Too Hard To Choose

Chapter Twenty-Six- Unexpected lunch guest.

Violet

I am busy at my desk, working. I will finish lunch soon, but I haven’t decided if I will take it or not. I may just get a coffee from the break room and work through it. It means I could get finished a little earlier today.

“Violet?” one of my co-workers says.

I glance up at her. “Yeah, Rosie?”

“There is someone here to see you. A guy.”

Who is here? No one visits me at work. I swear, it better not be Kevin since Arlo sent him away the other night.

“A guy? Did he say who it was?”

She shakes her head, “No, but he is very handsome and charming.” She giggles.

It can’t be Kevin because he is far from charming. I stopped what I was doing and headed out to see who it was. I smile when I know for sure it isn’t Kevin.

“Tyson, what are you doing here?” I ask, confused.

“I was bored and thought I would come see if you wanted to go to lunch with me?” he smiles.

It would seem I am going out of the office after all. I am not going to tell him no after he came all the way here. It isn’t close to either his workplace or the apartment.

“Yes, let’s before you start a fight between all these people who are staring at you.” I giggle.

I could see my co-workers checking him out. I have to stop from smirking, since I know how much of a treat it would be for any of them if they hooked up with him. I would rather not him start to screw the people I work with. Anyone else, he can go right ahead, but not here. No one needs to know about the arrangement I have with him and the other guys because there would be people who would judge harshly.

“Are you jealous, sweetness?” he asks smugly.

I shake my head and laugh, “No, why would I be jealous?”

I hope he is messing with me. He can’t think I am jealous, right?

His next move took me by surprise. He grips my hip and pulls me tightly against his, “I am messing, sweetness.” He chuckles.

I swear I heard a couple of gasps with his actions. Great, I will be the talk of the office now.

“I just need to grab my things, and we can head out.” I smile.

Tyson followed me to my desk, all eyes on him. I snicker to myself. It must be great to be wanted by everyone. Though, it must become too much at times. Tyson seems to enjoy it.

“What do you fancy for lunch? I think I'm craving a cheeseburger and fries,” he says.

“Hmm, I am fine with whatever,” I reply.

“Okay, we can go find somewhere close by. How long do you have for lunch?”

“An hour, so plenty of time. I was going to work through lunch.”

“Sorry, maybe I should have called. If you have work to do, I can leave?” he says.

“No, it's fine. You came all this way, so let’s go,” I smile.

I make sure I have everything, and we head out. Tyson places his hand on the small of my back as we do. I am sure my co-workers will have questions when I arrive back.

“Sorry, I messed with your plans.”

“Honestly, it is okay. It is probably better I get out of the office for a bit.” I smile and link my arm through his.

“Yes, I agree. It's better to get out for a bit than to stay stuck in your entire shift.”

It just means I won’t get finished early like I planned, but that is fine.

****

Tyson and I chose to sit at a table outside the restaurant. He had gotten his burger and fries, and I had a chicken salad and a side of curly fries. He is having a beer, but I am having coffee since I have to go back to work.

“Violet?”

The sound of a familiar voice made me roll my eyes. I turned my head to see Kevin standing there, and next to him was the woman he left me with. Is he for real? He had been trying to see me only a few nights ago and told Arlo he had made a mistake.

“Can I help you?” I ask, annoyed.

Kevin’s attention soon focused on Tyson, “Who are you? You aren’t the one I met.”

He talks through gritted teeth and his fist is clenched at his side. Is he really acting like a jealous ex with his new girlfriend next to him? Asshole. I feel sorry for her.

“Tyson. No, you haven’t met me, but I am sure we spoke on the phone at one point.” Tyson answers with a smirk.

“That was you? Then who the hell was the one I spoke to the other night? Are you like screwing all of them like a slut?” Kevin hisses.

I watch Tyson’s entire body language change. He looks like he wants to punch Kevin. I reach over the table and place my hand over his, “Don’t. He isn’t worth it.”

It is time I stood up for myself.

“And what if I am? Are you jealous? I am making up for all the years of terrible s*x. What I do with my life and who I do, is none of your damn business, Kevin. Did you tell your girlfriend you showed up at my place the other night looking for me? Or did you keep that to yourself? Stay away from me, okay? I don’t want you to call or text, and I sure as hell don’t want to see you.” I snap.

He seems taken aback by my outburst. I am done with allowing people to walk all over me. I have had enough of it.

His girlfriend glared at him, “I should have f*****g known.” She hisses and storms off.

“What happened to you?” Kevin asks.

I went to answer, but Tyson got there first before I could.

“She is enjoying her life after being miserable with you for so long. Don’t worry; we are all taking good care of her. I will tell you what Arlo and Violet told you: stay the hell away from her forever. If you don’t, just remember there are three of us plus Alison.” He threatened.

Kevin looks at me in disgust and shakes his head before he storms off.

“Asshole.” I groan.

Tyson reaches over the table, places his hands over mine and squeezes it, “Don’t let him get to you. He isn’t worth it, Violet.” He says softly.

“I know he isn’t. I don’t plan on letting him get to me. I am done with him.” I state firmly.

“Good, that is the spirit. With any luck, his girlfriend will see sense and leave his ass, too, because it is what he deserves.” He replies.

I nod, “I hope so. I know he left me for her, but I am not angry at her. With any luck, she will find someone better for her.” I smile.

I don’t see the point in hating her. What is that going to solve? If she stays with him after the interactions she witnessed, then she has no one to blame but herself since that would be her choice.

“Yes, hopefully.” Tyson nods.

We stopped talking about them, focused on our food, and changed the topic of conversation because I would need to head back to work soon. I refuse to let Kevin ruin my lunch.