Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
A snarl crossed the man’s nondescript face, his hazel eyes narrowing with hostility. He yanked his hand away as though he’d been burned. “Are you a lesbo or something?”
“No. I’m just someone with taste.”
“You see, that’s the problem with you bitches. You all think too highly of yourselves. That’s why most of you are single and bitter.”
Paris rolled her eyes heavenward. This wasn’t the first time she’d had this insult thrown at her and it probably wouldn’t be the last, but it was a unique experience to be told this from someone who appeared to be twice her age and wearing a cologne that smelt like burnt fish.
She swiveled in his seat to face him and gave him a slow, disrespectful perusal. “Considering what’s out there, I’d rather be bitter and single.”
“Frigid bitch,” he muttered before storming off.
Asshole.
Why did men assume a woman was a lesbian because they were rejected? Or even worse, bitter? God forbid if some women just preferred their own company and wasn’t interested in a relationship.
Men were all a bunch of immature babies.
“Smooth move, Paris. That’s the third guy you’ve shot down in less than an hour. That last guy was kinda cute.” Carol from the finance department took the empty barstool next to hers. She’d been the one to invite Paris to happy hour.
Paris shrugged. “Was he? I didn’t notice. But I did notice the overwhelming scent of his cheap cologne.” She took another healthy swig of her soda and then glanced at her watch. Maybe if she left in a few minutes, she could make it home in time to catch the rest of the documentary series on space she’d been watching over the past few weeks.
“I take it you’re not having fun here tonight.” Carol flipped a lock of her long brown hair over her shoulder.
“This isn’t really my scene, but I appreciate you inviting me here. I don’t want to take you away from the others. You don’t have to keep me company. I needed to get away from the smoke in that corner everyone was sitting in. I don’t mean to be a spoilsport. Go ahead. I don’t mind.”
“It’s okay. I’m not really in the mood to hear another fart joke right now. Is anything else the matter? You’ve been looking kind of down lately. Actually, I’m surprised you agreed to come out with us tonight.”
A faint smile touched Paris’s lips. She’d been thinking the same thing. “Maybe I’m just trying to break up the monotony in my life. It seems like all I’ve done lately is go to work, go to the gym, and then go home. It’s been months since I’ve even dated.”
Carol snorted. “I find that hard to believe. All the guys in the office practically fall over their feet when you’re around.”
“And I also know most of them call me the ice princess behind my back. I’m no fool. They’re interested in me because I’m a challenge to them: typical male response.” Paris sighed before taking another sip of her drink.
“Careful, Paris, you’re going get the reputation of being a man hater if you keep talking like that.”
“Would that be so terrible? Maybe then, I’ll be left alone.”
“You can’t really mean that. It would be a shame for someone as gorgeous as you to remain single.”
“So if I was unattractive, I’d be unworthy of a relationship?”
Carol scoffed and placed her hand against her chest. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying that you’re bright, pretty and when you’re not being so gloomy, you’re a nice person. I think you’d make someone an ideal partner.”
Paris sighed. “I know you mean well, Carol but to be honest, I’m all burnt out when it comes to dating. I’ve had too many failed relationships to want to try again. At the rate I’m going, I’ll probably be single for the rest of my life.”
“You’re too young to be so jaded.”
Paris raised her shoulder in an uncaring shrug. “Maybe so, but it’s my life and right now I like it the way it is. Look, I think I’m going to head out now. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Already? You’ve only been here for an hour, not even that really. And you’ve barely interacted with anyone. When I invited you, I was surprised you showed up, but when you did, I was hoping you’d hang out with us more.”
“I’m sorry for not being very social. You’ve always been so kind to me and I felt bad for constantly turning you down for these work events. I thought I’d be up for this but I was wrong. And the smoke is giving me a headache. I didn’t realize they still allowed smoking in public buildings anymore.”
“To be fair, they don’t but the owner tends to look the other way and no one says much about it because the drinks are strong, and the appetizers are all five bucks. In this economy that’s nothing to sneeze at.”