“TKLS,” I repeated, smiling, recalling what it meant. Yup! I needed a cold shower, too. Rereading his text, I remembered that Max has easily said the word “love” before, but I had a difficult time saying it back. I cared about him deeply, but I wasn’t ready to say the “L” word yet. I wasn’t sure if it was just easy for him to say or if he truly meant it. Did he truly know what it meant? Do I?

Suddenly, another text appeared. It was from Luke. Texting you to let you know that I’m thinking of you. When you’re ready to meet with me, let me know. I’ll be waiting. Sooner or later, he’ll screw up and I’ll be there to catch you when you fall.

Becky was right. I should change my phone number, but too many important connections had this number. Feeling extremely aggravated, I told my staff I was heading to the break room to get a cup of coffee. ‘When he screws up….’ Luke, you’re the one who screwed up. Actually, I was glad he did or else I wouldn’t have given Max a chance.

Speedily walking down the hall, I could hear the rhythm of my own footsteps. In order to stop hearing the sound from my heels, I slowed my pace. I was just about to enter the break room when I heard laughter and voices.

Leaning my back against the wall, my heart went into overdrive, thumping erratically. As I honed in on a conversation, I kept my eyes alert just in case others were headed this way. I wouldn’t want to be caught being nosy. Though this felt childish, I couldn’t help myself, especially when I realized the conversation was about Max.

That is so sad.

I know.

It’s not right what she’s doing. She’s either taking all she can or trying to make him suffer.

I’m just glad she doesn’t work here anymore. She was a total bitch. I have no idea what he saw in her.

I agree, but I’m glad he’s going out with a nice girl now. I heard Jenna is a genuine, sweet person.

I hope she doesn’t break his heart, but if she does, I will be more than happy to take her place.

The ladies giggled; I couldn’t recognize their voices. As I stood there, I debated whether to go inside or leave, but knowing they were talking about me, I wanted to stay a little longer. They weren’t saying anything negative and with any luck, they weren’t spreading any rumors. I just wanted to be sure what they were saying wouldn’t get me wired up, so I stood there frozen and listened.

You wouldn’t stand a chance.

True, but I can dream.

What do you think will happen?

I don’t know. I’m sure he didn’t do the things she’s accusing him of.

Hell! I’d love to do the things he’s been accused of with him.

I bet she kept him satisfied. Maybe that was the reason he kept their relationship that long.

Maybe it was her? Maybe she manipulated him so he thought he needed her.

Some men think with their dick. That’s why they cheat.

Maybe, but how do you know?

I’m good at judging people. You shouldn’t believe the rumors. There are always two sides to the story.

Well have you heard the other rumor? The one about how she did the same thing to another man?

I don’t know how she has the guts to do the things she’s done. I bet she’s done this to a bunch of men and they all paid her off.

Hearing enough of the conversation, and not sure what they meant by ‘what do you think will happen’ I backed away slowly, so as not to make a sound. Max had assured me Crystal had taken the money. Thinking that perhaps they were hearing old rumors, I dismissed it. I had planned on leaving, since I was not the confrontational type, but I couldn’t help the heat of anger burning my face. The fact that they were talking about Max that way fired me up even more. I wanted to walk in on them and let them know how I felt, but I couldn’t. Instead, I came up with a better plan.

When I had backed far enough away, I started walking my normal speed and let my heels click away to warn them someone was coming. Sure enough, their voices stopped. Our bodies almost collided as the two women I didn’t recognize exited just as I entered.

“I’m so sorry!” one squealed, looking at me. She almost spilled her coffee on me. Thank goodness I jumped back just in time. The girl with blonde hair ran back in to get some paper towels and started to wipe the floor. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“I’m fine. It’s my fault,” I replied. “I should have been more careful. I’m fairly new. Which department do you work for?”

“Oh, we used to work in customer service a while back, but we were moved to the sales department,” the brunette answered.

“Actually, we asked to be transferred when Crystal was our boss,” the blonde happily explained.

“Crystal?” I pretended not to know as I studied their expressions.

“If you’ve never heard of Crystal, then you must have started VERY recently,” the brunette said, looking amused.

“I started working here a couple of months ago. My name is Jeanella Mefferd.” I extended my hand. Each took it without hesitation, both with a warm smile.

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Kendra and this is Susan.”

Susan, the blonde, shook my hand. “Some people call me Susie.”

This was a perfect opportunity to drop the bomb on them. With a cunning smile, I released my hand and said, “Some people call me Jenna.”

Both of their mouths dropped and their eyes were wide as their lips slightly trembled into a nervous smile. They both suddenly turned pink with embarrassment and they quickly took their eyes off me.