Chapter 2
The hallway outside the bar. Jake had River pinned against the wall, going at it like the world was ending.
The look in his eyes–pure fire, raw hunger. Stuff I’d never seen directed at me. Not once.
I let out this hollow laugh. Yeah, some “game.“]]
Then the messages popped up:
[Ugh, I guess I’ll survive being attacked by a horny caveman. You’re welcome.]]
[Your little friend down there kept jabbing me the whole time. Seriously gross.]]]
My hands were shaking as I scrolled up, but everything above that was wiped clean.[]
River had started at our company two weeks ago as Jake’s intern.[]
Drop–dead gorgeous and shameless about flaunting it. Different barely–there outfit every day, serving main character energy to everyone she met.]
es.]
I’d caught guys sneaking photos, so I pulled her aside about professional dress code and tore those creeps new ones.
She nodded like butter wouldn’t melt, then turned around and called me a “bitter old hag” to those same guys.
When I asked Jake what he thought about River, he barely looked up:
“She’s twenty–two, she wants to look cute. Not like she’s gonna dress like someone pushing thirty.“]]
Then he shot me this pointed look.
“Moe, you’re being jealous and petty. Can’t handle someone else getting attention.“]
That shut me right up.
Looking back, I should’ve seen the writing on the wall. He was already gone.
Next morning, Jake barged into my office looking ready to murder someone and slammed River’s evaluation papers on my desk.]
“Are you kidding me right now? All this over some party drama?“]
“You realize you could actually tank her career because you’re throwing a tantrum?“]
The
papers scattered everywhere. I swallowed the lump in my throat, gathered them up, and said evenly:[]
“The evaluation reflects her actual performance. If you have concerns, take it up with HR.”
When I didn’t cave, Jake’s tone shifted, going all smooth and manipulative:[]
“Come on, you know what it’s like being a woman in this business.“[]
“And it’s her birthday today. She was so excited, now she’s a complete mess because of you.“]
When I still didn’t respond, he leaned forward:[]
“Just say you’re sorry, promise her a decent review next month. Think of it as a birthday gift.“[
“If you’re worried about looking weak in front of the team, I’ll bring her here privately.“]
Jake hadn’t tried this hard to convince me of anything in years.]
Before I could tell him to go to hell, he was already ushering in a red–eyed River.[]
River immediately latched onto his arm like some wounded deer, bottom lip trembling perfectly on cue.[]
That’s when I spotted the necklace glittering at her throat. The same damn one from his room.]
My chest felt like someone had punched a hole through it. I actually started laughing–couldn’t stop myself. What a complete joke I’d been []
I took a long sip of coffee to steady my voice:[]
“River, maybe spend less time crying and more time not being terrible at your job. Your campaign ideas are absolutely tragic.”
Her waterworks kicked into overdrive as she shrieked:
“You’re just jealous because I’m young and gorgeous! You’re trying to ruin my life!”
My Hinband’s Intern Played Games. I Played for Keeps
11.1%
Then she stormed out, slamming the door so hard the whole office shook.
Suddenly everyone was covering their mouths, whispering and side–eyeing me like I’d just kicked a puppy.
Jake’s face went dark: “Moe, you’re really disappointing me right now.”
And just like that, he bolted after her.]]
I clenched my fists, shut my door, and buried every emotion deep down while I got back to work.
Right before five, River posted in the group chat about her birthday dinner tonight–her treat, everyone welcome.
The chat exploded with “Happy birthday!” messages. Jake sent ninety–nine of them. I counted.]
All the tears I’d been holding back finally came crashing down, hitting my paperwork like fat raindrops.[]
Jake texted me:
[River doesn’t have a ride. Gonna drop her off at the restaurant. Just head home without me.
I typed and deleted a message like ten times before finally hitting send.[]
One last roll of the dice.
It’s my birthday too, you know.]
Five whole minutes passed before he responded:[]
e
