by Lorin Grace
She entered the elevator alone, glad for a few moments of quiet time. They believed me. Not once had they accused her of anything or insinuated it was her fault.
They believed me!! She would have done a victory dance, but the cameras were watching.
Monday morning, Nick opted to work from home. The skunk cure was working, just not fast enough. Spending most of the weekend in Blue Pines, he’d avoided any questions. He wondered all morning how Zoe’s day was going. When his phone pinged a text at lunchtime, he couldn’t get to it fast enough.
—A good day so far. Gina is the new art director. S&R are making changes to their harassment-policy procedures. Most people are treating me the same.
The word most triggered a flag. But?
—April won’t talk to me. James is trying to make up for it. Overall, it is a good day.
Still on for tonight?
—5:30. I’ll be waiting.
See you then.
Now Nick needed to figure out what to do tonight. He had all the money in the world and the Big Apple at his feet and not a single idea for a date. He called Sean. His friend knew the lower, critical parts of the city better than he did. He wanted to stay under the radar and avoid anyone with a camera. It would be easier to have dinner and a movie at his place, but he didn’t think she was ready for that step.
An hour and three phone calls later, Nick had the perfect date planned. He checked his weather app—well, perfect unless Mother Nature decided to crash the party.
Now to wait for five thirty. He looked at his papers and laughed. Nick had gotten his wish. He was just as useless as Sean had been this summer.
Gina called Zoe into her office. When she entered, Gina asked her to shut the door. “How are you doing?”
Zoe wasn’t sure how to answer. Better than she thought she would be, but not as good as she hoped.
“Too broad of a question. I know I can’t answer that question today either. I have the job I have wanted for years but at a terrible cost. I supervised all the women he—” Gina took several deep breaths. “I never saw it. I knew he wasn’t the nicest person but—. That isn’t why I called you in. It seems when the game of musical chairs is done, there will be a vacancy for a new junior designer. I’d like you to consider taking the position.”
Zoe blinked. “Me? I haven’t graduated yet.”
“But you will when this internship is over. Take a few days to think about it. We still need to fill my old position. Adrian has said they will redecorate and rearrange the offices on this side of the floor. I don’t want Wayne’s office, and I don’t think anyone else does either. Adrian had security clean it out and deliver his personal effects to his home. I can’t imagine what his wife is going through. How many lives can one person destroy?”
Zoe didn’t have an answer for that.
“I know April is having a hard time with this. She’ll come around eventually. Give her some space. I’m not going to assign you to work with her for a week. Are you all right working with James? I know from experience that working closely with a man after an assault can be hard.”
“You too?”
“Yup, me too. It wasn’t here, and it wasn’t Wayne. I thought I would recognize the signs. I can’t believe I didn’t.” Gina shook her head.
“You know, HR was looking for ideas. I wonder if a support group would be helpful. We wouldn’t feel so alone.”
“I’ll suggest it.” Gina typed a note into her tablet.
“As for working with James, I am fine with it.” Zoe didn’t mention that she was quite sure he wasn’t interested in any of the females in the office. It wasn’t her business.
“To be honest, half the men in the department are a bit scared of you after they saw what you did to Mr. Dodd. Someone found his mugshot online and passed it around Friday.” Gina gave her a satisfied smile.
“I don’t want to see it.”
“I don’t blame you. I have taken self-defense classes, but I don’t think I could use it. I think I would be too afraid.”
“I thought so too. I froze, then the adrenalin kicked in. If you ever have to use those skills, you can.” If it weren’t for Nick’s eye, she would be pleased with herself. She had taken down an assailant and gotten away.
Gina’s desk phone rang, and she reached for it, holding up a finger for Zoe to wait. The conversation was brief and monosyllabic. Gina hung up. “Well, that was interesting. They are going to start the remodel tomorrow. I’d better call a quick meeting so we can get these offices cleaned out. Adrian is on his way down.”
For the second time in a day, Adrian joined them for a department meeting. “When we asked for permission to do some light construction, I expected the approval to take weeks, not hours. Even the permits have been fast-tracked. This is going to make for a bit of togetherness. Some time ago, Gina suggested that instead of individual cubicles, we move to pods of four employees serving as teams. The design she created and modified by the architect saves floor space and creates a more open working environment. Each pod will have a lead designer and will be based on current work teams. There will be a crew coming at 5:00 p.m. to start rearranging. I have ordered banker’s boxes, which will be here as soon as possible, to pack up your things. I have asked for volunteers from other departments to come to help empty the old art director’s office and help anyone who needs it. Label your equipment, including chairs and computers. Remove everything from your drawers and shelves. Label extra shelves if you had them.” He turned to Gina. “Is there any critical project that losing the rest of the afternoon of work will jeopardize?”
Gina asked a couple of the designers. “I think we will be fine.”
“Those of you who currently have offices on the south wall, we need to find space for you. Project managers, there are three empty cubicles up in Public Relations. I know it isn’t as convenient as being down here, but you can be moved tonight. Gina, there is an empty—”
Gina raised a hand to interrupt Adrian. “I think a temporary private cubicle where the layout shows a smaller meeting area will work best for me.”
The elevators opened, a courier with a hand truck exited.
“And there are your boxes. Have fun.” Adrian left.
Gina waved her arm as if casting a spell. “Let the chaos begin.”
Zoe joined the others in moving and packing. As the intern, she had less stuff than anyone else.
She stepped on April’s doorbell. “Need help?”
April set down the cup of pens she held. “Why would you help me?”
“Why not?”
“I called you a liar.”
“I understand. It doesn’t matter.” Zoe kept the conversation in sign. “I’ve been called worse.”
“We are still friends?”
“Sure. Now, do you need help?”
April smiled. “I have collected too many books.”
“I’ll go find another box.”
Today was turning out to be better than she ever thought it could. And it was going to end with a date with Nick.
Nick hung up the phone. Somehow he’d convinced two competing contractors to work together to speed up the remodel on the building where Scott & Ricks was located. An architect had been emailing plans back and forth with the design firm for the past couple hours. The initial drafts had been signed off on, and final drafts were being drawn. Nick hadn’t balked at the rush fee his favorite architectural firm requested. He was still kicking himself for not realizing how a small remodel would help the employees to move on and any other women who might have been Dodd’s victims start to heal.
It had been Adrian’s idea after the employee he’d promoted refused to move into the vacated office. Nick only wished they had thought of it on Friday.
His phone pinged. Zoe.
—
I’ll be finished at 4:30. Office remodel underway.
Not quite done here. I’ll send Sebastian.
—No need. I’ll go change. Pick me up at the apartment.
Don’t change too much. I like you the way you are.
—Ha, ha. BTW, I can’t help but wonder what the building owner paid to get the construction fast-tracked.
Nothing.
—Or will pay.
He sent a winky-face emoji.
—That is what I thought. Thanks.
It was the first time she’d accepted him spending money on her without a fight. Of course, she had no idea how much money he was adding to the budget Adrian had outlined. With any luck, she would never know.
nineteen
“It wasn’t supposed to rain tonight. Only a 20 percent chance.” Nick smiled apologetically as he helped Zoe back into the car.
“It was bound to happen. You planned a picnic in a roof garden in October. That was too tempting for Murphy to pass up.”
“Murphy?” Nick played with his cuff links again. Today he wore a set engraved with a G.
“As in Murphy’s law. Did you know you play with your cuff links when you don’t have an answer?”
“You noticed?”
“Of course. I like the horse ones you wore last week.”
He straightened the links. “Now I am at a loss as to what to do.”
When Zoe pondered suggesting his penthouse, her mother’s voice echoed in her head, warning her that it might not be the best idea. Not because Nick would take advantage of her, but because she might take advantage of him.
“Might I suggest the atrium?” Sebastian changed lanes.
Nick smiled. “Best idea of the night. Let me make a call.”
Zoe followed the paths of the raindrops down the window and half listened to the call, not caring where Nick chose. Dinner at Lucinda’s would be fine. Nick wanted a picnic. She supposed anything was possible in New York.
When Sebastian pulled into the underground garage of Gooding Tower, Zoe’s curiosity was piqued. Where could one have a picnic in an office building? They parked in a reserved space. Only a handful of cars remained as most employees had left for the day.
Nick gathered the salvaged picnic dinner from the trunk. Zoe reached for the blanket but thought better of it. It was too damp. Sebastian opened a duffel and pulled out two blankets in vacuum bags. “Take these. Even an indoor picnic needs a blanket.”
Nick used a keypad to access the elevators. He chose the fiftieth floor, and the elevator sped upward. Zoe’s stomach wasn’t prepared for the speed. Or maybe it was the way Nick held her hand that sent the butterflies fighting against gravity.
Rain beat on the glass roof of the atrium. In the distance, lightning flashed. Lights dotted the East River. On a clear day, the view must be spectacular. She needed to come back. “I love the sound of rain. And all the benefits of staying dry.” Zoe spun in a circle, trying to take in all the plants, flowers, and trees growing in the enclosed space.
Nick laughed and caught her around the waist. Her spin stopped with her hand on his chest. His heart was racing as fast as hers. His other hand cupped her face. She couldn’t help smiling as his eyes traveled the triangle. She went up on her toes so her lips met his. The sound of the rain faded, and old memories died. The faint taste of cinnamon marked the kiss as his. There was only this kiss erasing the past, giving life to the present, and promising a future.
Nick ended the kiss and pulled back enough to rest his forehead on hers. “I was going wait to do that until after dessert.”
“Don’t you know it’s best to start on dessert first?” Zoe used his tie to tug him into another kiss. A place in her heart healed, and her mind stilled. For two years she’d worried she would never want to kiss a man again. Now she wondered if she ever wanted to stop.
Thunder clapped, and the windows shook.
Zoe jerked back, her eyes darting along the glass-and-metal roof. “Is it safe to be in here?”
The moment was gone. Nick found her hands and led her to the blanket he’d spread out when she started twirling. He helped her sit and then sat beside her. “It is very safe. Do you know why I planned a picnic?”
“I am assuming the question is rhetorical?” She picked a piece of lint off the blanket. The blush faded from her cheeks.
Nick pointed at the clouds. “I heard it was possible to buy someone a star name. So I thought I would, and then we could see your star together. According to NASA, the buying of stars is more of a scam than real. And I didn’t want to get you some meaningless paper certificate.”
“You really wanted to buy me a star?”
He wanted to get her many things, but he couldn’t buy her peace of mind or a world where people were always kind. He took her hand. “You have brought a little bit of heaven into my life, and a star was the only thing I could think of to share heaven with you. I thought you would be annoyed if I spent even fifty dollars on a fake certificate.”
She scooted closer. “Even if it isn’t real, thanks for wanting to buy me a star name. And I’m glad you didn’t waste your money.”
“I did find you something else. The ad on the website said, ‘Keys celebrate the wisdom, joy, and optimism in life. They express independence, confidence, and power.’ You have so much strength and have filled me with so much joy. When I saw the star key, I knew the pendant was meant for you.” Nick pulled a necklace box from his pocket. His heart started to race. Never had he given a gift like this to anyone.
Zoe opened the box and let out a little gasp. “Oh, it is beautiful!” She traced the diamonds in the star at the end of the key.
“May I?” Nick held out his hand. Zoe handed him the necklace, turned her back to him, and lifted her hair.
Nick worked the clasp on the chain, his hands shaking the slightest bit, betraying his nervousness. When the necklace was linked, he placed a kiss on the back of her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist. Zoe dropped her hair and leaned back into him. This woman brought a new meaning to heaven. He held her and listened to the rain, rehearsing one last time the words he’d planned to say. Zoe shifted.
Nick spoke before she could move out of his embrace. “In my grandmother’s day, it was popular to get a promise ring or be pinned with your beau’s frat pin as a sign the couple was going steady. My grandma told me a hundred times the story of Grandpa giving his pin to her. I’m not saying this very well. I think of this necklace as the key to my heart and a promise of more to come.”
Zoe turned in his arms. Her fingers traced the pendant resting at the base of her neck. “Are you trying to ask me to be your girl?”
He couldn’t resist kissing her before answering. “Something like that. It means taking our relationship public as soon as you are ready. The downside of money is the fame. New York provides a bit of anonymity as there is always someone more famous than you. Our first two or three times at events will draw the most speculation and press. You and I both need to know if this lifestyle is one you can live. So far you haven’t experienced the public side.” It wouldn’t be easy. She would lose some privacy as, eventually, she would need her own driver and bodyguard. People would take her photo just because she was there.
Zoe placed her hand on his cheek. “Given my reservations about you being a billionaire, that is understandable. I think I can handle it. I’ve watched some of my friends figure out the nine-zeros-club lifestyle this year. Abbie is the funniest—drives her bodyguards crazy. I’ll have to have them at some point, won’t I?”
Nick nodded gratefully. She knew in part what he was asking.
She dropped her hand and retraced the key. “I saw this in the store the other day when I was with Mandy and Tessa. I do want to keep it, but there is no way I am going to wear diamonds on the subway.”
“Good thing I got you this.” Nick took a velvet bag from another pocket. “It is a smaller version in silver with no diamonds. Subway and work safe.”
Zoe set the bag on her lap, then leaned in and kissed him. She pulled back and whispered, “In case you are wondering . . . Yes, I’ll be your girl.”
Nick pulled her back to him to finish what she’d started. He was going to enjoy her being his girl. Halfway through the kiss, his stomach made a mortifying rumble. Zoe began to giggle, and the kiss ended.
“I guess that means we have had enough dessert.” Zoe opened the basket and started to pull out the food.
No, he hadn’t had enough dessert. There would be more moments to share like this, and he looked forward to them all.
twenty
Friday morning, Zoe walked to the subway, wondering if it would be the last time. Once she was recognized, she would have to quit. Fortunately, commuters rarely looked at each other. Tonight, they would attend her favorite musical to end a perfect week. Her parents were thrilled she was dating, the job as a junior designer was hers, and Nick fit every dream of finding her Prince Charming. His morning texts started each day with a smile.
Last night they’d attended their first public event—a small opening of a new museum exhibit. Photographers yelled for his attention for a photo. With his arm around her waist, Nick posed. Zoe smiled but didn’t talk to any reporters. She would wait for PR to release a statement, which could understandably make work interesting today.
The car was half empty. After checking to make sure no one needed the vacant seat, she took it and opened her phone to the news app, wondering if any of the photos the paparazzi shot last night had found their way into the news. She clamped her hand over her mouth to prevent a scream. If she had been standing, she may have fainted. They had to be wrong. She checked the Times and another national news outlet. The headlines all read the same.