“I bet,” I tell myself that I shouldn’t get annoyed, but I’m annoyed he told me that he would meet me downstairs, then likely avoided my calls so that I would have no choice but to come up here. And then he knew I was here and didn’t just come out to meet me; instead, he had me come down to his office, and still, he hasn’t made a move to give me the check. The reminder of how manipulative he can be grates against my skin, making me wish I had said yes to Dayton coming with me.

“I was even able to get that desk I always wanted.” He motions to the huge mahogany desk in the middle of the room.

“That’s awesome, I’m happy for you.”

“It’s nice, right?”

“Very.” I force another smile. “I’m sorry, Matthew, but I really do have somewhere I need to be.”

“Of course, sorry.” He says over his shoulder as he walks towards his desk. “What are your plans this evening?”

“Dayton and I are babysitting his nephew.” I lean over to pet PJ when he jumps up on my leg. I didn’t miss that he didn’t even acknowledge my pup or miss that PJ didn’t even attempt to greet him.

“Dayton?”

“You’ve met him.” I don’t give him a description, he’s not stupid he knows exactly who Dayton is, they’ve met and been introduced multiple times. He’s just playing dumb so that I’ll think that Dayton is so insignificant to him he didn’t even bother remembering his name.

“Are you two dating?” He picks up a piece of paper from the corner of his desk.

“Yes.”

“Oh,” He seems surprised by my honesty. “Is it serious?”

“Very.” I take a step in his direction. “Is that the check?”

Dropping his eyes to it he looks at it for a long moment then shakes his head. “Yeah, sorry.” He holds it out to me.

“Thanks.” I place it in my purse without even looking at it. “Well.” I take a step back out of his space. “It was good seeing you.”

“You too,” he mutters while staring at me like he’s never seen me before.

“Have a good night.” I turn on my heels, hurry to the door, and then out it.