Read Online How to Liv by Megan Keith - Free Book Online

apparently what Natalie’s been spreading around.”
    “Natalie?”  I watched as the information soaked in and understanding crossed Eric’s face.  He leaned in closer to whisper, "I asked Jess out on Wednesday and then she didn’t come to work for a couple of days.  I thought she was avoiding me and I commented in anger to Natalie that I’d had enough of working here… that was Friday, I think.  It was stupid.  Jess wouldn’t just skip work to avoid me.  I know that.  Plus I saw her when she came in on Monday; I know how sick she was.  I was upset, but I have no intention of actually leaving.”  I nodded my understanding.  Eric sat up straight again.  I saw his gaze drift over in Jess’s direction where she stood at the bar.
    “You really like her, huh?”  I whispered back.  He nodded and gazed straight ahead.  Yep, he had it bad.
    I saw Jess eyeing us from the bar, she looked angry and perhaps even a little hurt.  That’s when I realised Eric’s arm was against the back of my chair again.  He was also just whispering in my ear, so I can only imagine what she was thinking.  I really should speak to her about it.  My eyes steered away from Jess when she turned her back to me and that’s when I noticed the tight arse in the jeans of the man that just walked by our table.  My eyes drifted up his lean but muscular back and focused on the mop of brown hair.  I’d recognise that hair anywhere.
    “Joel!” I called out.
    He spun around and gave me an easy smile, taking a couple of steps in my direction.
    “Hey.”  His smile faltered a little as his eyes flicked over to Eric.  Joel glared at Eric’s hand that rested on the back of my chair, near my shoulder.
    “Eric,” I whispered harshly, turning toward him.  “This is one of those times.”  I glanced at his arm.
    “Oh sorry,” he said sheepishly, quickly removing it and leaning away from me.  I stood and walked over to Joel.
    “You cut your hair.  It looks great.  Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you and your friend.”  He stumbled over the word ‘friend’ and I realised Jess wasn’t the only one that may have misinterpreted my interaction with Eric. 
    “What?  No, don’t be silly.”  I moved a little closer and lowered my voice.  “Eric’s just a friend that is going through some stuff and needed an ear.”
    I saw his body relax a little.  I moved back catching his eyes, hoping that he could see the truth behind mine.  I introduced Joel to Jess when she came walking back and then to the others seated at the table.
    “Ermahgerd!” I heard Rachel screech (I guess Ally’s favourite word was rubbing off).  I turned in time for her and Ally to rush to my side.  “Ally said it was super cute, but wow!  Libby your hair looks great!”
    “Thanks!”  I pulled her in for a hug.  “Good to see you Rach.”
    “Happy birthday babe!” she exclaimed excitedly, handing me an envelope.  I opened it and found a birthday card and a gift card from the same store that Ally had given me the day before.
    “How did you know?” I giggled with fake shock.  Rachel and Ally had been besties since primary school.  They did most things together, it was no surprise that they shopped for my gift together as well.  “Thanks Rach.”
    “C’mon let’s get our drink on,” Ally said dragging Rachel away.  I turned my attention back to Joel.
    “It’s your birthday?” he asked incredulously.
    “It was yesterday,” I admitted, slightly embarrassed that I hadn’t mentioned it to him before.
    “But I spoke to you yesterday.  Why didn’t you say anything?”
    “No biggie.”  I shrugged.
    “I wish you had of told me, I would have bought you something.”  He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets.  “Now I feel terrible.”
    “See?  That, right there, is why I didn’t tell you.”
    “What?  You wanted me to feel terrible?” he joked with a sexy grin.
    “No silly, I didn’t want you to feel obligated to