Arrogant Boss

“He’s the founder of what, twenty-seven different apps? The CEO of a billionaire dollar company? And you didn’t think he was smart?”

I put down my fork and tried to explain. “No, I know. It’s just not something I think I considered before. He’s so intimidating, physically and personality-wise… I just thought he was rich and did what rich people do. You know. Nothing, really.”

“Did you kiss?”

“No. I told you, these dinners were supposed to be as friends.”

She raised a skeptical eyebrow. “But it’s clear both of you want more.”

I thought of the tension between us during the final round of Never Have I Ever, his eyes darkening with interest.

“Yes. It’s clear we’re attracted to each other.”

“When are you meeting him next time?”

I sighed. “It was supposed to be tonight, but he canceled. Said he would make it up to me.”

“I bet he will,” Denise said with a wink. “In a way that will make both of you happy.”

“Oh, shush.”

“It’s a shame he’s your boss because he sounds truly great. Not that that particular problem couldn’t be solved in one way or another. ”

There was a sudden outcry of raised voices, alarmingly loud in the otherwise calm restaurant. Two people were arguing loudly at a table across the room.

Denise whistled under her breath. “Wow. That’s some real trouble in paradise.”

I couldn’t help but agree. The woman was blonde, bedazzled with jewelry and wearing an expensive looking dress. She was also incredibly upset, hands moving animatedly as she outlined some problem.

Opposite her sat… my boss. Julian was gripping the edge of the table and tension radiated from stiff shoulders. I couldn’t stop staring.

“No way.”

“What? Do you know them?”

I shook my head slowly. “That’s him. That’s Julian. I can’t believe it, he blew off our dinner for someone else?”

“What!” Denise leaned forward, squinting towards the table. “Oh, what a day to forget to put in my contacts. He looks attractive, Emily… although very blurry at this distance.”

“I can’t believe it. What a dick!”

“It’s not sure they’re on a date. They might be having a business meeting or something.”

I shot her a withering gaze. “That woman is dressed up to get looks, not to sign contracts. And they’re arguing.”

They were still going at it, fighting with the obvious familiarity of two people who know each other well. Julian’s profile was strong and the sharp jaw clenched tight. Even at this distance, I could see that his eyes were narrowed. I had never seen him angry before and shivered.

“Look,” Denise said. “I’m sure there’s an explanation. Maybe he took her here to break up with her. Because he wants to be with you?”

I didn’t believe that, but I appreciated her effort. “Maybe. But that would mean that he’d been in a relationship or actively dating while he was trying to, you know…”

“Seduce you?”

“Yes.” It hurt to hear it so plainly, but that was the truth. That was exactly what he had been trying to do-some competitive little game. Maybe he played with me on the side while continuing on with the women he actually cared for in his life, women who looked like goddesses and wore Cartier bracelets. She was probably his age, maybe closer to forty, and polished to perfection.

“You should go over there.”

“And do what? Denise, that’s a private conversation.” I sunk deeper into the velvet chair and pulled my curtain of hair forward to shield my face. “And he better not notice me here.”

Denise, ever the kind friend, leaned forward and put a hand on mine. “We can leave if you want.”

“No. No, I want to meet Michael, of course. And when will we ever get to eat food like this again?” I tried to grin at her over the table. “Julian Hunt won’t keep me from trying whatever delicious dessert a Michelin-star head chef has created.”

We spent the rest of the dinner peeking around the corner to try to spot what was happening over at Julian’s and Blondie’s table. They didn’t argue for long and Julian settled the bill with angry movements, his face still locked in rigid lines. I wondered what the woman might have done to make him that angry.

I wondered if I really knew him at all.

They left the restaurant side by side, but not touching, disappearing out into the night.

Denise put down her glass. “Stop it.”

“What?””I can practically see your mind whirling.”

I sighed. “I can’t help it! What if they’re going home together? Maybe they live together. Maybe they’re married.”

“Emily.””It didn’t say that he was married on his Wikipedia page. But maybe it’s just not up to date.” I reached to fish out my phone, determined to find answers, when Denise caught my arm.

“Emily! You’re spiraling. Think. Does he wear a ring?”

“No.””Has anyone at the office mentioned a wife or a girlfriend?”

“No,” I admitted.

“You might see him at work tomorrow. Ask him. Don’t let doubts and fears cloud your judgment. Just literally ask for the truth. See what he says.”

Her words made sense. “You’ve always been so good at this.”

“No,” Denise said in a level voice. “I’ve just dated a lot of men. I recognize the patterns.”

“Okay. Yeah, I’ll do that. I’ll just ask him about it tomorrow. I’ll be casual and cool about it. A cool girl.”

“Maybe she’s an angry ex and they just had a wild negotiation about how they’re going to divide custody of their sixteen rescue dogs.” Somehow, Denise managed to keep a straight face. “I bet she argued to keep all the Chihuahua mixes.”

I smiled. “I can actually imagine him getting angry about that.”

She tried on a scowl. “No, Pamela, you’re not taking Steve or Bill! That’s where I draw the line!”

I laughed. “Steve and Bill?”