“What about that defense lawyer, Bruce? Aren’t you seeing him?” Julie asked as their food was delivered. Allison was grateful for the distraction. Maybe if they discussed Brook’s love life, they’d forget about her.
“Bryce, actually, is a piece of work. He generously informed me that men aren’t wired to be monogamous. I need to adjust my thinking to embrace the true nature of man. After all, it’s okay that I walked into his office while some twenty- year-old intern slobbered his jimmy. It’s natural, and if I don’t like it, maybe I should look into becoming a nun because I'll never be happy with a man. After all, they have needs.”
“Natural, my ass. Creep.” Allison finished her wine.
“Where do you find these men? And I use the term ‘men’ loosely when I refer to these Neanderthals,” Julie pointed out, air-quoting the word men. “I think we need another round.”
Allison hailed the waiter and they ordered more drinks. They sat and laughed as they discussed work, family, and the positive aspects of joining a nunnery. Two more rounds, dinner, and a delectable hazelnut praline ice cream later, Brook placed her napkin on her plate. “I’m sorry, ladies. I have to get to the airport.” She slowly rose and gathered her purse. “I’ll be back next week.”
“Airport?” Julie asked. Brook placed cash in front of Allison. “Yeah, the Central Bar Association meeting awaits.”
“You’re not driving to the airport by yourself, are you?” Julie’s eyes widened in concern.“
Not a chance. Between traffic, parking, and wine consumption, it would take forever. I’m taking a taxi.”
“A taxi? It may be quicker, but you’ll have to mortgage your house just to pay for it. Why don’t I go with you?” Julie offered.
“No way am I dragging you to the airport on a Saturday night. The firm pays my expenses, and that includes transportation. So it’s all good.” Brook embraced her sister.
Allison felt hot tears pool in her eyes. Whenever Brook headed out of town, Allison missed her the whole time. “Have fun in Dallas. Call me when you get back.”
Brook walked away and down the stairs.
“Well, it’s just you and me.” Allison wiped the sadness from her eyes and lifted her glass to Julie.
Julie raised her glass and tapped Allison’s with a clink. “To a girl’s night out.”
After a few more drinks, Allison stood and attempted to put on her cropped black leather jacket. The jacket must be broken, she though as she fought with the unforgiving material, the sleeves twisting and making it impossible for her arms to get inside. Julie stepped behind her and offered a giggling assist.
The women staggered down the stairs toward the exit, walking past the few remaining patrons. Out of the corner of her eye, Allison noticed Ben Mooring sitting at a table.
She was just drunk enough to consider walking over to him and giving him a piece of her mind. Fortunately, she was also just sober enough to stop herself. After all, he wasn’t alone. Even though she wasn’t on the clock, she still represented Byrnes and Company and didn't want to embarrass them or herself.
The logical side won out in the tug-o-war until she took a second look at the man sitting across from Ben. Her stomach lurched with the sight of that familiar light brown hair sitting across his table. There must’ve been a mistake. What would Adam need to discuss with Ben?
Allison glanced at Julie, whose wide eyes, shifting from Allison to Adam, told her there was no mistake. Anger pulsed and throbbed, stealing the oxygen from Allison’s lungs. How could he do this to her? To his father? Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to cry. She dragged a long breath in through her nose and walked toward the two men. She felt Julie’s hand on her arm, but she shook off the resistance. Nothing was stopping her from this confrontation.
What a jackass! she thought as the men noticed her approaching the table. Guilt lingered in Adam's eyes as he stared. She placed her hands on the table and leaned into Adam. His mouth opened, but she didn’t want to hear whatever line of BS he was about to serve. “Don’t. Say. A.Word.”
“Allison…” he pleaded as he took his napkin from his lap and threw it on the table.
“Save it,” she hissed and then continued, her voice growing louder with every sentence. “It’s my own fault for believing your lies. I should have known you’d screw me and your father over. So how long have you been working on a deal to sell the company?”
“It’s not like that,” he asserted, and Allison grabbed his vodka tonic, lifted the glass, and dumped the contents over his head.
“Screw you. I’m sure the two of you will be very happy together.” She slammed the glass on the table and rubbed her hands together in satisfaction. “Good-bye, Adam.”
She turned toward the door and saw the reproving eyes of the few remaining diners and waitstaff staring at her. The silence, mixed with the derisive snarls, almost triggered a whimper. Somehow, she managed to hold her head high as she walked out of the restaurant.
* * *
“Allison! Allison!” Julie hurried after Allison’s retreating figure. She couldn’t believe what just happened. If she didn’t feel so bad for Allison, she might have found the whole scene funny. She’d never seen so many shocked faces as the glass emptied over Adam’s head.
She was afraid Allison might be upset that the Byrne’s brothers might sell, but she didn’t know how to warn her. How do you tell your best friend that you’re sleeping with the enemy? Better yet, how do you tell her and still keep her as a friend?
Breathless, Julie finally caught up to Allison.
“Are you okay?” Julie asked as she bent over, placing her hands on her knees. She really needed to get to a gym. She couldn’t even handle running a half a block without gasping for breath.
“I’ve been better.” Allison reached a hand out to Julie. “Are you all right? I’m sorry I didn’t turn around. I’m a little out of it.”
“I’m fine. Do you want some company?”
“No. It’s all right. I just need some time alone.” Allison gave a poor excuse for a smile and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you Monday.”
“I’ll be there. Call me if you need anything..” Julie stared as her friend walked down the street. What a mess. She hated leaving Allison alone. She might have bought the “just sex and seeing” with Adam Byrnes earlier, but after that little show, she didn’t buy it any longer. Whether Allison wanted to admit or not, she cared about that man. It was written all over the disappointment in her face. Darn. Julie stared after her friend and sighed. This would just lead to heartache.
“Hi, Julie. Which way did she go?” Adam came up behind her.
Julie stared at him. She wanted to tell him to go to Hades, or some other icky place, because she didn’t want him to hurt Allison. Unfortunately, it looked as if that ship already sailed. Allison was already hurt.
But if he found her, would he just do more damage? Maybe he’d fix it. “Please, Julie. I need to make this right.” The pleading in his eyes and strain in his voice sent her over the edge. The concern and fear written on his face, told her he was past the “sex and seeing” phase as well. Hopefully it wasn’t too late to fix things.
“That way.” She pointed toward the Braelind condo. “She must be heading to her new place.”
“Thanks.” Adam nodded and started down the block.
Julie smiled as she started her trek to the el-station. She did good. She sent Adam to win back her friend and now she was—well, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do. She didn't really want to head home, but she didn’t have any other plans. She could go back into the restaurant and find Ben, but she was a little angry with him. Had she known about his plans with Adam, she could have suggested another restaurant and saved Allison from all this heartache.
A strong hand came to rest on her hip and she swung around, startled. Ben’s smiling face leaned into her. “Hey, beautiful, fancy meeting you here.”
“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight. What was that
all about?” She pulled away, arms crossed in annoyance.
“It was a last minute thing. I finally was able to schedule a meeting with Adam to see about a merger.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that was happening? I would have spared Allison the drama. She’s my friend. Anyway, I’d like to know what’s going on, especially when my boyfriend is involved,” she huffed. Oh, crud. She cringed at the label of boyfriend. Either he didn’t hear it or he didn’t seem to care because the label didn’t faze him.
“I just got the call today.” He smiled and pulled her to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and tipped his head in the direction Adam and Allison had just gone. “They seemed pretty chummy when I saw them at breakfast the other day, but are they all right?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged and stared down the block. They were long gone, both out of sight, but she stared anyway, hoping Adam found her and that he was talking some sense into her. The sale would be good for both parties. Allison just needed to see that. “I’m surprised you care.”
“I don’t, really. I only care about you, and she’s your friend. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t care about your friends?” He glided his hand up and down along her spine, and a series of jolts shot down to her toes.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t warn you.” He pressed his lips to hers. Her heart drummed so loudly in her ears, she almost couldn’t hear him whisper, “Do you need to head home tonight?”
“No. Cody’s at the babysitter's,” she breathed as he slid his lips to the side of her neck. Reason disappeared. Logic disappeared. Everything disappeared but the soft lips caressing her throat.
“Your father must be thrilled to have the house to himself.” He pushed a lock of hair back from her eyes.
“Thrilled doesn’t cover it, but I don’t want to talk about him.”
“What a coincidence, me either,” he agreed, and trailed his lips across her chin, finding his way to hers. He pulled away and looked at her, hunger burning through his heavy-lidded eyes. “Let’s go to my place.”
“Now that my father knows, I guess we don’t have to hide anymore.”
“No more hiding,” he whispered and caressed her cheek, each touch sending shivers down her spine.
“We should go,” he croaked out on a sigh. He groaned and stepped away, a smile tugging on his lips. He hooked onto her hand and pulled her toward the parking garage where his sports car awaited.
Chapter Nineteen
As she stomped down Michigan Avenue, the skies opened up. Nothing like kicking someone when they’re down. Allison stopped in her tracks and glowered at the sky, sulking as the large drops pelted her in the face.
She used her hand to shield her eyes from the downpour, glancing around for a building awning where she could hide and wait out the storm. All she saw were huddled masses occupying the prime canopies up and down the avenue.
She laughed. “Well, at least no one will be able to tell when I break down and cry.” Allison wrapped her leather jacket tighter around her shoulders and trudged the soggy few blocks to her new building.
A feeling of relief overwhelmed her as she plodded into the building entranceway, her drenched hair sticking to her face. She suppressed the urge to shake her head and dislodge the excess moisture. The lobby full of rain-dodgers and condo-dwellers might find that a bit too canine.
She listlessly walked through the frigid lobby, goose bumps crawling up her skin as the rain mixed with the building’s air conditioning. Visions of a hot shower and mindless television dancing in her head, she noticed an orange sign draped from the half-open penthouse elevators. IN REPAIR.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” she accidentally said out loud. She saw the doorman smile, and a technician popped his head out from behind the partially- closed doors.
“No need to fret, little lady.” The repairman grinned. “I’ve got this all under control.”
“Are all the penthouse elevators down?” she asked him as she looked at the open doors and out-of-order signs in front of all four elevators. Yes, stupid question. But there was a small glimmer of hope that maybe one of these damn things might work.
“Yeah, it’s the damnedest thing.” He shook his head and stared at the elevator bank. “Pardon my language, ma’am, but I’ve never seen four elevators go defunct at the same time. They should be up and running in twenty, thirty minutes, tops.”
Allison could feel the tears threatening her eyes as she worried the Celtic knot necklace at her throat. How could a day go so terribly wrong? It started out with promise, and yet deteriorated so quickly.
“Hi, Ms. Southby, I’m Matt. I work the door most evenings.” Allison stared at the man who interrupted her pity-fest. Although his uniform screamed “doorman”, his spiky black hair with red tips and ears with multiple piercings screamed something else.
“How do you know my name?” She eyed him as she tried to hide her annoyance.
“We try to know all the residents. It’s our job. But Mr. Byrnes pointed you out the other day.” He smiled and pulled on a red-tipped spike. “Don’t mind the hair. I had a gig tonight and couldn’t get home in time to de-punk myself.”
“You’re in a band—oh! That explains the hair. Please, call me Allison.” She extended her hand and breathed a sigh of relief. His smile was both friendly and contagious. She couldn’t help but smile back. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” He reached for her hand, his chest puffed up with pride. “You should come see us play some time. We’re kind of like punk before punk music went all commercial.”
“Sounds great. I would love to.” She smiled, not really understanding what he was talking about. Her favorite radio station played some punk, but she couldn’t honestly list any one of the bands, let alone tell the difference between music created before an exposure to commercialism versus after. She turned her attention to the elevators.
“If you’re in a hurry, you could always take one of the west elevators up to the thirty-fifth floor and walk the rest of the way,” Matt added.
“Thanks, I just might do that.” She smiled, but the thought of climbing fifteen flights to her floor was as appealing as a root canal. However, with every passing second the cold lobby was inviting chills— and, she was positive, imminent pneumonia.
She shuffled into one of the west elevators for her thirty-five-floor ride. The car was packed, but even with all the body heat, she was still cold. She blew into her cupped hands, trying to warm her frostbitten digits.
In the half hour since she saw Adam, she hadn’t thought about him once. Thank God for mechanical problems and Mother Nature. However, now that she was back on track, she couldn’t seem to get him out of her mind. She couldn’t believe he was with that piranha, Ben.
Knowing that Ben’s only ambition was to take over the company, there was no reason why Adam should have met with him…unless, of course, he was considering selling. She expected this type of behavior from Dale, but she believed in Adam.
How could she have been so stupid and blind? She trusted him with the business, with her body, with her heart. The disappointment and embarrassment nipped at her eyes, and she rubbed her temples to try to control the waterworks. She would not let that cretin of a man get to her. With the cold elevator air bearing down on her soaked body, she didn’t need to add tears.
Allison arrived on the thirty-fifth floor and headed for the stairwell. She opened the large metal door and pounded her way up the concrete stairs.
Her heels squished with every step, sending an unwelcome wave of water between her toes. She snarled as she passed a sign that read LEVEL 38. “Just twelve floors to go,” she said out loud, just to fill the eerily barren stairwell with noise.
She continued climbing with only the squish of her shoes to keep her company. She started to wonder if she had made a mistake. Maybe she should have waited for an elevator. The stairwell was awfully dim, deserted, and lonely, not to mention a little creepy.
LEVEL 45
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Crash!
She jumped at a loud clatter and the sound of voices. Her hand flew to her chest, heart reverberating in her chest. She could hear cheerful tones as a door opened many floors below her, and then the sound disappeared. “Get a grip,” she whispered, and persevered, knowing her imagination was getting the best of her.
LEVEL 49
She stopped and stared at the sign in front of her. One more floor. She smiled and leaned against the wall. The cool concrete was welcome on her flushed skin. The cold from the rain had been replaced with sweat. She was starting to remember why she went to the gym every day. With all of the drama of late, she’d neglected the elliptical machine and it was showing. As she sucked in a ragged breath, she remembered why she used that awful torture device. Her labored breathing slowed and she rejoined her upward ascent.
She rounded the corner on the intermediate landing between level forty-nine and fifty, but a large-framed figure knocked her into the concrete wall. The room spun. Her head struck the cement, and bright colors danced before her eyes.
She moved to touch her head, but a heavy weight kept her arms bonded to the wall. She twisted to the left and right, but the figure had her easily pinned. With one arm pushing against her chest, they raised their other hand. She felt a buttery- leather glove cover her mouth. She forced open her lips and dug her teeth into the covered hand. Her mouth slid along the soft material. Her nose struggled for each desperate inhale.
Who are you? she wanted to ask, but she couldn’t breathe, let alone ask a question. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the kaleidoscope embedded in her vision. She stared at the masked figure, his hazel eyes blazing with hate. From the stature and the size of the hands, she assumed it was a man. Not that she really cared at this point. She wanted out, wanted to break free.
Her eyes widened. Her heart raced. She squirmed in place. Escape. She must escape. Her legs flew forward, luckily making contact with her attacker’s groin. He fell to the floor, letting go of her to protect himself. Still breathless, she took advantage of his momentary distraction and staggered up the stairs. A garbled sound escaped her throat as she attempted to scream.
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