Crystal coos. “Aw, that’s so sweet!”
I crinkle my face in disgust. “But that was another lie. I know he hasn’t just been rude to me. His other three assistants practically hate him. He’s a dick to everyone. He just wanted to get me alone so he could make another pass at me. The pan is burning.”
“Oh!” Crystal turns around and stirs the vegetables. “Are you sure it was a lie? Everyone complains about their boss. He may not be as mean to the others as you think.”
“I’m not a dumbass, Crystal.”
“I’m not suggesting that. Relax.”
“Sorry.” I sigh and settle down on one of the stools.
Eryk comes in from his bedroom, his shoulders sagging and a frown on his face.
“What’s wrong with you?” Crystal asks.
He settles on the stool next to me. “I feel like shit. I worked lunch today and had to get up at, like, ten.”
Crystal and I both laugh.
“Have you ever actually seen a sunrise?” I ask him.
Crystal speaks up. “Only when he’s stumbling home from the night before.”
Eryk sticks his tongue out. “Oh, haha. You two think you’re superwomen because you get up before noon every day. And everyone’s taken a walk of shame, including you.” He looks pointedly at Crystal.
“Sydney kissed her boss,” she says.
Eryk screams and clutches my shoulder. “You dirty slut!”
I gasp. “Crystal! That’s not what we were talking about.”
She shrugs. “I had to divert attention from myself somehow.”
“When?” Eryk demands, his hands still on me. “Where?”
Crystal grabs the big pot and begins to fill it with water at the sink. “Don’t forget who and why.”
“Yesterday at Bronson Caves.”
“Hold on,” he holds his palm out, signaling me to stop. “You went on a date with your boss.”
“No,” I quickly say. “We were at work. Kind of.”
Crystal giggles. “He picked her up and they skipped out.”
“That sounds like a date,” Eryk says. “Actually, it sounds better than any date I’ve been on.”
“Oh, come on!” I slam my hand on the counter. “That is not a date!”
Eryk rolls his eyes. “It’s more of a date than sneaking away to have coffee with your ex-boyfriend is.”
“I’m going to ignore that.”
“Sydney,” Crystal says, turning to me. “It sounds like this guy might like you.”
My heart lifts a little at the statement, but I quickly stomp it down. “No. There’s no way. Remember everything else I told you? You know, about the women?”
“Those women were before you.”
I stare down at my hands, hating how much I want to believe what she’s saying.
Eryk giggles. “Did you tell Brendan he doesn’t have a chance with you anymore now that you’re screwing your boss?”
I shoot him a look. “I didn’t screw Mr. Mulroney.”
“Everyone goes to Bronson Caves to screw.”
“Really?” Crystal asks and I see her making a mental note.
“No. I was just trying to get a confession out of her.”
“We didn’t screw,” I say, louder this time.
Eryk peers intently at me. “So tell us what happened.”
I drop my face on my crossed arms. “Mr. Mulroney and I just kissed.”
“You know, it’s kinda hot that you still call him Mr. Mulroney. I bet he likes that. Do you even know his first name?”
“Stop making fun of me,” I snap. “Of course I know his name. It’s Simon.”
“Ooh, I like that. It’s sexy but boyish at the same time.”
“Ew,” Crystal says. “Nothing should be sexy and boyish at the same time.”
Eryk puts his palm towards her to signify he’s not listening. “Did you write it all over your diary?” he asks, looking at me.
“Give her a break, Eryk,” Crystal says.
He laughs and pats me on the head. “I’m just excited! Come on! When was the last time you made out with your boss?”
Crystal makes a disgusted face. “My boss isn’t one tenth as attractive as Sydney’s.”
Eryk points at her. “Exactly. Most people aren’t that lucky. This is big.”
“I pushed him off me,” I say. “I told him I wasn’t going to do it.”
Eryk shakes his head. “Do you want to never have sex again? That’s where you’re headed, you know. You may as well join a convent now.”
I don’t answer.
“I’m making pasta,” Crystal says, changing the subject after a short silence.