Page 11 of Embracing Love

Unable to do anything else, Tanya shrugged and sat back down in the waiting area as Gabriel disappeared into his office, closing the door behind firmly. Tanya ruminated over her ironic situation. What she wouldn’t give to tell Michael Zimmerman what had happened. But it would be childish and would prove nothing.

Michael was only interested in results. And he was expecting great results from her.

Further intrigued by the woman in his office, Tanya decided she had to be a girlfriend, at least. The way she spoke signified some level of intimacy. Tanya couldn’t imagine any other business person or client speaking to him in that tone.

Ever more curious, she glanced over at the prim and proper blonde ponytailed princess sitting behind the raised reception area, typing away. She would know. Tanya briefly wondered about asking her about ‘Vanessa’ then thought better of it.

Instead she remained seated, determined to wait it out this time, knowing that she didn’t have the option to walk out a second time. She was going to stay put even if it meant being here all day.

Drumming her fingers rhythmically on the armrest of her chair, she found herself once more in the unbelievable position of waiting once more for Gabriel Valois. Impatient, and with irritation creeping along her skin, she checked the calendar on her smartphone. It was Thierry’s birthday meal tonight. Something to look forward to, at least. It would get her out of her apartment which meant she wouldn’t have to spend another evening at home by herself.

Luc would be there, too. Her heart tripped a small beat at the thought of him. A trickle of excitement briefly uplifted her. She put her cell phone away, and looked around. Then, restless with the wait, she got up and asked the secretary, not caring for what sort of response her question might elicit this time. “The lady who’s in the meeting now, she looks familiar?” She didn’t look familiar at all, but it was the best Tanya could come up with.

Irritated at the disturbance, the secretary gave Tanya a casual appraisal. “Vanessa Delorme from Spiral.”

Tanya attempted recognition. “Vanessa Delorme! Of course. Thank you.” She slipped away and sat down again.

But the door flew open just then and the Vanessa Delorme marched out.

That was quick, thought Tanya.

“I’ll be waiting. And remember, Gabriel. You promised.” She snarled.

Tanya observed Gabriel’s calm reaction. “I can’t promise anything, Vanessa. It’s not my choice. Shall we?” He turned to Tanya and beckoned for her to lead the way in.

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