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Finished, she waited for the approval fro and was surprised when Suzy instead gave her an al it to so to throw so better than ive it out hand over fist and trustto do with sex

"You know Cindy, orks in my department?" asked Suzy Claire nodded her head as she pictured the little dynamo with a personality much like Suzy’s "Remember last year when she was knocked up? Well, her husband lost his job when she was getting close to popping and somehow Jason found out about it He actually went to her house one evening and talked to her so that she wouldn’t be embarrassed at the office

"He paid their bills for two ain He said he didn’t want the stress to cause problenancy She said he was so sweet, and she cried all over hiy a few months back, said Jason stopped by the hospital to visit and offered to pay the difference left after her insurance I’ chicks, but I don’t think he wants to get the?"

Claire was stunned How could she work so closely with Jason and never know about any of this? Wouldn’t soood deeds? She felt horrible res she’d said to him He hadn’t wanted to help her for sex, actually that was e that a man like hiot over his anger, he probably had a big laugh over that

God was there ever a tiroan, Claire put her hands over her face and felt Suzy reach over and pat her on the back "It’s ok babe; we all make an ass out of ourselves from time to time You have just done it a little more than usual lately"

"Uize to him but how exactly do I do that?"

"Well let’s see," began Suzy helpfully, "'hey hot buns, sorry I threw your offer back in your face; I just wanted you to know that I would be glad to give it up for free, you don’t have to offendto pay for it'"

"Oh thanks! I’ive it up for free," laughed Claire

"So you do want to be paid after all?" replied Suzy wiggling her brows

"No, you pervert; I don’t want to give it up at all as you so nicely put it Speaking of giving it up though, Jason wanted me to ask if you’d like to co there with Grayson on the er and apparently Grayson asked if you’d coh… Really? That stuffed shirt thinks he’s going to get his groove on withand all, but it’s a daht ass He probably thinks I’irl he can buy for the weekend to rock his little uptight world Nope, I don’t see it happening for him; tell Jason I’d rather pick lint out of my belly button" Suzy seemed to protest a little too ht up

Although maybe soo after the heartache that Jeff had caused, Claire put on a really brave face, but knew Suzy was still hurting inside and the front that she presented was really to protect her heart "I , but I’m really interested in what you plan to do there," said Suzy

"I’ more," defended Claire

"Umm Hmmm, is that what they call it these days?"

"It’s not like that, and on’t be alone; Grayson will be there and probably others as well It’s strictly professional so get your utter," said Claire

With a sly look, Suzy said, "We will see girly You forget I saw you two at dinner last week and the looks between you were actuallyunder the sa able to control yourself Just rip each other’s clothes off and see where it goes froh as soon as you get hoet h, Claire hly enjoyed her lunch

~~~

The next day Claire was in the office before Jason had arrived and used the extra tie for the repairs to her mother’s home She picked up the check from the credit union yesterday and was still overjoyed at how simple the process had been

When Jason arrived a short tioodand stopped in front of her desk

He looked at her warood, thanks"

"I’ to be out of the office for most of today, but I wondered if you were free for dinner tonight?" asked Jason

Surprised, Claire replied, "Dinner?"

At her obvious confusion, Jason quickly added, "It’s really a business dinner I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the week at Mericos with you before I leave Since we both have to eat, I thought dinner would work out well"

"I can just stay late, and we could go over everything here when you get back if you’d prefer" said Claire

"That’s not necessary; ill eat somewhere close to your apartment if it’s more convenient," added Jason "How about the Italian place down the street froreat food," said Claire, "it’s very casual though if that’s a problem"

"No, I like casual Let’s say around seven, does that give you enough ti up sooodbye

The afternoon passed quickly in nervous anticipation Claire kept trying to remind herself that this was a business dinner and not a date There was no reason to be nervous She left proo ho Jason Luckily, she didn’t run into Suzy on her way out She could just iraphic comments she would have made