My stomach rolls again.
I swallow it down, grab my purse, and stand very still for a moment, listening.
The hallway outside my office is quiet.
Good.
I can get to the elevators. Down to the lobby. Out the doors. There is a pharmacy two blocks away. I know because I passed it this morning and thought about stopping for antacids, then told myself not to be dramatic.
Apparently, I should have stopped.
I take one step toward the door.
Then another.
My hand is on the knob when my phone buzzes.
My entire body locks.
For one stupid, terrible second, I know it is him.
I know it.
I look down.
Ainsley:Are you okay?
I almost laugh.
No.
Absolutely not.
I type back with fingers that do not feel entirely attached to my hand.
Me:Fine. Just nauseous. Probably something I ate.
I put the phone in my briefcase, send out a little sorry to the janitorial staff for the mess I left, open the door, and step into the hall.
Chapter Twenty Six
Mario
I am not going to Victoria’s office.
That is what I tell myself as I leave mine.
There are other reasons to take this corridor. Real reasons. Practical ones. The outside counsel offices sit along this side of the floor, and I have every right to pass them on my way to the elevators if I choose.
It is my building.
No, it is not the shortest way.
No, it is not the way I usually go.
But it is not so unusual that anyone would question it.
Least of all me.
