Free London Harmony: Squid Hugs by Erik Schubach Page A

had me drooling if I hadn't been so infatuated with Jennifer.  But it reminded me that it could never be.  This guy was just her type.  A well-dressed professional, gorgeous, and male.  I wondered if I were more like that, would Jen notice me?  I've changed my style once before, maybe I could do it again?
    Then my obsession started getting excited when Grant announced, “The final award is for Outstanding Salesperson of the Year.”
    He smiled as he looked over the crowd.
    “This individual has repeatedly gone above and beyond all expectations in landing new accounts and servicing her existing accounts in her sales region, creating record sales and growth.  We are constantly told by our clients that they are impressed by her professionalism and in-depth knowledge of each product we offer.”
    Grant turned his focus to Josie's table and announced, “She is a rising star here at Parker Pharmaceutical.  Everyone give a hand to our Outstanding Salesperson of the Year, Josephine Harrison!”
    We stood and applauded and I gave a shrill whistle as an embarrassed looking Josie went up to accept the plexiglass award that was shaped like a flame.  She shook Grant's hand and the man stepped away from the mic a step and motioned her toward it.
    She eloquently stated, “Bloody hell, I don't know what to say.  Thank you?”
    We applauded her again as she did a silly sneak off the stage as Grant announced the end of the ceremony and wished everyone a good night.  He reminded everyone to not drive home, if they had been partaking of alcoholic beverages as he had, and to call a taxi instead.
    I grinned as everyone went into motion.  You could tell the people who were just there for the free meal as they almost ran for the doors as others started circulating and hobnobbed with others, saying goodnight.  It would be havoc at the valet and Jen and I were happy to wait at our table until the herd thinned a bit.  Besides, we wanted a chat with the Outstanding Salesperson of the Year.
    It wasn't long before she made her way to us and we stood and congratulated her.  She seemed really proud of the award that had her name engraved in the plexiglass.  And she should be.  The company was huge and she outworked and outsold the rest.  I admired people who excelled in their jobs.
    Again he boyfriend was absent.  I prompted, “So where is this mysterious Jeff?”
    She gave us a sour look and said, “One last pass at the open bar I'm afraid.”
    We gave her sympathetic looks, and right on cue, a man in his late twenties came walking up, drink glass in hand, and obviously putting in an effort not to sway as he walked.  He wore black slacks, a nice white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and an almost pencil thin charcoal grey tie.  His dark hair was styled immaculately and his chiseled chin was clean shaven.  Josie did good.
    Josie looped an arm in his and started introductions.  “Jeff, this is my cousin, Jennifer Harrison, and our friend, Zilrita Marx.  Ladies, this is Jeffery Finnegan.”
    He narrowed his eyes and looked down at her and asked in a drunken slur, “This is your cousin?  I thought you said he was some crossdresser queen.  The freak is almost bearable to look...”
    My hand shot out in a fist and connected firmly with the asshole's nose.  I was enraged and seeing red.  All I wanted to do was to knock the guy's teeth in for his disparaging remarks about Jen.
    My blow had barely even moved him but he dropped his glass on the floor to grasp his bleeding nose.  He slurred out, “Bloody hell you bint.”
    I was growling something incoherent at him as I tried to swing again, but Jen was in front of me holding my arms, locking slightly amused eyes with me.  I tried to get around her but she pleaded with her eyes as she said, “Come on Zil, he's not worth it.  Let's just go.”
    I growled toward the man then exhaled and tried to pull myself together.  I had never hit anyone in my life.  I would have been