Page 72 of Tarek

My cell rattles on the desk, breaking my train of thought. Grabbing the phone my heart flutters as I read Penny’s text.

Penny

I always found Hades to be the sexiest of all the gods.

I chuckle for the first time in some hours.

Me

Why is that?

Penny

Unlike Zeus, Hades remained faithful to Persephone.

Me

Is that what you want, someone to be faithful to you like Hade?.

Penny

No, I just wanted a pomegranate.

Me

I’m coming for you in an hour.

Penny

See you then.

My soul feels calmer now that she sent me a message. I open my drawer to pull out my box of cigarettes and my fingers glide over the box. She doesn’t like smokers.

I shake my head and close the drawer. “I need a new fucking vice.”

A knock draws my attention and my software engineer Luce walks in.

“Can I have a moment of your time?” Luce asks.

“Sure, come in?”

She smiles and strides into my office closing my door behind her.

“I just came to drop the second file on Pastor Jospeh.” The thud of the file hits my desk.

Luce lifts her nose and begins to sniff. “Hmm interesting?”

I pause from reaching the file. “What’s interesting?”

She taps the little mole on her chin and looks up to the ceiling “I have worked with you for years, like since I came out of college.”

I lean back into my chair, rocking slightly feeling my impatience enter. “Luce.”

Unbothered she shrugs her shoulders and drops her arms. “This office always smells of expensive cologne and cigarettes. Until now, in fact since Ms. Penelope came.”

I had enough. “Get out and tell Wes to come see me.”

“Oh, you’re so feisty. Meow. Must be the truth.” Her fingers curl mischievously.

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