She gets back behind her desk. “Not really.” Then she leans closer. “That bitch is here though; she’s been parading around this place like a queen. I don’t know what’s going on.” I stare blankly, and she grins, “Yah know, the one who was here before,” she taps a finger to her lip like she’s trying to recall something. “Sandy… no that’s not it. Brandy…”
My heart stutters. “Nancy?”
She grins, “Yes. That’s her. God what a witch.”
I glance towards the elevator. “She’s here now?”
“Yes. Not in his diary mind. But when I tried to stop her, she laughed and carried on like I hadn’t spoken. I rushed up to apologise to Mr Baxter, you know what he can be like, but he seemed very cosy with her,” and she gives a wink. “Anyway, I’m so glad you’re back so I don’t have to pick up the slack. No offense.”
I half-smile and head for the elevator. “None taken,” I mutter.
By the time I get to the office, my blood is pumping and my heart racing. What did she mean by cosy? Warren’s office blinds are closed. I shrug out of my jacket and place my bag on the floor under my desk. Then I square my shoulders and head for the door, knocking and waiting. When he doesn’t answer, I take a breath and push the door open, only to find the office empty.
“He’s in a meeting.” I spin around to find Erik leaning in the doorway with a grin on his face. “Good to see you back. How was Italy?”
I go back to my desk and set the coffee down. “Good, thank you.”
He saunters in, picking up the coffee and flopping down into a seat near my desk. “What did you do there?”
I lower into my seat and turn on my computer. “Didn’t Warren tell you?”
He shrugs, “I’m asking you.”
“I’d prefer you to ask him.”
His eyes travel towards the door, and he stands. I turn to see Warren marching over, his strides long and his face stern.
“I didn’t expect you in today,” he says tightly, not quite meeting my eye.
“I’m ready to be here,” I say, “I did try to tell you that this–”
“Let’s go over my schedule,” he cuts in before I can finish, heading into his office.
I sigh, grabbing my note pad and pen.
“He doesn’t seem very pleased,” Erik whispers with a smirk as he heads out.
Warren is sitting at his desk, staring at his phone. “I thought I made it clear this morning,” he says, raising his eyes to mine.
“You didn’t give me a chance to reply,” I mutter, sitting down.
He rubs his brow. “I don’t understand the issue. You wanted to quit.”
“And I don’t understand your issue,” I snap. “You told me I had to hand in my notice in writing. You were very specific on that.”
“That’s when I was trying…” he trails off, sighing. “To keep you around,” he admits, reluctantly.
We both fall silent for a moment. “Have you told your family about us?” I ask.
He almost laughs, then realises I’m serious and frowns. “Tell my family?” he repeats. “Tell them what exactly? We only made up a couple of nights ago.”
I suddenly feel silly, and my face reddens with embarrassment. His frown fades to something less deep and he gives a sympathetic smile. “Look, all of that will come. I’m not hiding you away, Lee.” I nod, keeping my eyes fixed on the notepad in my lap. “We can tell the world, but for now, can we keep it between us? I don’t want you to be the hot topic of gossip around the entire office. And until we work out exactly how to navigate it, I want to keep you to myself. If my father finds out he’ll be adding us onto guest lists at all of his boring functions.”
I glance up. “Okay.”
“Sure?” he asks, and I nod again.
“Great. Now, can you change some appointments around for me.”
