Page 53 of Company Ink

"Adrian?" I ask, turning my head towards him. "Tonight, were you...uh—"How do I phrase this without sounding like a broken record?"What I mean to say is... Was that all part of the act? Or...?" I bite my lip, closing my eyes.

Adrian doesn't say anything for ten long and dreadful seconds, the pounding raindrops against the roof become louder, matching the frantic beating of my heart.I shouldn't have asked.

"You were almost crying," he finally says. "Crying women make me uncomfortable."

I open my eyes. "That's it? That's why?"

"Of course," Adrian, swallows sending ripples down his throat and over his Adam's apple. "Don't read too much into it, Cariño. Although, I'm guessing it's too late for that now."

I lock my jaw together, anger spiking in my veins at an alarming rate. "Good to know," I say through my teeth. Why did I think it would be more?Fucking idiot.We pass the exit that leads back to my apartment. "Where are we going?"

"I thought I'd buy you some dinner since you barely ate anything earlier."

I glower at him. Is he for real?"I'm not hungry," I state flatly. "Take me home."

Adrian grips the steering wheel. "You need to eat."

"And I will." I cross my arms. "At home.Without you."

Adrian suddenly swerves the car through two lanes of traffic in order to make the nearest offramp.Is he trying to kill us?!

"Fine," he seethes, and that's the last word that's uttered between us until he drops me off at home.

twenty

a new light

"Here, take my hand," I say to Ness as I help her out of the cab. Our Sunday has turned into a not-so-fun day, when Lucy called me to say that Ness's doctor had to cancel her Monday morning appointment but could see her at 12 pm today instead. After everything that went down on Friday, I definitely needed some Ness time, but I guess it'll have to wait.

Ness grabs my forearm and I lead her through the doors of Pacific Medical Center. I shouldn't have chugged that mimosa before hailing a cab, we didn't have time to order brunch before we had to leave, which means the contents of my stomach consist purely of orange juice and a pretty strong prosecco. Perhaps this is a good thing, Idideat around fifteen pounds of chocolate yesterday, my version of therapy; so, a few missed calories won't kill me.

"I'll wait for you here," I tell Ness as I check her in with the receptionist. "How long do you think you'll be?" Ness hums and holds up one finger. I wish she'd just use her words, it's not like she can't speak, I just think she's embarrassed by the sound of her voice. "An hour?"

Ness nods. "Yes."

"Okay, well I'm probably going to get some food while I wait. Areyouhungry? Do you want a snack now?"

Vanessa shakes her head. "No."

I narrow my eyes. "Did you eat before we met up?"

Ness smiles cheekily. "Maybe."

"Uh-huh," I hum. "Such a traitor."

A nurse comes around the front desk and holds out her arm. "Dr. Felton is waiting in his office. Ready to go?”

Ness nods while waving at me. "Bye."

I watch her turn the corner and disappear down the hallway. I turn my attention back to the haggard-looking receptionist. "Is there somewhere I can get some food around here?"

"There's a little cafe all the way down the hallway to your right," he informs me with a smile. "The coffee's not the best but the muffins? To die for!"

"Noted," I laugh. "Did you want me to bring you back something? Maybe a muffin?" He looks like he's been working all night. Either that, or he was up partying all night. Regardless, the young man looks like he needs some sustenance.

His eyes light up. "Oh my God, really? That would be amazing. I don't have anyone to cover me for an hour. Let me just give you some cash."

I wave him off. "Don't worry about it, on me. Any preference?"

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