On the fourth punch, the wall had had enough, and sweat beaded on my brow. I found a framed picture in my bedroom and covered the evidence of my meltdown before remembering I was due into work. My boss depended on me to be on-site and do my job, and the clients also expected me to show up. A cool shower and an ice pack and bandages for my knuckles were in order, and then—well, I’d take myself to work, Sadie’s rules be damned.
The chances of her finding out about a solo driving journey were slim, as I was due home before she was. Would the kids tell if they knew? Revealing that secret wasn’t in the plans, so I decided to risk it.
It was a short drive, and when I arrived, I felt more like myself despite the throbbing knuckles. I logged into the system, saying a quick hello to the usual folks who walked back and forth in front of the reception desk. A sticky note on the side of the computer had my name on it. “Andrew M. called for you. Says you’ll know what he needs.”
He probably wanted to get my answer on another work project he’d proposed. I’d left the papers at home on the table because the argument with Sadie had distracted me. But I’d seen enough, and what he wanted me to do was interesting. What about the screen time, the possible increase in stress? Would taking on that project help or hurt me?
Being up front with Andrew might be warranted. Up until now, I’d not told him about my background, and he’d been polite enough not to pry. Family and past lives had been off-limits in our conversations. And despite our rapport, even calling him a friend—or at least an acquaintance—I didn’t know much about him.
Personal information didn’t matter when it came to doing work for him though. Decision made, I placed the call.
Andrew picked up on the first ring. “Hey, Theo. Thanks for calling me back.”
“No worries. Is this about the proposal you had me looking at?”
“It is. Just wondered about your level of interest.”
“I’ll be honest. The details are amazing, and I’d love to look at it...”
Andrew laughed on the other end of the line. “But. I hear a ‘but’ coming. Those are always easy to infer.”
“I’m not sure I have the time.” I glanced out the front window, trying to figure out how to phrase what I wanted to say. The bright sun bolstered me, blasted my misgivings away. “Things at home are...up in the air right now.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah. It’s that...”
“Hey, I get it. Why don’t we agree you’ll pass on this proposal, but I’ll ask again on the next one. I’m sure something will come up in the next week or so. And then, we can head out for a burger or something. The kids will be gone over the weekend.”
A bit of information from the guy who didn’t say much. He could say the same of me though.
“Sounds good. But—” Tonight might be a good time to meet with him. A few hours away from home...”Any interest in grabbing that burger tonight? Only if you have time.”
“I can make that happen. Does six at the Kennedy Grill work?”
The perfect spot. Close enough to drop the car off at home after work and walk to dinner. “Sure.”
“All right. See you then.”
Chapter 11: Sadie
The minutes spent in my car allowed me time to contemplate Theo’s dismissal—which stung—and my life, which for the most part, was good, great even. Blessed as a wife and mother, only Theo’s PTSD and the hot mess of my (sometimes) guilt caused me issues, but it took every ounce of my energy to fight back, stand tall, and move forward each day. The realization our lives were going to be different whether I stuck with Theo or not was too much for my wounded self to take on a Monday morning.
Jackie whistled in her office as I rounded the corner to mine. Apparently, a good night’s sleep did wonders for her. The same could not be said for me.
I opened the door to my office and stopped. There, at the foot of my desk, stood Andrew. As unexpected as it was to see him, I’d have been a liar if I said he wasn’t a sight for sore eyes.
Willing the puffy-eyed look to vanish, I moved deeper into my office. “Hey, there, Andrew. I didn’t expect to see you here.” I hung my jacket on its designated hook.
“I was in to check on Jackie, and she said you’d be in soon. I thought I’d see how you were. Did the late night get to you?”
“Nope. I was okay yesterday, although I have to say I did hit the hay a little early last night. I’m not cut out for all-nighters anymore.” Keeping the smile out of my voice proved difficult. I wasn’t ready to be frank with Andrew, and he was only there for small talk anyway. Averting my gaze might help.
“Well, thanks for letting me sleep away most of the night. I’m sorry about that. I dropped the ball on that task, didn’t I? If we do this again, I’ll let you get the shut-eye next time,” Andrew said.
My insides stuttered, and I was glad my head was down as I examined the pages of my desk calendar. Next time? Would there be a next time?
“You’re welcome—” The phone cut off my words and gave me a natural out, allowing me to avoid the place the conversation might lead. Where did I want it to lead? “Would you please excuse me?” The phone trilled again.
“Certainly. Have a great week. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” Andrew smiled a sweet, slow smile, saluted me, and crossed over the threshold. Boy, did his pants fit nicely to his backside. Gah.
“Get a grip,” I mumbled to myself. “Get a grip on reality and answer the damn phone.”
As I picked up the
