Page 71 of Rex

“See ya’s tomorrow,” Horse says before walking toward the door.

“Wait. Where are you going?” I ask.

“Home. It’s after five o’clock, boss,” Pigeon states as he and Reeves follow Horse.

Glancing at my laptop, I see that it is indeed past closing time. For them, anyway. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I see I missed a few texts from Aria.

Me: I got tied up and won’t be home for a while. You at my place yet?

Aria: No. Drew said you were probably going to be busy so I’m having dinner with mom and Les. I’ll text when I leave here and see if you’re going to be home or not. If not, I’ll go to my place. I have to get used to being there.

Me: I’m sorry. I’d rather spend the evening with you than be here.

Aria: Me too but it’s ok. I understand.

Me: Thanks

Walking to the front of the business, I double-check on things and am glad to see that Marti did everything correctly. She’s going to work out great, and it’s nice having an employee that doesn’t argue about everything. Returning to my office, I pull up the file I need to find Gunner his answers.

I spend the next couple of days tethered to my computer. Aria and I text, and I fit in a couple of phone calls, but I don’t get to see her. Every time I gather everything Gunner needs, additional information comes in, and I’m back to the computer. To make things worse, I’ve found nothing new about the stalker either.

Being Saturday, Pigeon is off, but I asked Reeves and Horse to come in today, and they agreed. They’ve been helpful with minimum bullshit, and I’m secretly impressed by it. Even more impressive is that Marti showed and asked how she could help too. My phone alerts me to a new text, and I grin when I see who it is from.

Aria: I know you’re busy but is it okay if I stop by with food for you?

Me: Always!

Aria: I’ll be there in an hour.

Me: Can’t wait

My mood is greatly improved knowing Aria will be here soon. I head to the bathroom to clean up the best I can, knowing I look like hell. I pop into the other offices and check in on everyone’s progress, then return to my own work. Finally, the hour passes, and I hear the door up front open and close. Rising, I step out ofmy office in time to watch Aria walk through the lobby and then down the hallway toward me. I’m so engrossed in just watching her I forget my manners until she speaks.

“A little help would be appreciated,” Aria says with a small laugh.

Feeling like an ass, I rush forward and take the stack of pizza boxes and a grocery bag. Aria follows me back to my office with a few smaller bags. I clear a spot on a conference table and spread the pizza boxes out.

“I wasn’t sure what everyone liked, so I got a variety of things. I may have brought enough to feed you guys for a week,” Aria states while setting out paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware.

“I smell pizza,” Reeves says as he makes a beeline for the boxes.

“Hi, Aria. All of this for just us? How kind of you,” Horse says as he starts rifling through the bags we haven’t emptied out yet.

“You guys are like vultures,” I mutter. “Did you tell Marti that food is here?”

“Probably didn’t. You might want to holler down the hall and let her know,” Reeves says as he’s filling a plate high with pizza.

I leave the room long enough to let Marti know, and when I return, Horse is wolfing down a large sub sandwich. Looking at the table I realize Aria did bring a variety of things. Giving her a smile, I snatch up the takeout container with nachos piled high in it, a Coke, and take a seat. Aria sits next to me with a slice of pizza, but her eyes are on Marti entering the room.

“Hi, Aria! I wondered who brought the food,” Marti says with a wide grin.

“Hi, Marti. Nice to see you again. I didn’t know you worked here. I hope I brought something you like,” Aria answers.

“I just started working here instead of the strip club. So much nicer,” Marti explains. “Pizza! My favorite! Thanks, Aria.”

The room quiets while everyone eats their meal. The only sounds are that of wrappers or pop cans being opened and the occasional moan of appreciation from Horse. I hear the front door open again, and before I can go see who’s arrived, Chubs enters the room. Eyes wide at all the food on the table, he’s visibly happy to be here.

“No! Stop where you are, Drew!” Aria shouts while standing quickly. “You can have some, but not all. I didn’t bring it for you. Sit down, and I’ll make you a plate.”

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