#Chapter 55-Cliches for 500 Alex

“You’re still not dating him?” Annie presses as she takes a large bite of garlic bread. “Esme, it’s been months of this incessant back and forth!” “And that means I’m supposed to date my boss?” “No, that means you should have fucked your boss.” Annie smirks at me, dancing her blonde eyebrows. “The tension is palpable.” I roll my eyes and grab my water. “The only thing palpable is my never-ending lawsuits between going through a divorce and being assaulted at my job.” Lily puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “I’m still sorry we couldn’t help you,” she says gently. “I can’t imagine how you’ve been getting through.” “Thank you.” My voice is genuine, and I pat her hand with my own before I look at both friends. “I’m just getting exhausted.” The restaurant we’ve gone to is a staple. Mama’s Meatballs is where we end up finding ourselves at least once a month. No Italian in the city tastes better. Annie picks up her glass of r