Page 84 of Finding Redemption

“Naw, I’m good. Thanks.”

“All right. Coffee’s ready when you are. No hurry though,” he calls through the door.

“Wonderful,” I answer, dragging my fingers through my hair, trying to make it look less like a rat’s nest.

I listen at the door. As soon as I can tell he’s walking away, I spring into action. “Reese, you can do this.” I give myself a pep talk as I pull myself together at neck-breaking speed. I grab the toothpaste, squeezing it onto my fingers. I shove it in my mouth, rubbing vigorously.

I rinse my mouth before splashing my face with the warm water. I take the corner of the inside of my blouse to clean up my eyes. Going from Rocky after the fight to Adrian before it. I pull my skirt up higher with a determination of making my girl fresh.

I soap my hands lightly, filling them with water so there’s not much irritation after. I wash up as best as I can. That’s a whore’s bath for sure. I pat her dry with toilet paper, tossing it in the toilet to be flushed. I borrow some deodorant and leave a tad bit fresher than when I walked in.

I stick my head out from behind the door. “Are we alone?”

He looks up from his phone, his eyes glistening in the morning sun. “We are. It’s still early.”

I stumble into the room. “Do I smell The Gods of the Coffee Bean?”

“You do but I’m not sure how you take it, so I got a little of everything out. Donna loves this stuff in hers.” He pushes the flavored creamer at me.

“Thank you but I’ll take it straight, sir.” My heart quickens when he doesn’t take his eyes off me. “What?”

“I like you. I like you a lot.” He wiggles his brows.

“Right back atcha, babe.” I sip the dark libation from the cup, happy to help clean my breath up.

“I had a thought I wanted to run past you.” He folds the paper, laying it to the side as he straightens in his seat.

“This sounds serious. I’m not sure I’m functioning enough for it.”

“Let’s say we allow the judge to decide what gets done with the property.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Isn’t that defeating the purpose?”

“You said you know the latest draft couldn’t get much better.” He inclines his head.

“Agreed. It was pretty good.”

“So, we give him all three proposals.” He raises his brows until the light clicks above my head. We begin nodding together.

“He’ll pick the last draft and we’ll all win.”

“I’m afraid The Historical Society won’t be happy. How do you feel about it?” He leans in, a crease appearing on his forehead.

“It’s fine, Walker. I’ve done my level best to get them exactly what they want but it’s not fair to ask DII to give so much. They’re being unreasonable.”

“So, it’s a go?” he asks.

“Absolutely. Let’s do it. Time to put this to bed.”

“I need to jump in the shower. Will you wait until I’m out?” He stands, taking his cup to the sink.

“I really should go. I need to shower and try to pull myself together.”

“Oh. You’re scared you’ll be seen?”

My stomach flips at the mere idea. I shudder. “Yes. Walk of shame is not my style.”

“I understand. Let me see you out.” He jerks a shirt off the chair beside me. “Ma’am.”