“And Shane,” Brigit said. “Anyone else?” Colton shook his head. “Shane, let’s do it together,” Brigit suggested.
Shane flushed. “Um, okay.”
With phones at the ready, staff congregated around the statue. Colton held out a red velvet apron skirt and the red Santa hat.
Shane snatched the hat. “I’m staying clear of David’s junk.”
As the staff snapped pictures and shot videos, Shane hatted David and Brigit tied the red velvet skirt around the statue’s waist.
“Brigit, I’m glad you joined us,” Colton said. “The more you do, the more you’ll remember.”
The following morning Brigit trudged back downstairs wearing black pants, a burgundy sweater, and her cushy slipper boots. After promising Colton she’d limit her computer time, and would rest if she tired, he agreed. Booting up her computer, she silently rejoiced in the normal routine.
Seeing Mrs. Mic later that morning would further boost her spirits. Unfortunately, her visit wasn’t social. Since Marjorie refused to discuss anything by phone, Brigit anticipated bad news.
Midmorning Brigit pussyfooted toward the French doors, leaned against the doorframe and stared out back. Something had been niggling at her. The more she tried forcing the memory, the farther it receded into her mind.
“Hey,” said Colton. “You okay?”
Staring at this man could make her forget every crappy thing that had happened. He had that kind of an effect on her. “There’s something I need to remember.”
“You think?”
Her lips lifted. “No, somethingelse. Something important. I can’t remember what I was doing before I––” She pursed her lips.
“Before you what?”
Tell him.She sighed. “Before I saw you leave with Alexandra.”
He cocked a brow. “I heard you got drunk the night I left. Was that the reason?”
“Oh, don’t flatter yourself.” She smirked. “The entire afternoon is hazy. Whatever I’m supposed to remember is important.”
“There you two are!” Marjorie’s booming voice broke Brigit’s concentration. Mojo trotted over to Marjorie. “Hi, doggie. He’s big. Should I be worried?”
Brigit smiled. “Mojo’s a sweetheart.”
With her sights set on Brigit, Marjorie bustled toward them. “You look—” She shook her head, draped her arm tenderly around Brigit and kissed her cheek. “I’m relieved you’re okay.”
Me too, Mrs. Mic.
“I like the security detail posted outside the gates.” Marjorie hugged Colton. “You’ve been taking good care of our girl?”
“No, no, I haven’t.” Colton fought a smile. “Any particular reason why I should be?”
As Marjorie swatted his arm, her throaty laughter lifted Brigit’s spirits.
“Today’s the first day I’m back in my office.” Brigit walked slowly toward Colton’s office. “I need a head start.”
While they sat around Colton’s conference table, Brigit rubbed Mojo’s head and thick, furry neck. Though having Mojo nearby soothed her, her heart pounded like a jackhammer. From the look in her eyes, Mrs. Mic was about to drop a bomb.
Perched on the chair’s edge, Marjorie rested her clasped hands on the table. “You’ve both endured a lot. I wish I could candy-coat what I have to tell you, but that’s not my style.”
Out of habit, Brigit went to fiddle with her bracelet, but the familiar keepsake was gone.
“I called a handful of Francesco shareholders with whom I have history,” Marjorie said. “They seek me out at annual shareholder meetings and I have a friendly rapport with each of them. The feedback wasn’t good. They think merging with MobiCom is the way to go.”
Shaking his head, Colton pushed out of his chair. “Montgomery?”
