I would never have expected any differently, but that’s fine; what’s important is that Skylar is making plans, interacting with people, and trying to regain some control over her life – even though, as her father, that’s supposed to be my job.
Jordan
Iget into my office a few minutes before my meeting. I find Anya at her desk in the hallway, a steaming cup of coffee waiting for me. I grab it as I’m walking past and thank her for being the best friend/secretary on the face of the planet. I dump my bag on my desk and take off my jacket, hooking it over the back of the armchair. I open the blinds quickly, trying to let a little light in. I fire up my computer and tap in my password, waiting for the screen to load so that I can take one last look at the file I’ve been sent about the case. I sink into the chair and sip at my coffee, as Anya pokes her head into my office.
“Are they already here?” I ask her, glancing at my watch. “Well, at least they’re on time. That’s a good sign.”
“J-Jordan?” Anya stammers, grabbing my attention. I lift my head to look at her.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” I leap to my feet and head for the door. “What’s with that face?”
“I don’t know how to tell you this…”
“Just say it, you’re scaring me now.”
“Y-your meeting…”
I wait for her to continue.
“Maybe it’s best if…” She moves away from the door frame so that I have a clear view of the waiting room.
“Oh, shit.” I scurry back inside, dragging her with me, and closing the door behind us. “Please, tell me this isn’t happening.”
I run over to my desk and throw myself at the computer, clicking on the file and carefully reading all the information.
“That’s not his name.”
“I know.”
“Then how is this even possible?”
Anya shakes her head, mortified. “I’m so sorry, but I have to let him in. The bell goes in twenty minutes, and…”
“It’s okay.”
“Can you handle it?”
Absolutely not.
“Let him in.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I can’t send him away, can I?”
“Okay. I’ll be just outside if you need me.”
I nod and smooth down my skirt – I have no idea why – before taking a deep breath and sitting behind my desk. I pretend to be busy with something; anything to prevent me from hyperventilating, or being sick all over my office.
This is the punishment I deserve for playing at being thebad girlfor just one night of my life.
“Can I come in?” his voice calls from behind the door.
You can do this, Jordan.
“I never thought you’d do this,” he says, as I slip open the button of his jeans and slide my hand inside, searching for his erection.
Me neither; but I could never tell him that.
