Page 59 of Return on Love

“Even if he doesn't, this one will suffice. By the way, how are your other clients doing?”

“All fine. James had run into a bit of a problem, but it’s probably fine now,” I reply, staring at his face to see his reaction. Nothing. He probably already knows about the app being taken down. “How’s Neil’s client doing?” I ask him.

He looks down at his laptop, his classic move when he can’t meet the other person’s eye. “Quite good. They’re good too. It’ll be a close call for the partners between the two companies, I’m sure.”

“Oh, and Ryan wanted to meet you. He’s also come along. He’s in meeting room 5.”

“Ryan? He didn’t need to. I’d sent him my best associate.”

Yeah, right? That’s why he’s been undermining me at every opportunity. A scoff almost escapes my lips, but I smother it under a cough.

He stands up and offers me a water bottle from a table in the corner of his room. His laptop is still on. I need to send him on his way without coming back to his desk. I message Ryan to call me immediately. My phone rings, just as Weber’s about to go back to his chair.

“Ryan!” I say. “Yes, Weber’s here.”

I extend my phone towards Weber, so he has to step away from his system to take it. “Ryan wants to talk to you. I guess he wants to meet you right now,” I say, loud enough for Ryan to hear me.

Weber takes the phone. “Of course we can meet, Ryan. I’m on my way.” I quickly slide my finger over the touchpad to keep the screen from locking and follow Weber out of his cabin.

He hands me my phone. “I’ll meet Ryan now. You wanna join?”

“No. You carry on. I have some other things to take care of.”

I see him walking away. When he is far enough, I look around. A few people are talking amongst themselves. Based on their animated faces, I guess the discussion is interesting enough for them not to notice what I am up to. Weber’s assistant, who sits right outside his office, is nowhere to be seen. I must make a move now. If his screen locks, everything will be in vain.

I casually walk back inside his cabin and march to his desk. Without losing a moment, I insert the flash drive. As soon as I do that, I can see a file being copied and installed. I hope that’s all that is required. I wait for a minute more before removing the drive from the socket. My heart beat is going through the roof. I’m not sure how criminals carry out such activities. Don’t they get a heart-attack?

As I shut the door behind me, I realize I’m sweating. I wipe the sweat with my palm and turn to go back to my cubicle when I hear someone call out my name. My heartbeat increases. It’s Weber’s assistant. Did she see me inside? When did she come back?

I turn around, forcing my lips into a smile. “Hi. How are you?”

“I’m good. You here to meet Weber?”

I nod. “Yeah. He just left to meet with my client who arrived unexpectedly. Couldn’t put it on the calendar.”

“No problem. Today is a relatively light day.”

She’s smiling, so I guess she didn’t see me inside. “So, what’s going on in office these past few weeks? I’ve been in Boston so long that I seem to be out of touch.”

“Well, everyone’s preparing for the partner’s meeting. Weber has been quite tensed lately. The only one not affected seems to be Priscilla.”

Of course. Why would she be affected? While the associates and Vice-Presidents are all working on the latest numbers and future strategies of their clients, Ms Priscilla is happily prancing around like a pony because she is buying her place in the firm. I know all that. But I just nod.

“I’m sure you’ve already heard about her and Bob.”

I give her a questioning glance. “What about them? I mean, I know Bob dumped me for her. Don’t tell me they’re getting married or something.”

She smiles a wicked smile and pats my back. “So you don’t know? She left Bob,” she says conspiratorially. “Heard he tried everything other than lick her feet to get her to stay, but she didn’t budge.”

I can’t help smiling as I wave goodbye to her. I mean, I know it’s mean and all, but well, it’s Bob. Serves him right.

I meet Lily as I walk back to my cubicle.

“Your smile suggests you got the news about Bob and Priscilla. Shit! I wished to break the news to you myself.”

“Why didn’t you? When did it happen? And why did she leave him?”

We decide to go for a coffee in the cafeteria to talk further. On my way, I notice Ryan and Weber are still talking. Once we’re seated with our steaming cups, I look at Lily.

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