Page 56 of Inarticulate

Kelly’s fingers pattered like tiny tap dancers.

“Then sign it off from me,” Savannah added. “Include my email address and cell number. I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable calling me with any concerns instead of forming an angry mob in the lobby.”

“So, we’re just going to try and make this work?” Grant picked at the quick of his nails, his anxiety evident. “How are you going to work around those with personal issues?”

“I’m not, but Grandiosity will.” Savannah pulled her cell from her suit pants pocket and double checked her credit card was still stored in the case.

“How?” Grant’s voice rose. “What are you going to do?”

“Something I should’ve done when I first arrived.” She gave them a salute in farewell and strode toward the lobby doors. It would’ve been best to grab a coat, or at least taken a few moments to calm down, but anger would keep her thoughts sharp and hypothermia at bay.

It was only a short cab ride to the building that housed the Grandiosity head office. Short, yet enough time to let her annoyance fester and determination solidify. She glanced up at all the reflective glass and shiny metal and swallowed against the churning in her stomach.

Keenan had his opportunity to dissolve the situation with Penny, and he failed. It was her turn now.

She didn’t care if he was trying to protect a long-term friendship, or whatever relationship he had with the Augustines. Savannah’s responsibilities were far more important. She had a long list of employees who deserved security. They were owed the right not to fear for their future. Especially when the holidays were upon them.

He’d understand. He had to. Right? Or should she warn him?

She palmed her cell, unlocked the screen and opened a new message. The curser blinked at her in deafening silence. Yes, no. Yes, no.

“Forget it.” She placed the device back into her pocket and sucked in a calming breath. For now, she needed to forget him. Forget Dominic and her aunt, too. This was business.

She held her head high as she entered the immaculately polished lobby, scanned the directory for the correct floor, and then stalked into the awaiting elevator. There was no prepared speech, no inkling of how the conversation would unravel, and it didn’t bother her in the slightest. This was her job and she was going to forgo all thoughts of Keenan to ensure it was done to the best of her ability.

The elevator doors re-opened on the Grandiosity floor and she stepped into an office environment dripping with over-indulgence. The space was akin to their Seattle hotel. A chandelier hung from the roof, sparkling its glow over the shiny black walls. Elaborate floral arrangements scented the air with sweet perfection, and the receptionist beamed a smile at her from her position behind the speckled marble of a high counter.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes, please.” Savannah approached the woman. “I need to speak to Patrick Black.”

The slightest glimpse of a wrinkle marred the receptionist’s brow. “Is he expecting you? I don’t have anyone booked into his schedule at this time.”

“No, he isn’t. But my name is Savannah Hamilton and I’m from the Rydel head office. It’s imperative that I see him to discuss the upcoming settlement.”

The woman gave a faux smile. “I understand. He’s on a conference call at the moment, so I’ll send his computer a message to make him aware that you’re here.”

“Thank you.”

Savannah turned in a half circle and headed for the white leather sofa. She crumpled into its firmness and mentally batted away the barrage of thoughts about Keenan. He had no place here. There was no room to falter due to her feelings. But guilt began to niggle. It crept up her spine and settled itself on her shoulders, pressing harder and harder the longer she waited.

She wished she could deny that her decision had even the slightest tinge of jealousy woven into her reasoning. It was only minute, the tiniest gleam of the green-eyed devil, but it was there nonetheless.

Keenan kept shielding her cousin. He stood proud at Penny’s side at the bonfire. He protected her when Savannah was ready to draw battle lines over the vicious emails. Their connection was something more than friendship, and yes, Savannah now had the balls to admit she didn’t like it. The bond between the two nipped at her insecurities, taunting her every waking moment no matter how she tried to ignore it.

Her heart began to thump, the growing echo throbbing in her ears. She reached for a magazine on the coffee table and mindlessly flicked through the pages. The pictures swam past her vision, not one of them sinking in. It was useless. She threw the publication down, pulled out her cell, and began typing.

Savannah: I’m sorry, but I couldn’t wait for you to handle the Penny situation. She’s upset more employees this morning, and I’m now waiting to discuss the matter with the CEO of Grandiosity. I hope you understand.

“Ms. Hamilton?”

Savannah glanced at the receptionist as her finger hovered over the send button. “Yes?”

“Patrick will see you now.”

“Thank you.” She pushed to her feet as she sent the message.Done.There was no turning back. She switched her cell to vibrate, placed it back in her pocket, and made her way to the receptionist who stood waiting.

“I’ll escort you to his office.”

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