Marked | ✔️

Part 6:Secret

"Man, it feels good to take a break," Parker says as he sinks into the car seat next to me.

"What do you mean? We haven't worked that hard," I comment.

"Dude, just two days ago some crazy lady tried to sue you. If that isn't stress, what is?"

"A whole lot of other things, Parker. A whole lot of other things..." Kristy joins our conversation. Right now, we're on the road to some resort as a 'work trip' in Lavender's car. Obviously she's driving. Bex is sitting in the front seat listening to music on her portable walkman. The rest of us sit in the back seat. Kristy is sitting to the left eating a lollipop. Parker is sitting to the right dozing off, and I'm in the middle texting Amber.

Amber: Who's making you feel that way?

Me: Are you sure it's love? It's a strong word.

Amber: Yes!...Actually, no. Maybe it's just admiration, or you find joy in seeing people happy. Do you feel that way with other people?

Me: I don't think so.

Amber: WHO. IS. IT?!

Me: Don't laugh.

Amber: I swear.

Me: It's Lavender.

Amber: OH. MY. BABY JESUS! You have a crush on your boss?!

Me: What?

Amber: It's just so cliche.

Me: Wdym?

Amber: Poor guy doesn't have a job. Nice girl saves him from his misery. He falls in love with her. She rejects him cuz he's not rich. After several back and forths, they end up together.

Me: Yeah, that's not gonna happen.

Amber: Why not?

Me: Cuz I'm not gonna tell her how I feel.

Amber: Such a coward.

Me: I'm not being a coward. She has a fiancé, and I'm not sure if I really love her.

Amber: Of course you do. Also, fiancé? How old is she?

Me: Uh, she's 28 if I remember correctly.

Amber: Ooh, you like almost middle-aged women.

Me: Shut up.

Amber: What does her fiancé do?

Me: He's an attorney.

Amber: Well, fuck! You can't win this fight.

Me: I wasn't trying to in the first place, and it's not a fight.

Amber: Whatever, loser.

I chuckle and shake my head. "Who are you talking to?" Startled, I shut my phone off.

"Shit, you scared me, Parker," I state.