Ilena’s head cocks, and Mallory realizes she never told her aboutThe Shandy Shane Show, about only Mallory and Grayson being on it.
Mallory steps forward to escort Heidi Hoffman the hell out of her office. “Yes, well, schedules are—”
“Cleared,” Heidi Hoffman says. “Noreen and I made sure of it.”
Noreen.
Relief floods Mallory’s veins.
Heidi adds, “She knows how flighty you can be.”
Flighty?Mallory draws back, and Ilena laughs like it’s a joke, but Heidi Hoffman just keeps on going.
“So we put appointments in everyone’s calendars to meet in the AIM conference room, and I’ve got the nut-free rice bagels all set out.”
Is that a brag or an indictment?
What it is, at the very least, is confirmation of Grayson’s nut allergy and AIM’s commitment to their employees’ health in this world, same as in hers. That’s good. Great. Terrific for AIM, more than a little worrying for Mallory. Because odds are, this Mallory also knew about Grayson’s allergy.
“And now...” Heidi claps. “Where’s my little munchkin?”
This draws Harley out from under the desk, which, unlike in Mallory’s office in her world, is positioned to give her a view of AIM’s interior, not the river.
“Harley!” Heidi Hoffman says. “There you are!” She holds up her phone. “Wi-Fi collar never fails. It’s why I thought Mr. Fields was here. He dropped Harley off, then?”
“Not exactly,” Ilena says. “He’s—”
“On an unexpected trip,” Mallory says.
Heidi Hoffman’s forehead could double as a topographic map. “But he didn’t mention anything to me.”
“It was very sudden.”
Skepticism clouds Heidi’s eyes. “Business or pleasure?”
“I didn’t want to pry,” Mallory says.
Heidi dips her chin. “Oh, yes, yes, certainly not.”
Mallory hadn’t meant it as a criticism of the woman, but if that’s what it takes to make her relent, so be it. “Right then, so any materials you have regarding preparation can be directed to me.” Ilena’s lips part, and Mallory adds, “Us, to us.”
“You can count on me, Ms. Latham, Mrs. Singh.”
Ilena winces at being called by Felix’s surname, and Mallory covers with, “Another Braxton-Hicks?”
Heidi swoops in, arms extended, as if ready to wrap Ilena in a chunky wool blanket. “Come now, Mrs. Singh, just breathe through it.” She sets a hand on Ilena’s shoulder, pressing down, and counting.
Ilena mercifully fakes it, though her eyes bore into Mallory’s.
“That’s it, Mrs. Singh.” Heidi pats Ilena’s shoulder as Harley scampers toward her. She bends to tickle his chin. “What a sweetie you are.”
Mallory realizes her opportunity. “Perhaps you might take—”
“If only my building allowed pets, I’d steal Mr. Harley right out from under you!” Her jaw slackens. “Mea culpa, Ms. Latham, that was inappropriate. But how about while I’m here I take him for a jaunt? Feed him his raw chicken nuggets?” Heidi gestures to the wet bar.
Mallory shakes her head. “I need to stop at a pet store, I guess.”
“Oh, no, no. Mr. Fields only feeds Harley an organic, allergen-free raw diet. I have a subscription sent to his home each month.” That brow draws the Eastern seaboard. “He must have been inquitethe rush, indeed.” She straightens her spine. “No matter. I’ll just scoot on over to his penthouse, pop open his cold chest, and be back before Harley’s tummy can grumble.”
