“Can I have one shoe of every size, from five to seven and a half?” I asked.
“Certainly. Let me box those up for you.”
It would only be strange, I told myself as I drove home in the drizzling rain, if I actually gave the shoes to Lexi in person. I would just leave them for her to find by the stairs with a note for her to pick the shoe size that fit best and I would donate the rest.
We wouldn’t have to actually interact with each other.
I nodded to Nasr as I walked to the elevator, the two large white paper bags in my hands.
“Mr. Richmond …” he began.
“Apologies, I have to go make a call. I hope you have a wonderful evening.”
I didn’t want to have to explain to him why I had two bags full of women’s shoes.
Sconces on the wall of the penthouse glowed softly when I walked inside. While I hadn’t cared about the layout of the penthouse, leaving it to the architect’s judgment, I had insisted on warm, soothing lighting.
After living in the cellar, where my father had insisted the flickering, buzzing fluorescent lights stayed on twenty-four, seven so he could see if anyone was trying to sneak up on him, and in group homes dominated by harsh blue prison-grade LED lights, it was a luxury to be able to control my own environment.
I went into my study and set down the bags on the sofa then switched on the desk light.
I cursed as I saw Lexi, frozen on the sliding ladder of the bookcase, square of bright-purple paper in hand.
“Surprise?” She winced.
I unwound the scarf from my neck, trying to casually block the bags from her line of sight with my body.
“That lizard isn’t here, is it?”
“Gizzy? Safely at home.” She stuffed the note under one of the antique globes on the shelf. “Welp, my assistant duties are done, so I’ll just be on my way. Have a good evening.”
It seemed important to not have to give her the shoes in person. It was less creepy that way.
“Yes.” I nodded.
In her pocket, her phone started playing some Disney tune. She answered it as she scuttled out of my study.
“If you’re going to give me a heads-up, just text. Don’t call. My ringtone is loud.”
I huffed out a laugh, relaxing slightly. Lexi hadn’t even noticed the bags.
I settled down at my desk to write the note then flinched when Lexi’s red hair appeared in the doorway.
“Uh, I don’t know, like, how cool we are or not, but since I saved you a pastry, do you think you could do me a solid and not mention to Anthym that you saw me here?” She made a face.
I leveled my gaze at her. “I thought you were here on official assistant business?”
Stop talking to her. Just let her leave.
“Never mind,” I said. “This never happened.”
“It’s just that—”
“Can you just take the win?” I growled.
“I know you’re sensitive about people being in your space.”
“I’m not sensitive.” I bristled.
