Cold Feet

CHRISTINE

“Lara,” I say as I answer the phone. “Has she arrived?”

“Well good day to you too,” Lara says feigning disappointment when I don’t ask how she is. “She has arrived. You won’t believe it.”

“What?” I ask sitting forward and hoping to hear another scrap of information I can use against Viola.

“I offered her our family apartment until she gets her salary and pay the deposit on her own place. The poor girl burst out sobbing in my office. It was heartbreaking to see how much she appreciated the help I gave her. This is truly one of the best things we have ever done, girl.”

I roll my eyes. I was hoping for something to use against Viola. You’ll have to be careful with Lara, I tell myself. She may be your best friend, but she’s gone all goody-two-shoes on you on this one.

“That’s great. I knew she would appreciate it.”

“You really should think of letting her know.”

I sit forward in my chair. “Lara,” my tone hardens.

“Yes?” she replies sounding as if she’s been slapped.

“Under no circumstances is she to know. You feel great because of the good we’ve done right?”

“Absolutely, I was…”

“Some people can be happy not letting it be known that they’ve helped someone else okay? If ever I feel that she will put the past behind us, then I might tell her. If you tell her I’m involved she will walk away, I promise you. And then all the good you feel so good about having done today, will be gone.”

Understood,” Lara says sounding a

Maybe once the business is well established we can inform her. When she has something to lose if she gives it up, maybe then will

says.

before we end the call. I’m satisfied that I’ve smoothed things over

me and that little upstart but she’ll never have to find out. All I know

client at the Ritz Carlton to discuss arrangements for their daughter’s wedding. I’m early as always. Get

voice behind me calls my name. I turn around and freeze. I

Grady.

smile and he smiling it right now. He’s wearing a light brown sports jacket over beige trousers. The jacket fits him perfectly and I

my fingers through it, maybe grab it with passion. I feel myself flush with emotion

could do anything and I would live

are the last person I ever thought I’d see here,” he says. His voice is soft but rough at the same time. God, I

take me in and I let them caress me. I note how he checks my left hand. I know he’s looking for a ring. I make it easier for him to see I’m not wearing a ring without making

free. I don’t think of Rick at all. I have other plans for him and long term doesn’t figure in them even though

Rick where I want him and it looks like I’m about to get a second chance with Grady.

are you doing here?” he

a business meeting. What are

for an

“Interview? What for?”

looking at investing in an energy

see. How long are you

gives it to me says enough. He’s hoping that I’ll join him. He wants me. His eyes say it all. He thinks

control before we’ve begun and believe me