydia said as she grabbed her purse on her way out.
“Oh, I brought lunch,” he said, holding up his lunch sack. “You have expensive taste, my friend. Seriously, I needed to curb back on the eating out. I don’t make as much as you, you know.”
She laughed as they entered the elevator.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get a coffee or small thing, so I don’t look like one of those people,” he said.
“Hey,” she turned to face him, “do you want to go out, like outside of lunch? Like something after work sometime? Is that okay? Is that allowable?” Her cheeks were slightly flushed.
“Uh, yeah. Yes, that’s ‘allowable.’ What did you have in mind?”
The elevator doors opened with an influx of people waiting. They remained silent until Ethan held the building door open for her and they walked down the brisk and busy sidewalk.
“Well, does it have to be a public place or can you come over for a movie? I live close to you now, you know.”