Me: At work. Where are you?
Gabby: I’m at work. Are you OK? Where have you been? I went by your place last night, and the police were there. I called and texted, but I didn’t hear back.
Me: I’m sorry. I started to text you and got pulled away.
Gabby: What happened?
Me: Someone broke into my apartment and completely trashed it.
Gabby: OMG!!! Are you OK?
Me: Yes. But everything was destroyed. Every dish broken, glass shattered, and clothes, beds, couches all slashed.
Gabby: Are you fucking with me?
Me: I wish I were. The asswipe spray-painted the walls with crap, much like the note from the box last Wednesday.
Gabby: Do the police think it’s related?
Me: Yes, and Jackson and the security team won’t let me go home.
Gabby: Where are you staying? Are you going to be OK?
I’m not going to tell her I’m staying at Jackson’s. She’ll have a fit at first, then talk me into sleeping with him, and I don’t need any nudges in that direction. My body is already on board with that idea.
Me: Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m just disappointed about the damage. Jackson has some business in Maui, and he’s insisting I join him, so we’re leaving for Maui tomorrow.
Gabby: What? Is his business naked twister with his latest?
I laugh out loud. Thankfully Jackson’s latest isn’t coming, but it is a good reminder that while he’s flirty, he has a long line of women.
Me: He’s surprisingly protective. He even called my dad to give him an update and assure him he’s looking out for me.
Gabby: Can you meet for drinks tonight?
Me: Sorry, I can’t. Late night here, and we’re leaving tomorrow. Gotta run. Phone ringing.
I quickly answer the office phone. “Jackson Graham’s office.”
“Hello, my name is Tiffany Newton, and I’m calling with Nordstrom. I’m looking for Corrine Woods.”
“Speaking. How may I help you?”
“Mr. Graham has asked that I put together some clothes for you. He mentioned you were heading out on a business trip. He suggested you come to the store today. Are you available at three?”
“Ohhhh… I appreciate your help, but as much as I’m sure everything you pick would be amazing, in all honesty, I’m his admin, and I couldn’t afford it.” I have three hundred and forty-seven dollars in my checking account, and a ten-thousand-dollar Visa bill doesn’t sound appealing at all.
“He warned me you’d try to refuse,” she says, and I can hear her smile. “He’s paying for everything. He’s outlined what you need for your upcoming business trip. I can send a car for you, or do you already have one?”
“Let me get back to you.” We hang up, and I look up and stare at the white, square ceiling tiles. How will I ever pay him back? When I left my father’s house, I was determined I’d never let any man control me with money again.
I need to talk to Jackson and explain. I see the red light on my phone, which indicates he’s on the phone. I watch, waiting for it to go black as I formulate my plan.
Twenty minutes later, I have notes on what I want to say, and I’m ready to confront him now that he’s off the phone.
I knock and enter. “Mr. Graham?”
As I approach his desk, he smiles and sits back. “I’m guessing you spoke with Tiffany and you’re refusing the offer of a wardrobe.”
I stop short. “How did you—”
He holds up his hands to stop me. “Look, I get it. You’d rather buy it all yourself.”
I nod, a bit dumbfounded.
“We’re going to Maui for possibly a week. It depends on when Hydro will meet with me and if the police need you back sooner. Every piece of clothing you own was destroyed. To replace that will cost you thousands of dollars.”
“I understand, but—”
“Hold on. I’m not done.” He takes a breath. “You don’t even borrow from your father, who I gather is somewhat wealthy.”
I nod.
“You know how much money is in my personal accounts. You’ve seen my investment portfolio. You know I can afford for you to buy anything at Nordstrom without issue. We have things to do while we’re in Maui, and you need some business clothes, a bathing suit, and other things to wear. I’m certainly fine if you choose to go naked, but I get the impression that isn’t your style. Please accept the wardrobe as a gift. Not a loan.”
I know he’s right, but this is a lot. And even gifts can come with strings attached. He and I have entered The Twilight Zone these past few days, and I still have no idea what to make of it.
“What if you consider it your bonus this year?” He crosses his heart and holds up three fingers.
I take a deep breath and channel my grandmother. “Okay. Thank you for your generosity.” Lord knows I do deserve a bonus.
“That was really hard to say, wasn’t it?” He’s grinning because he knows he’s won.
“You have no idea. I guess I’m going to Nordstrom at three. You have an interview at two that I suspect won’t be over by then, unless it’s a dud.”
“I know her. Her name is Cheryl Wedgwood. If she commits to working for us, we’ll be in great shape.”
“My fingers are crossed, and I’ll do a secret dance for your success.” His eyes gravitate to my hips, and his eyes turn dark with lust. Why did I just say that?
“Enjoy shopping. Promise me you won’t look at price tags. I’ll see you at the apartment tonight.”
“Thank you.” The apartment. He says that so casually. Working for him and living in his house
