I hear two glasses hit the counter behind me and when Asher slams his credit card down next to them, he pauses to whisper into my ear.

“We both know you’re not having sex with him tonight.”

That feels like a challenge.

* * *

Asher is doing a fantastic job of looking like the most miserable person on the planet, but he’s keeping Francesca occupied and always has a drink waiting for me when I make my rounds over there, so the only thing I can really complain about is the fact that my drinks have become increasingly less alcoholic.

And by less alcoholic, I mean he’s ordering me cranberry and sodas, which is killing my buzz, so I order a couple of rounds of shots that Deacon helps me with.

He’s a little self-involved. And when I say a little, I mean a lot. But the more I drink, the less I care. I’m just looking for some fun. And my only standard for fun is consensual. I don’t need more than that.

Well.

Maybe an orgasm or two.

“I’m so hungry.”

We’re walking down West Broadway and my face is squished against the window of a pizza shop. I whimper and paw at the glass. It’s so close yet so far away.

“Get a grip, Liv,” Bree says.

“I’m starving.”

“You’re not going to wither away.”

“I might.”

“She has had a lot to drink, Cruella,” Emanuel says. “Not everyone is a super demon like you. Us mortals need sustenance that’s not puppy tails and kitten tears.”

“Why are you still here?”

I want to ask Asher the same question. Francesca declined the invitation to karaoke because they’re getting up early to get on the road. Asher really has no reason to be here. He’s off the hook. He can go back to his couch and finish watching Good Morning America. He played his part.

“Just because I don’t enjoy your company doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the company of our coworkers,” Emanuel answers.

“If you haven’t noticed, most of our coworkers have jumped ship.”

“Olivia is still here. Blasted out of her mind, but still here.” He shrugs. “And honestly, Asher isn’t as bad as you two make him out to be.”

“Thanks, man.”

“I would also like a job after this internship,” he says. “So please keep that in mind.”

“Noted.”

“Is that all it really takes for a guy to get a job after an internship?” Bree asks. “You’re not that bad of a person, bro! Thanks, dude! You’re hired!”

“Generally, you just have to do a good job and earn it,” Asher says as he pries me off the window that I almost consider licking. “Tell me, Bree, what exactly do you do in my father’s office all day long?”