Love My Friends with Benefits novel Chapter 25

Mr. Chow asked me to sit down in front of him.

I sighed, not intending to explain. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault."

There was no point mulling over the reason since the mistake had already been made. That was how things were in the workplace.

Mr. Chow shook his head and sighed. "You don't look so good. Have you been crying? Did you and your boyfriend break up?"

...

My breath hitched.

The word "boyfriend" hit me in a sore spot. Leonard had never treated me as his girlfriend. We could only be described as friends with benefits.

I didn't say anything. To Mr. Chow, this was a yes answer.

He stood up, walked over to me, and patted me on the shoulder sympathetically. "That's how relationships are, you know. There's no need to take it so seriously. You're still young, Queena, and there are many fishes in the ocean."

I tried to smile. "Thanks."

Something seemed to occur to Mr. Chow and his eyes lit up. "Oh, right, how about that guy from the investment firm? He seemed really interested in you!"

Was he referring to Austin?

I lowered my head and said nothing.

Mr. Chow winked at me. "Out with the old, in with the new. Queena, think about it. If you get together with Austin, you'll be able to close so many deals for the company!"

His enthusiasm flared up instantly. I could only go through the motions and say, "Thanks. I'll think about it."

"You should get some rest today." Mr. Chow sat down behind his desk again. "Get a good night's sleep and come back to work tomorrow."

...

Since my direct superior had given the order, I started packing up my things to go home.

As soon as I was done, the phone on my desk rang.

I answered it, and Lily's voice came through. "Miss. Jones, there's a client looking for you at the front desk."

Another client? It was the last thing I wanted to deal with at the moment.

I moved my lips, deciding not to tell her that I'd been given the day off. "Give me a minute, I'm on my way."

I put my bag back into the drawer underneath my desk and turned to see May giggling cheekily.

Could it be...

I frowned suspiciously and walked over to May. "Which client is here to see me? Is it Austin?"

"Don't jump to conclusions," May denied as she shook her head. "I haven't been in contact with him. How would I know whether he was here?"

My suspicion was dispelled a little by her words.

She urged, "Hurry up!"

Recalling how skillfully May had acted at Phoebe's wedding, my suspicions were raised again. "Are you really not lying to me?"

"Why... why would I lie to you?"

May blinked innocently.

If not for her eyes darting around, she'd be more convincing.

"May, you..." I sighed.

I was about to say something else when Austin's voice rang out from behind me. "Hi, Queena."

How'd he get up here so quickly?

It was my turn to look sheepish. I turned around and reached out a hand. "Hi."

May smiled happily and went back to her seat. She started typing away, but who knew what she was really doing.

Austin reached out a hand and grasped mine.

His palm was warm and dry, and I could smell his expensive cologne. Inexplicably, I thought of another pair of hands, one that was longer, slimmer, and better-looking than Austin's.

Seeing that I was a little dazed, he smiled and held up his briefcase. "Aren't you going to invite me to have a seat? I have something important to talk about."

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure."