"Morning, Jarvis. I'll see you later."
He blinked. "Ms. Ortega, you're headed to the office? I thought you were the boss."
"The snow will probably stop falling soon," I said, then walked through the door he held open.
Plus, that was exactly the point. If anyone needed to set the example, it should be me. Some of my employees could not work from home, which made showing up important. It was nearly the end of January; the whole reason we wanted to launch Amoré Nights now was so women would credit my little app for getting them the best Valentine's Day ever. February was days away.
As I slowly made my way toward the office, the few blocks from my condo now felt like a trek up Mount Everest. The wind whipped snow against my face, stinging and blinding me as I stumbled forward, barely able to see more than a few feet ahead.
Damn, for once the weatherman was right. I hated men!
Eventually, I made it. Stomped the snow from my boots and went to the elevator. I needed coffee, something warm. Minutes later, I walked into Amoré Nights and was shocked to find the place full.
A smile tugged at my lips, then spread wider. The majority of my staff were here, in sweaters and jeans, clicking away.
"So, none of you trusted the weatherman, or are you just the best employees I could ever ask for?"
"Both," someone said.
Another voice yelled, "Who would've thought he'd get one right."
Laughter rippled through the office, and Eliana pressed a hot cup of coffee into my hands.
"Bless you," I said, taking a sip immediately. "OK. If you're all going to work, I'll get started. Can't have it said I'm slacking."
After offering my staff one last warm look, I hurried to my office and went in.
"We have to talk."
The corners of my mouth fell when I spotted Bruno at my desk. I looked back at the door to make sure it was shut.
Then, in a low pleading voice, I spoke. "Why are you in here?"
Silence.
Carrying a dejected expression, Bruno didn't answer. I removed my coat and hung it on the hook. "I have work to do."
"So, that's it? You'll pretend we never happened," he said, voice tight.
Out of reflex, I was ready to defend myself. "I don't need to explain myself to you."
Bruno stood. "Running from California and hiding in your condo all weekend. What's that going to achieve? The old Alex would face challenges head-on."
"The old Alex is gone. Isn't that clear by now?"
He gave no sign that he'd heard me. "Let's talk now like adults."
I stared at him in disbelief. "This is my place of business. Amoré Nights launches soon. I don't have time."
"Make some," he ordered, and that tone wasn't one to use with me. "Let's meet after work at the coffee shop next to the building."
Was he not listening?
"Bruno. The other night, I was drunk. I'm not changing course in my life because I couldn't hold my liquor."
He flinched. "It was more than that, don't pretend…"
"Leave my office. Do not pretend to know how I feel better than I do. If I say nothing comes from it, then that's it."
