Page 22 of Counterpoint and Harmony

In a daze, I take the card and climb out of the car, slightly stunned when Lauren drives off, leaving me standing there.

“Sir? Do you need any help?” The doorman’s voice shakes me out of my stupor.

“Ah, no. Thanks. I’m good.” I hold up the key card as I head for the door, which he opens for me with a nod of his head.

“Have a good evening.”

“Thanks, you too.”

I follow Lauren’s directions, taking the elevator up to the sixth floor and following the rooms to number 608. Is she …? Why would she …?

Only one way to find out. Sliding the card into the reader, I wait for the light to turn green and the mechanical sound of the door unlocking before taking a breath and pulling on the handle.

Charlie stands on the other side, a tentative smile on her face. “Surprise.”

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