“From hotel mogul to poet? Don’t quit your day job, König.”
“For the record, I miss your sweet disposition.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Yet, you call to hear my voice.”
There’s a stretch of silence on the other end.
“Did you hang up on me, Michaela?”
“No, I’m still here.”
“How can I help you?” I’m twisting the knife in.
“You know why I’m calling.”
“I have many talents, sweetheart, reading minds isn’t one of them.” I’m not going to make it easy for her.
“I left my driver’s license at your office and I need it back,” she says.
“If you give me your address, I can have it delivered within the hour.”
She doesn’t respond.
“Michaela?”
“Yes.”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“I did,” she says. “I thought–– Maybe it’s–– I mean––” She lets out a long sigh. “Can I come by and pick it up instead?”
“Suit yourself. I’ll leave it at the concierge desk downstairs in the lobby.”
“I was hoping I might pick it up from you.”
“You’re eager to see me again?”
“Are you sure your ego is going to fit in your office? Or even the entire hotel?” She’s as quick as a whip.
“I have something you need and you’re giving me attitude?” I pour salt on an open wound. “I don’t have time for this?—”
“Phoenix, please don’t hang up. Can we talk in person?”
“I’m afraid to let you near me,” I say. “Your words were so violent, they practically gave me whiplash. I’m not sure if it’s a learned skill, but you make quite the entrance andexit, Miss Knight. I’m still recovering from the way you torpedoed out of my office. I’m not sure I can take another serving of what you’re dishing out today.”
“Okay, I deserve that,” she says. “I flew off the handle a little.”
A lot.
“I didn’t have all the facts, so… I might’ve been at a disadvantage.”
“Is that an apology?”
“I apologize for not having all the facts.”
Oh, that’s sneaky.
