Page 24 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“Thanks. And that’s after a night on the couch?” She would probably tell Ty everything while I was gone, but it was likely better that way than me being around.

Maybe he could explain things to her so she could understand this wasn’t my fault.

I reached my office and sat at my desk as I heard, “Yoo-hoo. Can I come in?” Greg stuck his head through the door, but his body stayed hidden behind the frame, and I couldn’t help but picture him in a guillotine. That escalated quickly in my mind, and I needed to change my mood. So I smiled and waved him in.

He strolled to the empty seat and tried to recline back, only to be met with unforgiving stiffness. Even the chair didn’t want him to stay.

“I have an important client this afternoon. So, I’m going to jump right in. The Thompsons’ trust was basic. I got their paperwork filled out, and you will find all my notes on the shared drive. Is there anything specific you need from me?” I was trying to be professional but succinct.

“Honestly, I haven’t checked the drive, but I will. I just wanted to make sure everything was handled.” He smiled smugly, and I fought the urge to send daggers his way.

“I think you’ll find I did everything by the book.”

“I’ll let you know if you didn’t.” He stood up, and I was glad he initiated the ending of the meeting. “And do I need to join you and this client later?” He stared at me expectantly.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I've got it handled. It’s an off-site meeting, and I’m confident in my ability to seal the deal.” I got up from my desk and moved toward the door, hoping he would follow. “You can schedule another appointment with Ty if you need anything else.”

He gave me a tight smile as he walked out. I thought I was home free, but he stopped and turned back toward me. “I’m watching you, Blake. You better dot all your I’s and cross all your T’s.” Then, after his threat, he marched away on his high horse without giving me a chance to respond—not that I had something to say out loud.

He had it out for me, but I couldn’t figure out why. I watched him get on the elevator before leaving my office to check on Steph and Ty. When I arrived at Ty’s desk, I saw Steph sitting on the edge, staring over his shoulder at the computer. His fingers flew across the keyboard, and they seemed up to something.

“Hey, what do you two have cooking over here?” I questioned nonchalantly, but they both appeared startled.

“Just trying to help,” he responded without taking his eyes off his screen.

“I’m still not convinced there’s an actual problem.” Steph’s tone sounded annoyed, and I wasn’t sure what I had walked into.

“Help with what?” I asked, confused.

“I’m researching your ‘episodes.’ Steph told me it happened again last night.”

“Oh yeah? In your expert opinion, what did you find?”

“Well, there are various theories, and some of them seem plausible.” At least Ty didn’t think I was faking it.

Steph sighed heavily, but I chose not to respond because it was obvious she didn’t believe me.

“Like what?” I asked Ty as my mind went to the worst-case scenario. “Is it a disease?”

“No. It’s possible, but there are other things that it could be, too. Maybe it’s brain trauma or an emotional disorder,” he spouted indifferently.

“I’m sorry. How are those better?” I questioned.

“Isn’t any reason better than not knowing?” He shrugged, but I wasn’t convinced.

Steph reached for my hand, and her comfort was shocking. She had been so mad before. It was odd to see this softer side. “Do you think it’s serious? Should she get checked out?”

Her concern warmed my heart, but I couldn’t let myself go down that path.

“Maybe it’s stress-related? Work has been difficult lately, and with the promotion, it’s like I’m under a microscope.” Especially now that I was in Greg’s cross-hairs for some reason.

“It didn’t say anything about stress, but I’ll keep looking. There has to be some logical reason.” I appreciated Ty’s positive outlook, but I suspected he wouldn’t find an answer.

Whatever was happening to me wasn’t normal.

“Thanks, buddy. But don’t spend too much time on it. I’m sure these were isolated events and will pass soon.” I hoped he couldn’t hear the shakiness in my voice. The last thing I wanted was for him to worry about me because that would only make me more nervous.

“Whatever. I’m on a mission. Especially since you called off work. What else will I do while I wait here and answer phones?” he joked.

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