I thought I knew what I was doing, but each passing day proves to me that I’m in way over my head.
Walking into the lobby, Louisa waves at me with her usual smile and I breathe a sigh of relief. Surely, the receptionist would be the first to know if I was no longer welcomed here. It’d be her job to stop me before I got too far and inform me that I needed to make a U-turn right back out the door.
Or maybe he’s going to do the honors in person.
As I push open my office door, I honestly expect to see him waiting for me. However, the only thing that catches my eye is a vase full of beautiful red roses at the center of my desk.
I pluck the card from its holder and see Andrew’s slanted handwriting.
I read the message aloud, “This weekend was incredible because of you. I miss you already. Come to me after work. — Andrew.”
The unease in my stomach is starting to fade as I read it over and over.
Come to me.
Dropping into my seat, I shoot him a quick text to say thanks and tell him I can’t wait to see him later.
Pushing the flowers to the corner of my desk, I turn on my computer and prepare for the worst. Opening my email application, a message from Edward sits right at the top of my inbox.
Of course.
Time to face the music.
With a deep breath and a swift double-click, I open the message. The email came in ten minutes ago and all it says is:
Call me as soon as you see this.
Eyeing the phone on my desk, I think about how long I can avoid what’s bound to come next.
“You might as well just rip off the bandage,” I tell myself, picking up the phone.
“Are you in the office?” Edward asks as soon as he answers. What happened to hello?
“Yes,” I confirm.
“Sit tight, I’m on my way.”
That wretched ball of dread forms in my stomach again.
He is going to fire me in person.
In five minutes flat, Edward walks into my office with a smile plastered across his face. It’s the first time I’ve seen his features display anything resembling happiness and it’s disturbing.
Does the thought of crushing my dreams fill him with so much joy that it has him acting out of character?
Jesus.
Edward speaks first.
“It looks like I owe you an apology, Ms. Tucker.”
My eyebrows dip above the bridge of my nose because that’s the last thing I expected to come out of his mouth.
“An apology?” I echo. “For what exactly?”
“It seems I underestimated you and for that I apologize,” he says, adjusting his cufflinks casually.
Holy hell, I’ve stepped into the twilight zone again because I still don’t know what the hell he’s talking about. However, Edward being Edward, he erases any doubt I have with his next statement.
“I just came here to congratulate you on doing whatever it takes to land the client. I had no idea you had it in you but it seems like your plan worked. Andrew is wrapped around your finger and he’s signed off on the investments I recommended.”
Grappling for words, I open my mouth then close it.
My plan worked?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say stiffly.
His insinuation makes me want to chuck up my breakfast. I didn’t trick Andrew into being my client by sleeping with him.
And why are we ignoring the fact that these two men are brothers? I don’t appreciate being kept in the dark about that. I open my mouth to tell him as much but he beats me to the punch.
“Don’t be so modest. I’m sure you’ve figured it out on your own but my brother is motivated by… physical thrills, to put it simply. So kudos to you for playing into that. Genius,” he remarks but the compliment leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
He’s got this all wrong. I would never manipulate someone for my own personal gain.
But isn’t that exactly what you’ve been doing all summer? You’re a teacher not a financial advisor. Remember?
The unwelcome reminder from my conscience makes me worry my bottom lip with my teeth.
“Anyway,” Edward says, moving right along. He doesn’t pick up on my unease and I’m not surprised. The man is incapable of reading body language or maybe he just doesn’t care.
Whatever the case, he doesn’t look fazed by the shock etched across my face.
“I just wanted come by and tell you to keep up the good work.” As always, a folder appears out of thin air and he slides it in my direction. “Look these over for the remainder of the day and I’ll be in touch.”
When the door closes behind him, I shove the folder away from me and swivel my chair in the direction of the large window.
Well, I still have a job which means hope isn’t completely lost for the donation Edward vowed to make at the end of the summer. That alone should make me happy, but I can’t ignore the new questions that have surfaced.
“My life is a fucking freak show,” I mutter and turn back to my desk.
Thirty-two
ANDREW
A theater employee hands over the movie tickets and I head to the concession stand to purchase the snacks Lilah requested before she went to the bathroom.
I get in line and rock back on my heels as I stare up at the menu.
Typically, I’m not a moviegoer. But Lilah’s been on edge lately and I want to help her relax. She’s been talking my head off about a thriller that just came out and I figured a trip to the movies would be just what she needs to take her mind off whatever it is that she won’t tell me about.
Something’s wrong, but she won’t open up to me. I tell myself that she just needs time to sort it out on her own.
Reclining seats and greasy food in a dark room should be a step in the right direction.
