London Harmony: Squid Hugs Read Online Free Page A

fashion, nor someone who could identify a business suit by sight.  And Lane Bachman was the designer I had worked for as a receptionist and model.  It was a one of a kind original.”
    She smiled at us and shrugged. “Before I knew what was happening, they were sharing my booth with me as June and I talked fashion as Vanessa just watched us, her hand always on June.”
    She paused and looked over to me.  “I don't know why, but I felt comfortable talking to them and had revealed my... ummm... situation and how bigotry of some of the interviewers cost me.  J-Dub asked for a resume and Bob's your uncle, they had set up a meeting with this dreaded Zilrita person, the general manager of London Harmony.”
    She grinned at me and half shrugged. “She was supposed to be this badass, hard as nails slave-driver that made grown men weep and tremble.  What I got was this smiling goth lady that hired me on the spot.”
    She shrugged again then stole a shrimp off of my plate with her chopsticks.  “You know you can't have shrimp, it gives you indigestion.”
    I nodded and took the spicy tuna roll, which she wouldn't eat, off of hers and said, “I still don't understand why you think these are too spicy.  You're just a lightweight.”
    She shrugged and blushed and I popped it into my mouth.  Mmm.
    Jen and I looked across to the overly amused women on the other side of the table.  They were always doing that.  Jen asked in frustration, “What you two manky bints?”
    June grinned in her overly pleased chipmunk manner, hoding her hands up in surrender. “Oh, nothing.”
    Jen pointed her chopsticks at them as she narrowed her eyes.  Vanessa deadpanned. “Scary.”
    That just got us all laughing.  I pulled out my Carbon Card, the flat, black card had only the card number and smart chip on the front and magnetic strip on the back.  June, Vanessa, and I all had one of these elite, no limit business cards, which were made of black carbon fiber.  They reminded us of our J-Cards.
    I covered it with my hand and then said in an exaggerated prompt, “I think Kendra Tate will make a wonderful addition to the London Harmony family.”
    They all responded in the same tone, “Oh my, yes.”  “I agree.”  “There's no doubt.”
    We all smirked at each other and I waved my card at the waiter.  That should qualify this as a business lunch for taxes since we talked shop.
    We stepped out and Jen started to peel off, looking at me, “Sally, help me get the mail, there will be packages and I could use some strong arms.”
    When she was feeling playful, Jen called me Sally, because she says I remind her of Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas.
    I grinned and nodded as the nebulous twins subdued their chuckles.  What?  I often got drafted by the woman to help with the mail.  I didn't mind, it just meant I could be in her company for a bit longer.  That and my best friend was a girly girl and really needed help with carrying packages sometimes.  That fact just made me smile.
    I collected my required goodbye hugs from the ladies, then Jen took my arm and we walked down to the postal annex.  I asked, “What is it with those evil ones?”  Even though I knew their antics were because they wanted me to tell Jen my real feelings.  How could I do that when I didn't even understand them fully myself.
    She shrugged then changed the subject quickly. “Remember, my cousin Josie has that awards ceremony tomorrow night.  We mustn't be late.”
    I rolled my eyes and bumped hips with her. “Yes mother, you've told me three times already.”  Oh yeah, I almost forgot about it.  I fought off the embarrassed smile and played it cool.  Josie was in pharmaceutical sales and she was getting an award at a banquet for top sales in her region.
    I didn't mind going to what was most likely going to be a snore-fest, because I liked Josie.  She was the only person in Jennifer's family; besides her parents; who supported her for the tough