I pushed those thoughts aside as I approached Gregory's office. We were supposed to be going over his tentative schedule for the rest of the month and some information he'd asked Janet and I to compile for a presentation he was giving at the upcoming convention. I could hear him talking on the phone so I knocked lightly.
"Come on in."
He was still on the phone when I stepped through the door. He looked up at me, his expression a little surprised, and then he smiled and continued talking.
"That sounds good, Chris. I'll have Nick get back to you later today," he said before hanging up the phone.
"Wow, Claudia, you look great. Are the glasses new?" He stood and walked around the desk to greet me as I set my notebook and tablet down on his desk.
I extended my hand, but he pulled me into a quick hug. That was new and definitely a good sign. Maybe Grace was right about it being like the Zimmerman case. While he made his way back around the desk, I took a seat and discreetly popped open another button on my jacket, letting it hang open to reveal the maximum amount of cleavage I could show without making me look like a total hooker.
"No, I just ran out of contacts," I lied as I pulled up the PowerPoint presentation on my tablet.
"This looks really great," Gregory said when I laid it in front of him.
"So you're good with the font and the color scheme?" I asked. "It's really easy to change if you prefer something else. Here, let me show you." I walked around to stand next to him. Instead of crouching down, I bent over at the waist so he'd be sure to get the maximum effect if he turned to look at me while I demonstrated the software. I was pretty sure he knew how to use the program just fine on his own, but he indulged me.
"I actually think I prefer this one," Gregory said after he'd toggled through a couple different themes.
"I think you're right." I leaned even closer to him. My left breast was touching his shoulder, but he didn't seem to notice. "That looks much better; you have a great eye." I pretended to admire the change without moving away. I wondered if I would need to get on his lap to get his attention.
"Ahem."
I jumped at the sudden sound from the doorway. Grey leaned against the jamb, glaring directly at me. I tried to control my features as a twinge of guilt tightened my stomach. I took a small step away from Gregory.
Grey strode into the room calmly and smiled at his brother. "Sorry to interrupt your meeting," he said to Gregory.
My heart was in my throat and the blood rushed so hard behind my ears, I could barely make out what they were talking about. Something about their trip to Dallas and a call that afternoon. They must have finished because Grey started walking out, and my heart slowed just a little.
"Ms. Winston," Grey said, looking back with a smirk, "Janet sent over a list of potential assistants for me, I'd like your opinion on a couple I like. Stop by my office when you're finished here," he demanded before finally walking out. He didn't bother to wait for a response or close the door. I wondered if it was to be rude on purpose or he thought I needed the lack of privacy to control myself with his brother.
"I wonder what's gotten under his skin." Gregory said rhetorically after his brother left. "Well, with that change, I'm happy with everything, Claudia. I really appreciate all of your work, and it seems as though Janet is finally getting excited about retirement now she's not worried about who's going to take care of me." He chuckled as he passed the tablet over, looking at me for the first time since I'd stood beside him. His gaze remained focused on my face.
"Thank you, Gregory. It's been a pleasure working here so far," I said, finally stepping back around the desk.
"Can you send Janet in to see me when she gets back from lunch?" He smiled before he studied some paperwork on his desk, effectively dismissing me. I felt sick when I walked out. I couldn't talk to Grey yet, not until I got ahold of myself because I was pretty sure he didn't actually want to talk about assistant candidates. I ducked into the bathroom and hid in a stall for God knows how long before I felt calm enough to face him.
❖
"You wanted some help deciding on a candidate?" I tried to keep my voice from shaking as I stepped into Grey's office. I was usually so happy in that space, but in that moment I was nothing short of terrified. I knew what was coming. Grey was looking out the window.
"Not really," he said, swiveling around in the chair. His eyes were dark. He stood and stalked toward me where I stood just inside the door, not stopping until there were just a few inches between us. He didn't touch me or grab me like I'd expected. Instead, he reached behind me and pushed the door closed. Grey didn't move back for several seconds. He just kept staring down into my eyes as though he was daring me to look away and trying to see into my soul at the same time.
My fear turned into anger. Who did he think he was? He didn't own me and he certainly wasn't going to control me. I don't get intimidated.
Still holding his gaze, I finally spoke. "Did you summon me here to have a staring contest then?" I said, challenging him. That probably wasn't a wise move.
"No, I think you know I want to ask what the fuck you were trying to do with my brother." His breath was even, no expression graced his face.
"We were going over his presentation for Dallas." I lifted my chin.
"Bullshit. What is it, some kind of fetish?" His voice grew louder. "You were practically sitting on his lap!"
"You're delusional," I replied, feigning conviction when all I felt was guilt.
"Am I?" He looked down. "Funny, two more buttons were undone when you were leaning in Gregory's face." He hooked his index finger in the front of my jacket and pulled it out. Despite myself, I shivered when his finger brushed the top of my cleavage and my panties dampened. "What? You didn't want them on display for me? And you never answered my other question. Do you have some kind of fetish for married men? It certainly seems that way?"
It was a reasonable question under the circumstances; my response was less so. Before I knew what was happening, I smacked the side of his face. He didn't even look surprised--in fact, he smiled.
"So that it, then? Catching a single guy must be too fucking easy for a woman like you. You must need the challenge of destroying a family to get off."
His words stung, a feeling I clearly wanted to share. I swung my hand at his face a second time, but he caught my wrist before I could make contact and crashed his mouth down over mine.
His tongued pushed between my lips, not waiting for an invitation. He released my wrist and gripped my hips, digging his fingers into my flesh. My body relaxed against him and I moaned into his mouth. It must have been the response he was waiting for because as soon as I gave in he let go and stormed out of this office, leaving me there horny and confused.
Chapter 14
I stumbled through the rest of the day. As much as I wanted to pack up and go home, I couldn't. Janet wouldn't mind, but I couldn't face Grace yet, so I headed to my other apartment to hide out for the night. She would want to talk about what happened with Gregory, which was a big fat nothing. Whether he just wasn't attracted to me, or there was something else going on, Gregory clearly wasn't taking any bait I was casting.
To head off Grace's inevitable inquiry, I shot her a quick message.
Me: It was a no go with Gregory today. Meeting got canceled
Me: Going to try and reschedule.
Grace: Bad luck, where are you?
Me: Other apartment.
Grace: You okay?
Me: Absolutely :) Who knows, maybe he'll show up here ;)
Grace: Fingers crossed!
I didn't see or hear from Grey that night or the next two days. I wasn't even sure if he'd come into the office on Wednesday. I considered texting him to apologize or try to explain, but what could I say? Nothing I could tell him would make any sense. Besides, I didn't want to lie to him again. Silence was the best alternative.
It was no surprise the surveillance reports revealed nothing of interest once again. We hadn't
gotten anything new since finding out Kristen worked for Arrow Components.
"With Gregory gone, we can slip a bug into his office. No one would bat an eye at me stopping to see you while you're working in there now," Bridget suggested on Friday when we were out for our third lunch that week. "We can swing by Homewrecker Incorporated and pick up the equipment on our way back to G&G."
"That's a great idea," I said as I pushed bits of salad around on my plate. It couldn't hurt to listen in on all the calls Gregory made from his office.
"What's wrong, not hungry?" Bridget asked, her brow furrowed.
"Not really, guess the stress of the job is getting to me. I've never had to work so hard for it before. I'm just ready for it to be over."
"I know," Bridget said, her expression soft. She was the only one who knew about the added frustration that was Greyston Michaels.
After lunch and short taxi ride, I walked into my office at Homewrecker Incorporated while Bridget gathered the equipment she needed.
I stopped cold when I saw the box on my desk. I'd completely forgotten it was my birthday. I had a pretty good idea who it was from since I got one every year. I was just about to toss it in the trash, like always, when there was a knock at my door.
"Hi, Claudia. I swung by your other place on my way in to pick up your mail. Happy birthday, by the way," Lydia said with a smile as she handed me the two packages wrapped in identical paper. One was small and rectangular; the other was much larger and flat.
I looked at the other box on my desk and sighed, picking up the card next to it.
Opening it, I scanned it quickly. Despite my intention to just read who the sender was, I made the mistake of reading "My dearest Claudia" in handwriting I hadn't seen in over fifteen years. I closed the card as tears stung my eyes and tossed it into the trash can beside my desk.
"Here, you can have whatever this is. Just wait until I'm gone to open it. I don't want to know what it is, and you have to promise not to mention it again." I handed the box from my desk to Lydia.
"Shit, really?" Lydia said and then nodded and walked out when she saw my expression.
With the annual gift from my father out of the way, I was curious who'd sent the other gifts. The girls usually went in on something together, but they would wait until we were all together to give it to me, and Grace was nowhere to be found.
I peeled the second envelope open and pulled out the card.
Happy birthday, Claudia.
I'm sorry.
Grey
He shouldn't have been the one apologizing. I'd slapped him for asking what were fair questions under the circumstances, after all.
Pulling the paper off the small box, my breath quickened when I recognized the signature robin's egg blue box. I flipped open the lid and gasped at the exquisite diamond and ruby tennis bracelet inside. It must have cost a small fortune and I absolutely loved it, but there was no way I could accept it. I considered calling him to tell him as much but thought better of it. I couldn't talk to him yet.
Instead I carefully pulled the wrapping of the other gift.
"Oh my God," I said into the silence of my office as I stared down at the mountain landscape painting I'd admired in passing at Grey's house. I didn't even realize he'd seen me looking at it.
For someone who didn't really cry, I seemed to be coming close a lot lately.
Me: Thank you for the gifts. They're beautiful
Grey: Happy birthday
Me: But I can't accept them
Grey: What about the apology?
I accepted it, but I really didn't understand why he offered it. I didn't understand why he wanted anything to do with me.
Me: That I accept
I knew if I didn't accept his apology, he would just keep trying whether I deserved it or not.
Grey: Now it's your turn
Me: I'm sorry for slapping you
He deserved that much at least, but the friends thing wasn't really working anymore.
Me: Let's just forget the other day and move forward professionally
Grey: So not even friends now?
Was that what I was saying? The thought made me feel sick, but either way it would all be over soon.
Me: Maybe that's for the best
Grey: Mom wants you to come to dinner Sunday
Shit. I'd agreed to dinner with the family at the gala.
Me: I don't think that's a good idea
Grey: If you're turning down an invitation from Bethany Michaels, you'll have to tell her yourself
How did it all get so complicated? Oh yeah, because I was a selfish idiot.
Me: Fine. What time?
Grey: 5
Grey: I'll send my car for you at 4:30
I was probably going to regret this.
Me: Okay. I'll be in front of my building at 4:30
I usually waited until right before bed, but I needed to see my mother's face at little early that birthday. I sat in my chair and slid the panels of the locket open.
"I love you, Mom," I whispered as I stared at the tiny photo.
❖
My phone buzzed again. I picked it up thinking it was Grey texting again, but it continued to vibrate in my hand with Jessica's name flashing on the screen.
"Hey, Jessica," I said attempting to sound cheerful.
"Auntie Claudia!" Izzy yelled, followed by an adorable performance of Happy Birthday.
"That was great, Izzy. Thank you so much!"
"Okay, bye. I love you, here's Mommy," she said, followed by some muffled rustling.
"Happy birthday," Jessica said finally.
"Thanks, Jess."
"How are you doing?"
"Good, I was just about to head home," I said honestly. I was starting to feel better.
"Izzy has been begging to come see you. Maybe we could stop by Sunday so she can give you your gift. She made it and she's extremely proud."
I smiled, thinking about my niece. My last visit was so brief I barely got to see her.
"I have to be somewhere Sunday evening, but it would be fine if you came early."
"Great, we should be there around nine," Jessica said.
"So, how have you been?" I asked. We'd talked for a while after our trip to the cemetery, mostly reminiscing about Mom and all of our antics from when we were little. It'd become something of a tradition over the years. We just talked about the happy times, careful to avoid the heavy shit.
"I've been okay," she replied. I could tell there was more she wanted to say.
"Just okay? Is something else going on?" I asked with concern.
"Yes. I know it's your birthday, and it's the worst time to ask you this, but can you please call Dad? He's sick."
I didn't say anything for what seemed like forever. Nor did she.
"There are things he needs to say to you, things you need to know about him, about Mom."
A tear slipped down my cheek. "Jessica, I...I just can't talk to him. I know you don't understand. You may think I'm unreasonable, but I just can't. Whatever I need to know, you can tell me."
"Claudia, they aren't my secrets to tell. Just think about talking to him before it's too late."
"Fine, I'll think about it but don't hold your breath," I said, surprising myself.
"I guess that's a start. Thanks, Claudia. I love you."
"I love you, too."
Grace walked in just as I slipped the phone into my bag and stood to head out for the night. "Hey, I thought you were hanging with your new friend all day today." I said, waggling my eyebrows at her.
"Come on, you know I can't let your birthday go by without taking you out for a celebratory drink!" She hooked her arm in mine. "So let's go upstairs and get changed. Bridget and Lydia are meeting us there."
❖
Grace suggested we keep it low-key because we were just having drinks and dinner at one of our favorite pubs, which was pretty casual. Neither of us were up for a late night of the club scene or the inevitable hangover that woul
d follow.
I'd slipped into a printed sundress with a little black shrug just in case it got cool in the evening. Grace chose a cute romper with a light jacket.
We were able to hail a cab right as we stepped out of the building. It was a nice evening, and still pretty early, so we probably could have walked to the restaurant, but we'd both opted for heels, which weren't exactly conducive to a long early evening stroll on the city sidewalks. Although with the pungent smell in the cab, I might have been willing to deal with sore feet instead.
"No way, my treat." Grace slapped my hand when I opened my wallet to pay the driver. "It's your birthday."
She didn't have to tell me twice. I escaped out into the fresh air and waited for Grace to join me.
"The place seems pretty dead for Friday night," I said as we approached the door.
"Good." She held the first door open for me. "It will make for a nice quiet night."
I pushed through the second door and approached the hostess stand.
"Just two of you?" the young, chubby cheeked girl asked, flashing an excited smile. Someone clearly loved their job.
"No, we're meeting some friends. They should be here already," Grace said from behind me.
"Oh, yep, they're already seated," she said cheerfully, leading us around the corner to the main dining area. I looked back at the stand as we walked away, noticing she didn't grab menus or place settings for us.
"Surprise!"
My hand shot to my heart as the whole room yelled in unison.
"You bitch," I said sarcastically to Grace as she pulled me into a hug.
"I know, I know, but I couldn't resist," she said in my ear.
"What'd you do? Have them close the place down just for us?" I said, moving back.
She just shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly as if it was no big deal.
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