Work Wife

Fresh Air

We walk back to the group holding hands, and I am glad I got some clarity on a few things. Ainslee has already left to go get ready for tonight and Logan and I shlep down the hallway with the rest of the bridal party to prepare for our evening out on a fancy yacht. 

When I make it back to my room, I check my work emails and text Eloise that I am so happy to see her tomorrow. I have a lot of gossip to fill her in on and I think this group needs some new members. 

I'm treating tonight like a date night for Logan and me and letting the rest of the bridal party drink themselves stupid. I'm not babysitting or organizing anything. I'm just going to enjoy myself. 

I decide to straighten my hair, even though it will be a frizzy mess by the end of the night, and stick two sparkly bobby pins above my ears to give me some sparkle. I then slip on my silky, navy (the color all the girls are wearing tonight), one-shoulder mini dress and pair it with silver strappy stilettos. I pile on a smokey eye with dark grays and plum eyeshadow and trace my lips with the perfect plum lipliner to match my lipstick. I feel pretty and luxury yacht ready as I take a picture of myself in the ornate mirror in the bathroom. 

I am adding a filter to my favorite photo when I see a text from Chase pop up. He asks me to meet him down in the lounge in ten minutes and I reluctantly agree. I didn't talk to him after I talked things out with Logan so I am not entirely sure what he wants to discuss with me. He could have a new client he wants to discuss with me and wants contracts sent out for all I know.

I text Logan that I will meet him downstairs and post the photo of me all dolled up. I grab my silver clutch that matches my shoes and then make my way to the elevator. I am passing the third floor when my phone buzzes. I see I have a notification from LSweezy and open my Instagram. I look at his comment and read, Damn girl, you're hot. You single? I giggle at his nonsense and then type out. Nah, sorry. I'm taken. The elevator doors open and I spot Chase crossing in front of me. 

"Hey," I call out as I step off the elevator. "You wanted to see me?" He's dashing in a white button-down and black pants. His dark hair is neatly slicked to the side and his darkening tan only makes him more attractive. 

"You look nice," he tells me after sweeping his eyes over me. 

"Thanks. So do you." We step out of the way of the hallway traffic and I realize I'm nervous. He places his hand on my arm as he pulls me against the wall and I see he's fine to talk here instead of the lounge. 

"Look, I uh..." he starts while fiddling with a button on his shirt. "I wanted to apologize to you. I had no right to talk to you like that." 

"It was kinda out of character for you," I tell him and he nods. "Logan told me about Tessa. I get why you were hesitant." 

"Logan is a different person now, and you aren't Tessa. I shouldn't have snapped at either of you. I was just a bit surprised and I've been a bit stressed. I didn't like how we left things. I'm sorry." 

"I appreciate your apology."

"And I also want to clarify that I don't just see you as a co-worker. I'm sorry if you took what I said that way. You are one of my closest friends and I do care about your happiness. And about you." My heart swells and I am touched that he apologized. 

"Thanks, Chase. I came to you as a friend so I am glad you see me as one. I'm happy we are okay."

"We are. And I am okay with you and Logan. It's weird, to see him...I dunno, with his shit together I guess. It's hard to leave the other versions of Logan I've known in the rearview."

"Well, if it wasn't us hooking up it seems it may have been Maddie and Logan. I think she would be pounced if I hadn't."

"He wouldn't have messed with her. He would have moped about your lack of attention." I laugh and any tension we had is gone. "This trip has been crazy, eh?"