“This is just my every day. Do you want to speak to Van?”
“It’s you I’d like to speak with. Dwain…”
Our conversation didn’t last long. I knew I’d missed a call from Millie Barns, but I believed, given the recent circumstances, Julia would be a better spokesperson for the coalition than I would be.
After fighting stop-and-go traffic off the ramp, I made my way to the garage at Sinclair Corporate. Johnathon’s car was already in his space. Ella’s assigned parking spot was empty. If I had my way, it would remain that way. The idea of sharing a ride made me grin. Even if her news about a visitor didn’t.
“Good morning, Mr. Sinclair,” Edgar said at the security stand by the elevators.
“Good morning, Edgar.”
“Sure is nice seeing Ms. Crystal around here again.”
I wanted to correct him and say Mrs. Sinclair. However, there was a good chance we’d hear today that our marriage license didn’t pass muster. And until I got rid of the first Mrs. Sinclair, I couldn’t have another.
“I agree,” I replied before stepping into the elevator.
Despite the early hour, the top floor was bustling. The receptionists waved as they spoke into their headsets, directing calls. Once inside the maze of hallways, I took the most direct route to my office. As I entered the front office, Johnathon greeted me with a cup of coffee in his hand.
“Here you are, Mr. Sinclair.”
Tilting my head, I bid him to follow me to my office.
Setting my satchel on a chair, I turned and took the warm mug of coffee. “Thank you. Have you heard from Timothy from legal?”
“Yes, sir. He called about a quarter to eight. He said you can call him back, or he’d be happy to come to your office.”
“What’s my schedule?”
As Johnathon rattled off the day’s itinerary, it seemed I had an available slot for Timothy. “Have him come right up. This matter is urgent.”
“Sir, I was wondering about the new nameplate outside Mrs.… Ms. Crystal’s office.”
“Fuck,” I growled under my breath.
“If you’d rather—” Johnathon tried.
“No. Have the Crystal nameplate reinstalled.” I took the mug of coffee to my desk, and before I sat, I met Johnathon’s gaze. “Tell them to keep Sinclair. This is just a momentary setback.”
“Hey,” my sister called from the doorway. “Did I catch you with a minute?”
She looked rested, which was more than I could say for myself. Between a marathon sex session and worrying about…everything, I didn’t get a great night’s sleep. “Come in.” I turned to Johnathon. “Let me know as soon as Timothy arrives.”
“Yes, sir. Coffee, Dr. Sinclair?”
“I’m good. Thank you.”
After Johnathon left, Dani closed the door. “I spoke to Mom. They’re moving Dad to a less critical room.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in a minute.”
She came closer, taking a seat opposite my desk. “Ella called me last night. I missed her call, and she didn’t leave a message. Is everything okay in paradise?”
“Fuck, it’s not.”
“What did you do?”
I scoffed. “I fucked up but not intentionally. Do you remember the night I broke things off with Amber?”