“What about Beck?”
“What about him?” She swallows and holds herself even tighter.
“Can’t you stay with him?”
“He doesn’t need my problems.” She looks at the ground and turns to grasp the door handle, then turning it, she slips out into the dark.
“Trixie,” I call, but she’s rushing down the street, not turning back.
Chapter 49
Leo
“Good morning, Mr. West.” Grace greets Cole with a flirty smile. “The Grecian sun seems to suit you.”
“Thank you, Miss Kelly, but I’m afraid it wasn’t all that relaxing.”
“Shame, you always seem so tense.”
“Stop making Mr. West uncomfortable, Grace.” I laugh while offering Cole my hand.
“She isn’t,” he says as he takes my hand. “She’s right; I am always tense.”
“Time you took a vacation then,” Grace says.
“Absolutely, Miss Kelly.”
“So formal, Mr. West.” She winks. “I’m just going to wait for Ria in the lobby.” She exits the boardroom, and the door clicks behind her.
“Sorry about her. We’ve been trying to find her filter for years, but I think it got destroyed.”
“My brother's wife is very similar; it makes family gatherings more entertaining. But she is definitely right. We are being too formal. I told you before to call me Cole.” I nod and he continues. “So I hope you don’t mind that we have this meeting with Ezra, but my diary is chaotic so it made sense to explain my decision once.”
“Absolutely; we’re all about efficiency.”
The boardroom door opens and a stunning petite woman with a short pixie cut comes into view. “Mr. West, I have Ezra St. Claire and his assistant waiting outside, and Mrs. Brent is in the lobby on her way up.”
Cole smiles warmly at his assistant and stands. “Exactly, thank you, Shannon. Please send them in and tell Mrs. Brent to come straight in with Miss Kelly.”
“Of course, Mr. West.” She nods and backs away, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.
“Still not got used to that?”
“Still feels like a dream.” I rub at my brow.
“Good morning, gentlemen.” Dale bursts through the door with Ezra, and his assistant walks a few steps behind him, her head held low.
“Morning, Mr. Lucas, Mr. St. Claire. Thank you for joining us. Mrs. Brent is on her way up and then we can get this meeting started.” Cole shakes both of their hands.
“Brilliant. I also have something that I need to share with Mrs. Brent,” Ezra says, his tone menacing as he narrows his eyes at me, and Dale just smirks behind his son.
“Of course. Please take a seat, gentlemen.” Cole waves his arms to the empty seats and I sit opposite Ezra. “And I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?” Cole asks as he pulls out a chair for Ezra’s assistant.
“Oh, umm…” She looks across at Ezra and fidgets with her hands before she dips her head again. “It’s Anna, sir.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Anna. You weren’t at our initial meeting.”
“That’s right, sir. I’m new,” she says softly, still not lifting her head.
