Page 18 of We Three Kings
“Seraphina?”
Worry pulses in her voice. Bree’s like a big sister to me. She always helps me when I need it. I don’t want her to be mad. I can’t lie though. “Yes.”
“Oh God girl. That is so, so wrong.”
Much too familiar pity wafts in her tone. It didn’t feel wrong. Balthazar’s lips on mine felt like heaven and Christmas and everything right. “It was nice. He’s very sweet.”
“It’s not sweet. It’s sexual harassment.”
I hate how ugly she’s making his feelings for me sound. “We’re consenting adults.”
Fire burns my face, but I have to confess. “Besides, I liked him kissing me.”
Okay, that was embarrassing to say out loud. But it’s the truth.
“Well, it’s still wrong. He’s older than you and in a position of power. He’s taking advantage of you.”
Skepticism pits in my stomach. Is he taking advantage of me? Am I misunderstanding the situation? “It didn’t seem that way.”
My attempt to sound certain fails. The words come out hesitant rather than confident. As if I’m trying to convince her. Yet her suspicion causes me to doubt myself, and I hate my lack of confidence.
“Of course it didn’t. He probably does this all the time and is too slick to make you feel anything but special.”
Now my heart really hurts. I did think I was special. I don’t want to be just another conquest to him. “What should I do?”
“Just keep things professional. This was a one off. Going forward, be polite and focus on your job. Sayno thank youif he asks you out. If he won’t stop, then you know it’s harassment and you’ll quit.”
“I can’t afford to quit.”
“Yes you can. You’ll move back in with us until you find another job. We don’t mind. I swear.”
Imind though. I’m trying to do this on my own.
Yet, I’m grateful too that she’s so supportive and gives me options. There are probably lots of other women who don’t any choice. They’re stuck in miserable jobs with horrible, abusive bosses. That thought makes me sad too. “Thank you. You and Alex have already done so much for me. I appreciate it.”
“You’re like a little sister to us. We want to take care of you.”
At this point, I should be taking care of myself. My brother was younger than me when he had us set up in a nice apartment. I’m three years older and don’t even realize when someone is using me. God, am I really that stupid? “Thanks Bree.”
“Don’t be upset. This stuff happens all the time. That’s why there are laws to prevent it. It’s not your fault. You’ve done nothing wrong. The guy’s just a sleaze. We’ve got your back and will help you.”
Her comments do the trick and make me feel better—a little less foolish. And, loved too. I know she and Alex will do everything for me that they can. “I’m grateful to have you guys.”
“We feel the same way. Now get some sleep and let me know how it goes on Monday.”
“Okay, good night.”
“Wait. What do you have your thermostat on? It’s really cold.”
She knows me too well. “Sixty-three.”
“Seraphina! That’s ridiculous. Put it on sixty-eight. We’ll pay the bill.”
Even though she’s fussing at me, I smile. Besides my brother, no one else ever cared if I was warm enough. “Okay sis. I will.”
“I mean it. Sixty-eight!”
I can’t help but laugh at her bossiness. “All right, all right, sixty-eight. I promise. Now good night.”