Page 166 of Time Stops With You

“You don’t sound very grateful.” I wiggle the string to loosen its grip and then start working on the other end.

Nardi huffs. “How did you even know I was here? Did my mother tell you?”

I shake my head as the string lights loosen.

“The only people who knew I was coming to the school at this time were mom and Roger—” Nardi reels back. “Don’t tell me Roger’s a spy?”

I don’t respond. I’ve undone the main knot and now the rest of the string lights are untangling practically on their own.

“This all makes sense.” Nardi covers her mouth in shock. “On Roger’s first day, you called me and you already knew I was going to your office. I hadn’t told you that yet, but you were so sure.”

I remain quiet, focused on my work.

“You’re ignoring me, Cullen.”

“I’m listening, Nardi.”

“Am I right?”

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you,” I mumble. She doesn’t find that funny. I clear my throat and clarify, “He’s not a spy.”

“Roger reports my movements to you. What else would you call that?”

“A precaution.” I walk around her, unraveling the last few layers of the lights. “Roger’s not only a driver. He also has a background in private security. He came highly recommended by Clay Bolton, a friend of Sullivan’s in the security space.”

Nardi glares at me. “You hired a bodyguard?”

“From your tone, I can tell you’re gushing with gratitude.” I say dryly. I lift the now untangled length of string lights.

Nardi snatches it away. “Cullen, you’re crossing a line.”

“What line is that?”

“You should have told me if you were hiring a bodyguard.”

“I didn’t hire a bodyguard. I hired a driver. It’s not Roger’s fault that he has many other talents.”

She throws her hands up. “You’re impossible! It’s like I’m talking to RB-50 over there.” Nardi points to the robots.

“It’s actually RC-1500,” I say. Her unamused expression makes me smile. “You can shout at me later. How much time do we have before the doors open?”

“The fundraiser starts at noon, but the PTA moms are coming in at eight to inspect my work.”

My smile flattens at the mention of the evil women who banished her here.

Before I can comment on their unfairness, Sara appears and takes Nardi away to finalize the concepts. The two women have a quick back-and-forth. Soon after, Sara gathers the computer engineers together and hands out their roles.

Nardi smiles sweetly at my engineers who all look back at her as if she hangs the moon.

“Before we start, I’d just like to thank everyone for coming. This means a lot to me and I won’t forget it.”

I’m standing to the side, away from the group, but at her words, I move toward her. Why is she smiling so sweetly at themwhenI’mthe one who pulled this together? All she did was scold me earlier.

“I promise, when things have settled down and my arm is better, I’ll cook you guys a Belizean feast!”

A roar of appreciation goes up from the men.

“Let’s get to work, everyone!” Sara claps her hand against the clipboard.

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