I nodded. “Yes, of course.”
He looked pained. “I just don’t think I should be the one ... given I’m theone...”
“I get it.”
She stared down at the hallway carpet, swaying back and forth. I hated that he was seeing her like this.
“She told me she took a Valium, so she should fall right to sleep. I just wanted to make sure she got home safely.”
“Thanks, I can take it from here.”
I could tell that he was trying to make the best of a miserable situation, but I also knew how bad this was for her, on so many levels.
“The keys should be in her bag,” I said.
“I’ve got one.” He looked embarrassed. “I should leave it with you.”
We helped her onto the bed. Neither of us said anything. I was struck by how normal he looked, like a younger version of Ed Harris with corporate clothes and lots of hair.
“You must be Sam.”
I nodded. “And you’re Stephen.”
“Thanks for staying with her.”
He nervously cracked the knuckle of his right index finger. “I’d appreciate your discretion on this. Our world is very small.”
Emilie was passed out with her head on the pillow and her feet still on the floor.
“I’d ask the same of you, I guess. For her.”
“Of course. She’s a brilliant mind. It would be a shame if she left the firm.”
I winced, thankful she wasn’t awake to hear that.
“I should go.” He held up the key. “I’ll leave this next to the door.”
“Thanks. I’ll make sure she gets it.”
I didn’t even know about Stephen two weeks ago, but somehow he had a key.
I watched him leave and waited until I heard the door close behind him.
“Jesus,” I muttered.
I carefully took off her boots and covered her with a blanket. I poured a glass of water and left Advil on the nightstand, then took an extra pillow and made a small makeshift bed on the floor next to her.
I went to the kitchen and opened my laptop to answer an email from George Brenner, then went back to check on Emilie. I stripped down to my bra and panties and pulled the couch throw over me. I lay there staring at the ceiling, wondering if she’d remember anything in the morning.
My phone lit the room with a text from Charlie.
Emilie OK?
I sent back a thumbs-up.
She will be. See ya in the morning.
Chapter Thirty
