I Hate You, Mr. Boss-Man [18+]

021

My fingers press deeply into the parchment, almost bending the four by eight letter in my grasp. Harrington Font inscribed into the cardstock-Save The Date at the top. I exhale heavily, eyes closing in quell. I didn't need to read the rest to know that my ex sent out an invitation for his wedding.

I tuck the mail under my arm, re-locking the box before slamming it shut to make my way back inside the house. I toss the keys onto the counter, pairing it with the other bills and gym subscription ads, keeping the invitation in my grasp, as I made my way into the living room, Jen's figure coming into view.

"Hey," She greets, her eyes never tearing away from the television. "Did I get anything?" Faint sounds of the TV graced my ears as I plopped down beside her, taking the letter, I place it in her lap.

Jen sits up from her slouched position, muting the sound before plucking the card from her lap. "For me?" Her eyes meet mine and I shake my head, blowing a deep breath as I throw my head back on the cushions. "Who's this from?"

"Read it."

"We would like to cordially invite you to the wedding of Amber Marie Locke and Jacob..." Jennifer slows to a stop, my eyes closed shut. "Kat?"

I hum, addressing her once she called my name. I was tired, too tired to accept the fact that I got an invitation. Who's fucking genius idea was that? Who in their right mind sends a wedding invite to the person they cheated on? It just wasn't right. Sure, seven years had passed and I was sure as hell over it. I mean, I had Jesse. Not that we ever labeled anything but, he was good to me and I couldn't have asked for a better guy.

"Katherine," Jennifer calls sternly, making my head turn to her, eyes fluttering open.

"Yeah?" I sigh, head throbbing suddenly. Migraines were a real bitch.

"This?!" She exclaims, expression twisting in disgust as she turns the invite towards me. "This is fucked, you know that right? I mean...." Jen looks back at the card in her grasp, shaking her head softly. "What are you gonna do, babe?"

"The only thing I'm concerned about is..." I begin, straightening out my slouch. "How the fuck did they get this address?" I take the invite from Jennifer's hands, looking down at his name. I sigh again, recollecting our invitations. They were all hand-painted, every letter and number to the T. What a waste it was.

"Do you think...think it was your mom?" Jen asks, tilting her head to the left. "You do send her birthday cards every year, maybe she gave it to him."

I shake my head, rising to my feet as I grab my bag from the ground. "Even if she does hate me, she'd never do that to me." I swallow hard, shoving the invite into my purse. "I gotta get going," I mumble, hiking up the strap on my shoulder. "I'm already late, and Jesse needs me for some meeting."

"Okay," Jen nods, standing as well. "Have a good day and when you come back, I want you to tell me about you and lover boy."

I flash her a soft smile, nodding my head softly. "I'll see you later," I walk across the living room, my hand hovering over the knob of the front door. "Don't skip work today, alright?" I berate her, looking over my shoulder.

"No promises!"

I sigh with a smile and head out the door.

> > > >

"So, you see...with profits like these, margins will sky-rocket and..."

My foot tapped mid-air, the end of my pen between my lips, as I chewed on it. My eyes zeroed in on the glow of the projector, tuning out the meeting. I couldn't even pay attention, the wedding invitation in my purse nagging its way through my focus. I was in a catch-22 situation. I could stay home and pretend I never received one. Or, I can suck it up and go. But, who would I ask?