After, they sat in silence while Katie drew a finger through the leftover cinnamon sugar from the plate and licked her finger clean. “Am I to understand you now have two jobs for less than the price of one?”

“Yep.” Justine tried to keep a straight face.

Katie studied her. “Oh, Justine. I’m sorry.”

She teared up, though she’d been doing so well throughout her day. “Me too.” She blinked to clear her vision. “I’m still thinking about how to handle this.”

“So you’re not just going to take Frank’s bullshit. Good.” Katie glared. “I’m so done with that asshole. He treats you like crap, and everyone knows he’s only golden because of the work he gets others to do for him. The senior staff on the team know he can’t bully them, while you’re their punching bag.” Katie took a deep breath then let it out. “Sorry. I got carried away.”

Justine patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I got carried away yesterday, trust me.” She finished off her latte. “I cried when I got home. Then guess what? My thirteen-year-old neighbor gave me a list of insults to use on Frank, and Xavier made me dinner.”

Katie sat up straighter. “Oh?”

“It was awesome. The food was incredible. I ended the night by falling asleep on him after we watched Retribution III.”

“I love that movie!”

“I know.”

“All that gore and violence. Five stars, totally.” A funny comment coming from a perky blonde who took cute to new levels. “Xavier’s quite the friend, hmm?”

“Stop it with that look.”

“What? What look?”

“We’re just friends.” At Katie’s smirk, Justine grumbled, “Yes, with benefits. But I’m calling the shots. In fact, I’m heading to his place tonight for game night with his twin sister and our neighbor. Want to come?”

“Nope. I have a hot date with Jon.” Katie’s eyes sparkled. “He broke up with Alan. I’m so happy but sad for him. So I have to practice looking as if I’m upset Jon ended things. How’s this?” She made a few faces, none of which looked genuine.

“I’m not believing any of those. But I’m confused. Why did they break up? They just got engaged.”

Katie frowned. “Yeah, well, apparently Alan got an invite to a fashion week in Venice. And he didn’t want Jon to come with him. They argued, and it turns out Alan likes to sleep around with fellow professionals. He calls it networking. Jon calls it cheating. But Alan can’t bother to be tied down right now when his career is skyrocketing.” She paused. “Poor Jon. He’s acting all mad, but I think it’s more that he’s hurt.”

“Oh man. Want me to cancel and come over to offer moral support?”

Katie squeezed her hand. “That’s so sweet. But it’s okay. I’m picking up Jon’s favorite pizza and beer. We’re going to bond over sucky men. You go have fun with game night. And Xavier.” Katie wiggled her brows.

“Well, if you’re sure.”