Spectrum

16

As much as Brian's words have hurt me, I can't let it ruin the rest of my day. I'm going to have a good time at dinner tonight. I have to. I can't let something as little as some gossip ruin my day. I mean, what did I expect? To actually be treated equally to all of the other men in the office? Not fucking likely.

I hear my phone buzzing lightly on my bed as I rush over and answer it.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Nat! I've been trying to get ahold of you all day." I hear Nathanial's voice speak into the phone.

"Hey, sorry." I sigh, trying for the third time to put my hair into a decent looking ponytail. "I"ve been busy with work and getting ready for tonight." I mutter.

"Oh, what's tonight?" He asks with a suggestive tone.

"I'm going to my boss's house for dinner." I say.

"Is it like...a date?" He asks with humor laced in his words.

"No, absolutely not." I huff. "It's something his friend is hosting. His best friend is the head of HR in our company. So, my boss's sister is in town or whatever and they invited me to dinner. It's actually at Shane's apartment but they live in the same building." I explain.

"And Shane is...the boss?" He asks, trying his best to follow along.

"No, Shane is the friend." I correct. "Anyways, what's up?" I ask.

"Has Mom said anything to you lately? Or Dad?" He asks.

"I mean, I saw them a few days ago but that's it. Why?" I ask.

"They still haven't tried apologizing to me." He states.

"Well, are you surprised?" I question. "I mean, come on. It's Mom and Dad. Of course they aren't going to apologize. Right now, they think you have betrayed them." I remind him. "I don't agree with it, but it's exactly what they're thinking right now."

"Well, I haven't done anything wrong. I mean, I'm married for crying out loud! I don't even live in California anymore." He grunts.

"I know, I know." Listen, I'll talk to them, okay? Just relax. Maybe we can all get together before you go back to Miami." I shrug.

"Maybe." He mutters. "Anyways, I'll leave you to whatever it is you're doing. Call me later, okay? Love you." He says before ending the call.

By the sixth attempt at a high ponytail, I finally get it to look decent enough to head to Grayson's place. Well, Shane's place, actually.

After seeing how Grayson and Shane have looked outside of work, I decide to dress as casual as possible without looking pathetic. Leggings and a sweatshirt will do, i'm sure. I mean, this isn't anything too fancy, right? Knowing Sofia will be there, though...

Shit, maybe i'm better off just wearing what I would wear to work.

Before I can change my mind, I hear my phone vibrate once more. Grayson's name flashes across my screen and my heart skips a beat.

"Let me know when you're here and I'll meet you in the lobby."

I quickly send a reply and hurry out the door.

-
I can tell how the area changes as I get closer to Grayson's place. His apartment- or condo, I should say- makes my apartment look like an actual garbage can. Everything about me is garbage when standing next to him or Shane. To everyone's surprise, the two are humble about it. You would never tell how much money they have from what they wear or how they act. It's a comforting thought, really.