I also knew me. If I made it all the way up to my apartment without stopping on the first floor and arranging for the keycard, I knew I wouldn’t come backdown. I’d bury myself in my condo, make a lame excuse for dinner, and read a book or practice offensive plays.
Stepping into the elevator, I felt as if I was no closer to a decision.
As the elevator doors closed, I hesitated.
Decision made.
I’d leave it up to fate.
Yes. It was the perfect answer, just like the flip of the coin at the start of the game.
Flashing my keycard before the sensor, I hit the button for the seventh floor. If there were other people on the first floor and the elevator stopped, boom. Fate was telling me to leave the key. If there wasn’t anyone and the elevator didn’t stop, fate was saying no.
My breathing hitched as I watched the numbers on the screen.
The G disappeared.
The one illuminated.
Was it going to stop?
“Fuck it,” I mumbled, hitting the one. Fate hadn’t made the decision, I had.
The doors opened to an empty space. No one was waiting on the first floor to enter the elevator. The decision was made. I wasn’t doubling back. Lifting my chin, I walked toward the resident concierge desk. The man behind the counter peered up as my shoes clipped the marble floor, my taps growing nearer.
“May I help you?” a young man with the name tagJaceasked.
“Yes. I’m Maeve Hubbard from number 706.”
“Hello, Ms. Hubbard. It’s nice to see you again.”
I feigned a smile. “I’d like to request a one-time entry keycard for a guest to visit me this evening.”
“Sure thing, Ms. Hubbard,” the man said, reaching for a tablet and pen. “Will this guest be Mr. Clark or Mr. Hubbard?”
I blinked.
Of course he’d think that. Preston and my father were two of my most frequent visitors. “No. Today’s visitor is Griffin Graham.”
The concierge’s lips curled. “Great game yesterday.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded. “Yes, it was.”
I was about to remind Jace that we in the Vine paid for his discretion, but by the way his cheeks paled, I had the feeling he caught himself.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Hubbard. I’ll have a keycard available for Mr. Graham. Do you know what time to expect him?”
“I believe close to seven.”
He nodded. “I’ll have it ready.” He looked at his watch. “In thirty minutes.”
Thirty minutes.
Shit.
“Thank you, Jace.”
My pulse kicked up as I made my way back to the elevator. As it began ascending to the seventh floor, I wasn’t convinced my debate was complete. I could always call back down and change my mind. I had a half hour. The hallway was empty as I made my way toward my condo.
