Page 28 of It Starts With A No

Choose patience. Clary closed her eyes. Choose kindness. She turned her attention to the Christmas tree. You’re an ambassador of God. “Did you also tell Hugh where I’m staying?”

“No. Mr. Eolenfeld said I shouldn’t let any of the Eolenfelds know where you’re staying.”

Clary nodded slowly. “Tamara, you do not give my address out to anyone—Eolenfeld or not. Do you understand me?”

“Mr. Anderson sounded—”

“I don’t care.” She drew a deep breath through her nose. “Have you given my address to anyone else?”

“No.” Tamara opened her mouth. “As I said, Mr. Anderson made it sound as if it was urgent.”

“From now on, no one gets my address—even if that person claims he or she is dying.”

“What if the person says you are dying?”

“Even then,” she snapped.

“Understood.”

“Thank you.” Clary moved past Tamara’s desk. She pushed the door handle down, only to walk into the door. She sighed. “Could you find something to keep the door from shutting?”

The door had an electronic lock that automatically locked itself every time it shut, which was incredibly annoying. Clary hadn’t understood at first why Hugh needed such tight security for his office. That was until she entered it. Hugh’s office was filled with shelves and shelves of watches in display cases.

Tamara glanced over while Clary entered the password. “The watches … I think they cost millions.”

Clary blinked. “Millions?” Sometimes she still couldn’t wrap her head around how millions were nothing but pocket change to most Eolenfelds.

“I googled one of the brands. The company only makes limited editions. Even if you have the money to buy one, there’s still a waiting list.” Tamara grabbed her phone, probably to show Clary what she meant.

Clary didn’t care about the watches or what they were worth. “I still want to keep it open if either of us is here. I’ll lock it before going home.” She opened the door.

“All right.” Seemingly sensing her mood, Tamara didn’t protest any further. She pulled out the drawers of her desk. “I’ll find something to keep it open.”

“Thanks.” Clary strode into the office just as Tamara’s phone rang. She hadn’t even gotten to her seat when her assistant came rushing in behind her.

“Clary, Hugh’s here again.”

Oh, Lord. She pursed her lips, then released them with a light pop.

“Security says Hugh just wants to speak with you.”

Clary rolled her eyes. Since when did Hugh bother to speak with her? He’d hated Clary ever since they were children. “No.”

“They’ve already sent him up.”

Of course they did. Clary dropped her bag next to her office chair. “Just let him in then.” She sank into her chair.

If she refused to see him, her assistant would have to bear the brunt of whatever tantrum Hugh would throw.

“Are you sure?” Tamara squared her shoulders. “I can deal with him.”

Clary cracked a smile. It was times like this that made her wonder if she’d been too harsh with Tamara, because Clary had seen how hard Tamara would try to keep Hugh away from her. Hugh had spewed the same nonsense to both of them, and Tamara had taken it like a champ.

She shouldn’t have to, though.

“No,” Clary said, resting her hands on the armrests. “Send him in.” She leaned back in the chair. The coolness of the leather drew away a bit of the heat from the frustration rising in her. Patience. I have the patience to deal with this. I have the joy to overcome this.

Tamara opened the door to find Hugh already standing outside.

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