Page 6 of Under Ground

“She won’t find out from me.”

3

Lana

Maybe I’m too sensitive.

But I can’t risk another possible run-in with Alex Stone. What if this is his new running route and I see him again?

This morning, I break all my own rules and take the car. It’s a rare treat because I live so close to day care and work, so there’s usually not much point. Besides, the car just costs money when I use it.

Casey’s singing in the back seat, and it makes me smile. She’s not said anything more about ‘Daddy’ but we’ll have to have a chat about that over the weekend.

I’m not sure I’ll be successful at convincing her Alex isn’t her father, but I have to try. Especially when he’s in town, and there’s a chance we’ll run into each other again.

I should have known that was the case from the moment I saw the picture of him in the magazine. The story said he’d be coming here to film, but I didn’t think that meant quite literally to the city where we live—right down to the suburb.

“How are we doing this morning?” Maria’s smile is so warming. It even makes me feel better, despite the tight knot in my stomach.

“Much better than yesterday. She seems to have forgotten about what happened.”

She tilts her head. “Do you really think that’s like Casey? She has the best memory of all the kids.”

I laugh. “You’re right. She’ll hit me with it when I least expect it.”

Maria takes Casey’s hand in hers. “Come on, Casey. I’m helping out in the baby room today. Want to come and say hello?”

Casey grins and nods.

“Have a good day,” I say. “Bye, Casey.”

For a moment, I just watch as they walk away. This is ridiculous. I have to get back to normal tomorrow and walk. It’s not far and pretty crazy to be using the car for this short a distance.

Gareth is out of the office when I get there, which is a welcome relief. He’s doing some tax course for a couple of days that I’d forgotten about, but it’s nice to have some time when I won’t have to worry about his bullshit. And it’s nice to get some work done without interruption. The morning flies by, and before I know it, it’s after midday. I’ve got a pile of papers on my desk ready for Gareth when he comes back in tomorrow. If anything, I’ve managed to get a little ahead.

“Oh. My. God.” Anna’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

“What?”

“Look who’s out there.”

I look out the front window. There’s a man looking in and squinting in my direction.

Shit.

“Alex Stone,” she breathes, and I shoot a sideways glance at her.

“What? He’s gorgeous.”

Shit.

Gareth chose this office because it was central in Havelock North—the most affluent suburb of Hastings. We don’t get walk-ins, but he dreams about it happening. And despite the signage on the window, there’s still a lot of glass to see through, and we sit out the front.

Alex peers closer, and I know it’s too late to hide from the bright smile on his face.

“Oh my god. He’s coming in.” Anna claps her hands. “Why on earth is he looking at you like that?”

“I have no idea,” I mutter.

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