18. Hot under the collar

“Nothing related to our industry directly,” Troy murmured as he watched her fidget with her hair across the room. A slap across his shoulder jerked his gaze away.

“Troy boy! If you’re not careful, I’ll replace you with your wife!” Barry boomed.

Troy smirked openly and took a sip of his beer, his left hand casually in his pocket, “Good luck! Nothing will take her from her kids.”

Barry looked thoughtful. “She quite sharp, she could’ve gone far if she’d pursued a career. You, of all people, could’ve let her work.” The reproachful tone was not missed by any of the men present.

Troy’s posture remained relaxed. Those who knew him though found themselves preparing to step in between the two men in case Barry got too aggressive and Troy didn’t back down.

Everyone knew Eve was off-limits in almost every way. It had become an urban myth at the office that if you looked at her wrong you would find yourself demoted or fired within a month.