I relaxed some.
He moved from the arm to the cushion. “But it’s hard to leave the things you love. The move means leaving my home and my friends. This place.” He met my eyes. “You.”
“David…” I knew he had feelings for me, but now he was alluding to love. Dammit, that was closer than Hudson could get to saying I love you. I didn’t want to hear it.
He ignored my warning. “Don’t laugh, but I used to have this fantasy that we’d eventually run this place together.”
I couldn’t help but smile at that. “I used to have that same fantasy.” I’d pictured that we’d get married and be this really cool duo who ran the hottest club in town. That dream vanished when I met Hudson.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” Immediately I regretted the confession. David’s expression said it meant more than I wanted it to mean.
I swung my legs around so I was no longer facing him. “I mean, seriously. This place needs two managers. It was silly that you did it alone for so long.”
“I wasn’t really alone. The staff is full of great assistant managers.”
I smirked. “That’s not the same. Full-time commitment is what you need. I asked Hudson to find a partner for me today.” I looked down at my lap. “I don’t want to do it alone.”
David scooted closer. He lifted my chin with his finger. “Say the word and I’ll stay.”
“I can’t ask you to do that, David.” My voice was practically a whisper.
“You could.”
“No, I couldn’t. And you know why.”
He dropped his hand to his lap. “I do. But in answer to your earlier question—if it weren’t for Pierce, I’d never leave. You can pretend to interpret that any way you need to, but you know what I’m really saying.”
“I…I’m…um.” I bit my lip. David had been such a great friend when I’d had very few. And for a while, he’d been more. I was heartbroken that he was leaving. But I in no way returned the feelings he seemed to be declaring.
“You don’t have to respond. I get it. You’re with him.” He wouldn’t even say Hudson’s name.
“I am with him. Completely.”
“And if you’re ever not…” David had told me before that he’d be there if I decided things with Hudson weren’t working out. It was a ridiculous thing to promise. Especially because I was over him, and, even without Hudson, I wouldn’t fall back to David.
But I wouldn’t be that blunt about it to his face. He was already leaving. I didn’t need to hurt him further. So instead, we sat in awkward silence for several thick seconds while I debated what I could say that would be a gentle letdown.
Fortunately, I was saved by the ringing of my phone. I rushed to pick it up from the side table next to me, not even bothering to look at whom the call was from.
“Laynie!” Mira’s voice bubbled through the earpiece. “Are you busy? Can you talk?”
I stood and distanced myself from David. “Of course I can talk. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if I could ask a favor.”
“On top of being a model at your event?” I was only teasing. I’d do practically anything for the girl. She’d welcomed me into her family even before Hudson had. I owed her.
“A different favor. Man, I’m kind of needy these days, aren’t I?”
“How about I refrain from answering that until you tell me what the favor is?” Absentmindedly, I paced the room as we talked.
“Fair enough. Dad wants to have lunch with me tomorrow. And I don’t really want to be alone with his sorry ass. And I’d love to see you. So would you consider joining us?”
“I’d love to!” Thinking about Jack put a smile on my face. There was no way Hudson would approve of me seeing him on my own, but what could he say if I was with Mira? I’d be honest about it, tell him upfront and it would be fine. “But why don’t you want to be alone with him?”
“He’s trying to make up for all the crap with Celia. He doesn’t get that I’m not the one he needs to make up with. I don’t really give a flying fig what he did or didn’t do or should have done. I just want him and Mom to grow up and act like adults for half a second. I mean, wouldn’t that be so nice?”
Sophia and Jack grow up? “Keep dreaming.”
“I know, I know. Anyway, we’re meeting at Perry Street at one. I’ll call and add you to the reservation. Yay! You turned something dreadful into something I’m looking forward to!”
“I’m looking forward to it, too.”
I hung up and stuffed my phone in my bra then glanced over and saw David working at his desk. Or, rather, pretending to work. He kept sneaking looks at me and I wondered if he wanted to say more than he had. I hoped not.
Instead of waiting to find out, I announced that I had a few errands to run. They weren’t pressing, but after his declaration, the office felt stifling.
I stepped out into the summer heat and pulled my sunglasses on. Since I’d left spur of the moment, I didn’t have a chance to call Jordan for a ride. The stops I wanted to make were nearby anyway. I could walk everywhere I planned to go. Besides, it was a beautiful day and it was nice to be out in the fresh air.
I didn’t notice my follower until I’d nearly reached the first place I needed to go—a graphics shop a few blocks away from Columbus Circle. Perhaps I’d been too preoccupied with thoughts of David and the club. And Hudson—always Hudson. Otherwise, I’m sure I would have spotted her earlier. When I finally did notice her, I knew immediately it wasn’t a coincidence that she was walking down Eighth Avenue at the same time I was. I also knew that she meant to be seen. I was an experienced stalker, after all. With a little effort, it’s not that hard to remain unnoticed.
Celia wasn’t trying to remain hidden at all.
She stopped when I stopped. Started again when I started. All the time her eyes were pinned directly on me. My heart beat furiously, but I remained cool, keeping an even pace to my steps. When I went into the graphics shop, she thankfully didn’t follow. But she took her place outside the front window so that I could see she was there.
Celia hadn’t exactly done anything to me, hadn’t spoken to me, but her presence wrapped me in a blanket of fear. I knew without a doubt she was making a statement—I’m here. I see you. You can’t escape me. Was this what Paul Kresh had felt when I’d followed him around for weeks at a time? It was an awful feeling and the regret for my past actions had never been so heavy.
There was a line at the counter, so I was able to take a few minutes to collect myself before my turn at the cashier. My thoughts raced to Celia’s motive. Maybe she wanted to talk to me. But she could text or email. And if she’d wanted to talk, why hadn’t she approached me?
No, she had a different intent with her stalking. First on the boat, now here—would she ever leave me alone? Was this another trick that she meant to somehow turn back on me later? Or did she simply mean to scare me?
If scare was the goal, she’d achieved it. But unlike the last time she’d screwed me over, I was prepared. Now she didn’t have my trust. After I texted Jordan telling him where I was and asking him to meet me, I used my phone to click a picture of her—I wanted proof. She saw me take the picture, I was certain, but she didn’t leave or seem concerned. Next, I called Hudson’s office.
“He’s in a meeting,” Trish, his secretary, informed me. “I’ll have him call you as soon as he’s finished.”
That wasn’t good enough. I knew he’d want me to interrupt him for this, but Trish would never do it herself. Hoping he’d check his cell phone, I shot him a text. I’m on my way to your office. I need to see you.
I was calmer when it was my turn at the cashier. I collected the table cards I had ordered, took a deep breath, and headed out of the store. I was terrified to walk out with Celia so near the entrance, but I wouldn’t let her see that. Thankfully, just as I put my hand on the door to push it open, Jordan pulled up. Celia took off at a brisk pace down the sidewalk. If all it took to send her a
I slid in the car before Jordan had a chance to get out and open the door for me. “Up ahead, on the sidewalk,” I said pointing toward Celia’s back. “Do you see her?” She was walking fast and I wanted someone else to see her before she disappeared in the New York City crowds.
Jordan was quick with a good eye. “I see her. Was she following you?” He didn’t seem to be surprised.
“Yes. How did you know?”
“I spotted her this morning when I dropped you off at the club, but I wasn’t certain it was her. We need to tell Mr. Pierce.”
“I plan to right now. Can you take me to his office?”
He answered with a nod.
I sat back and buckled my seatbelt as he pulled out into traffic. Celia was still in sight and I watched her as we drove closer. She stopped walking when we passed, and even though she couldn’t see me through the tinted windows, she smiled and waved.
It was a good thing I was a pacifist, because otherwise I’d have started planning her murder.
Chapter Six
Hudson hadn’t responded to my text by the time I’d arrived in the lobby, so I sent another. I’m getting in the elevator. I’ll be in your office in 2.
I still hadn’t received a reply when I stepped onto his floor, but I breezed by Trish as if Hudson were always available for me.
From the way he usually talked, he was always available for me.
“Excuse me,” Trish called after me. “Mr. Pierce is still with his appointment—”
“He knows I’m coming,” I called over my shoulder.
The door opened before I even touched the handle. Hudson stood there, concern etched on his brow. “It’s okay, Patricia.” He ushered me in.
As soon as the door shut behind me, he cupped his hands around my face and searched my eyes. “I got your text. What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“No, not hurt.” I was shaking, and now that I was with Hudson, I wanted to cry.
“Alayna, what is it?”
I pulled my phone out and began to cue Celia’s picture. “I need to show you something. Can I—”
A rustle behind us caught my attention. I peered around Hudson and saw a woman standing by his desk. Her auburn hair was tied loosely at her nape, the color accentuated by the pale cream of her suit.
My back straightened, warning bells sounding in my head. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you weren’t alone.”
Hudson put a hand at my back and gestured toward his guest. “Alayna, you remember Norma.”
“Yeah, I do. Norma Anders. We met at the Botanic Gardens event.” The same knot of jealousy I’d felt at meeting her formed now. Or rather, her presence tightened the knot that had been in my belly for the past half hour.
Norma had an obvious interest in Hudson. It bothered me. She worked with him daily, touched him casually, used his first name—he rarely let people use his first name, particularly not his employees. And here she was alone with him in his office midday. And he had ignored my texts.
“We did meet then.” Norma looked me over, sizing me up. When we’d met before, she’d barely given me a second glance. She’d been too focused on my man. “It’s good to see you again, Alayna.” Her terse tone said otherwise.
She delivered her next line to Hudson. “If you two need to talk alone, we can step out.”
We? My eyes traveled the room and I noticed another woman sitting in the other armchair facing Hudson’s desk.
Ah, he wasn’t alone with Norma. A wave of relief ran through me, followed by a wave of guilt. I was being ridiculous and paranoid. The events of the day had me off balance. Hudson was simply meeting with two of his employees. No midday trysts. Nothing inappropriate at all.
Still, the knot persisted. I was eager to talk to Hudson about Celia, but it would have to wait. I stuffed my phone back in my bra. “No, no. I apologize for bursting in. It’s not like me to interrupt.”
Hudson scooted past me toward his desk. “Actually, Alayna, this is perfect timing.” He nodded to the woman still sitting and she stood. “This is Norma’s sister, Gwen. She’s one of the managers at Eighty-Eighth Floor.”
“Oh.” Not an employee after all. The Eighty-Eighth Floor was a popular nightclub in The Village owned by a rival businessman.
It took a second longer than it should have for me to click things into place. “Oh!”
I kicked myself into gear and approached Gwen, my hand extended toward her. “Alayna Withers,” I offered as she shook my hand.
Her grasp was firm. A good first sign for a possible co-manager.
“Nice to meet you.”
She had a good smile too. Nice teeth, not too flirty. Her features were very similar to Norma’s, except lighter. Her skin tone was pale, her hair either dark blonde or light brown depending on the lighting. Her eyes were gray-blue. She was pretty like Scarlett Johansson—the type of pretty that some people might overlook and other people would over-acknowledge.
I wondered which kind of people Hudson was in this instance.
I quickly chided myself for the thought. What was wrong with me? It had been typical for me to be unnecessarily jealous with past boyfriends, but I’d never been that way with Hudson.
Hudson stepped nearer to introduce me more properly. “Alayna’s currently the Promotions Manager at The Sky Launch, but, as I told you, she’ll become the General Manager once the current manager leaves.”
“Hudson told me you’re looking for an Operations Manager.” Gwen addressed me confidently and completely. It was refreshing considering her sister’s knack for forgetting I existed.
I nodded. “Is that something you might be interested in?”
“Definitely.”
A co-manager who worked at Eighty-Eighth. With all the insider information she’d have, plus the experience…I had to admit, Hudson had done good.
And he knew it. Though his face remained businesslike, his eyes twinkled with the pride of a job well done. “She has all the qualifications I believe that you’re looking for, Alayna. Perhaps you want to set up an interview for yourself?”
“Yes. Definitely.” I pulled my phone from my bra. When I unlocked it, Celia’s picture was there, ready to show Hudson. I froze at the sight and another chill ran through me.
“Alayna?” Hudson prompted softly.
“Sorry. Rough day. I’m a bit flustered.” I flipped through my schedule for the next day. I had lunch planned with Mira and Jack, but my evening was free. “Would you be able to come into The Sky Launch tomorrow? I think calling it an interview is a little too formal. I could show you around and we could talk then.”
“Sounds perfect. I’m off tomorrow so I’m wide open.”
It crossed my mind that I should ask why she wanted to leave Eighty-Eighth Floor, but it could wait until we met again. My earlier anxiety was overtaking me and all I cared about was finishing the conversation and getting Hudson to myself. And not for the reasons I usually wanted him alone.
“Great. Then you can come by at eight.” I entered the info into my calendar. “You can see the club when it’s open.”
“I’ll be there.”
“See, Norma?” Hudson winked at his employee. “The kids didn’t need us after all. They worked everything out on their own.”
Hudson’s playful jab at Norma fueled my angst. Why had she been invited to this meeting anyway? Just because Gwen was her sister, Norma didn’t have to be included. And how had Hudson even known that Norma had a sister that managed a club? Were Norma and Hudson closer than he’d led me to believe?
At the height of my obsessive disorder, I suffered greatly from paranoia. Sure, it returned from time to time, but not to any significant extent since I’d met Hudson. Was I being paranoid now or were my questions valid? And if it was just paranoia, why was it returning now?
It was Celia and her fucking mind games getting to me. It had to be that. I couldn’t backslide because of her. Otherwise she’d win and I wasn’t having that. I had to get a grip.
I stepped out of the way while Hudson ushered the Anders sisters out of his office. Mentally I tried to calm myself, taking deep breaths and reminding myself to communicate rather than jump to conclusions. Perhaps I needed to pencil in another group therapy session for later in the week. Anything to end the rising panic.
When we were alone, I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Why exactly was Norma here?” I added a smile and a light tone so that it didn’t come off harsh, but how could it sound like anything other than an accusation?
Hudson locked the door before turning toward me. “She arranged to have Gwen meet with me. I’d never met her and Norma wanted to be here to acquaint us. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” I leaned against his desk, needing the support. “How did you know that Gwen worked at Eighty-Eighth?”
He walked over to me in several easy strides. “Norma’s mentioned it.”
“Just in casual conversation. Between a boss and his employee?” I folded my arms in front of me. Not the best pose for remaining aloof.
Hudson put his hands on my elbows. “Alayna, you’re acting unusually jealous. While it’s always a turn-on, I have a feeling it’s a symptom of something else today. What’s going on?”
I shrugged, not wanting to jump into the Celia issue until I’d cleared up the Norma issue. “It just seems strange that you would know such personal details about one employee when you have hundreds—thousands—of people working for you.”
“Hundreds of thousands.”
I didn’t even crack a smile. “Even stranger then.”
Hudson released me and put his hands in his pockets. “What exactly are you asking me, Alayna?”
I already hated myself. The person standing here facing the man I loved was not the person I wanted to be. I didn’t want to question or worry or be paranoid.
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