Oh, God. He’d figured out I really didn’t belong there. What was he going to say?
“By any chance, Miss Bernard, did you rinse off the breakfast dishes?”
Yeah, he’d figured me out. Was I about to be in huge trouble?
I couldn’t lie. It was something I would have done again and again and I wasn’t going to apologize for picking up after myself. Turning my head away from my monitor, I nodded, feeling like George Washington admitting to cutting down the cherry tree.
The urge to say sorry was strong, but I resisted.
Simon’s expression softened and I even thought I saw a small smile. “I just wanted to thank you.” And, with that, he turned and left the room.
And I was all but speechless.
As I readied myself to make another call, I paused, remembering I’d wanted to take a picture for Elise because, after all, I’d probably never be here again. And Elise, my funny friend, would tease me mercilessly. I needed a little proof. As it was, she’d already texted me twice, asking me what was up and then asking if I was okay because I hadn’t called or texted. So, first, I messaged her back. Doing fine. I’m on a special assignment.
Then I took my phone and turned toward the windows, snapping a photo from where I sat.
Attaching it to another text, I typed, Guess where I am?
And then I made another phone call. This one took longer, as this client, an older woman, wanted to meet with Mr. Steel as soon as possible, so I set up a Zoom meeting for the next morning, now that most of his Tuesday had now been cleared, thanks to my earlier work.
Elise had already texted back. Did you get stir crazy? I have no idea. Doesn’t look like the any of the coffee shops near your apartment.
I considered stringing her along, but I couldn’t spend all day texting. I’d call her tonight and give her all the details. For now, though, I’d just put her out of her misery. I’m at the boss’s house on special assignment.
But her text back to me was going to draw it out. The boss? That doesn’t look like Dominique’s place. Jeffrey’s?
No. I waited a few seconds before sending another text. Maddox Steel.
I knew that would have her freaking out, so I sent a final text. I’ll call you tonight with all—
But, of course, her phone call interrupted my typing. My cell was on silent, so the ringing wouldn’t get anyone’s attention, but there was no way in hell I was going to have this conversation now. I swiped to ignore her call before finishing my message, telling her I’d give her a ring later with all the juicy details, finishing it up with CAN’T TALK NOW!
Hopefully, my friend would understand, and I realized then how cruel my messages had been—but I’d been dying to share it with the one person who would actually appreciate where I was today.
Pouring the water bottle onto the ice, unable to resist adding the lemon Simon had sliced for me, I took a sip before making more calls. Even I was impressed with how quickly I was getting the job done.
After about an hour, Maddox Steel appeared in the doorway between the two rooms. His deep voice resounded with an ominous tone, sending a chill down my spine. “Bailey, we need to talk. Finish what you’re doing and then come to in my office.”
Oh, crap. What had I done?
And would I be able to fix it?