Page 147 of Love Undiscovered
“Can we talk? Somewhere that’s not in front of the elevator bay. Maybe get some coffee?”
“Make it a drink and you got it. Let me just run up and change my clothes. I’ll meet you in the bar in like fifteen minutes. Does that work?”
“Yes,” he smiles, relief on his face. “Thank you, Remi. I really appreciate it.”
I take the next elevator up to the sixth floor, marveling over running into Trevor. I’m kind of anxious to hear about what he’s been up to. And he’d better be back to fucking grovel at Lexie’s feet if he knows what’s good for him. God, I hope he’s back for Lexie. That he wants to talk about her. That would be amazing. I find myself suddenly feeling better about things.
Then my phone rings. I look down. It’s Stephen.
I hang my head, take a deep breath, and answer the phone.
“Hello, Stephen.”
“Remi, I’m glad I caught you. I’d like to discuss how you think the presentation went today.”
I stop walking, having now reached my door.
“How I think it went?”
“Yes, will you be at the mixer?”
“No, I’m meeting a friend for drinks.”
“This is a company trip, Remi. Not a vacation. It is strongly recommended you attend all of the events.”
“I’ll be there after, then.”
“I think you misunderstand—”
“I don’t, Stephen. I don’t misunderstand. I just don’t agree. I’m off the clock. I’m on my own time, I can do what I want.”
“Remi, tsk tsk. There is no off the clock as a salaried career professional. Your time is my time.”
This guy, I swear!
“You know what, Stephen? I think you should take your time and shove it up your ass. I quit.”
I disconnect the call but can’t tell if I feel relief or regret. I swipe my card in the door lock, pissed that I can’t hold my temper better. This time, my keycard swipes green and I move into the room, kicking my shoes off as I go. Groaning at how wonderful it feels to be out of heels. I can’t wait for yoga pants, flip-flops, and a stiff drink with an old friend.
I turn and put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ placard from habit and deadbolt the door. Then toss my purse and phone on the floor and walk into the room from the entryway, unzipping my skirt as I go.
It isn’t until she clears her throat, that I notice the woman sitting in the chair at the writing desk.
Helen.
“Why don’t you just zip that back up and have a seat on the bed. No one wants to see your skanky panties anyway,” she says.
What the fuck is she doing here?
“No one?” I look around, feigning nonchalance.
Think fast.
“Is there someone else here besides you and me?” I sound braver than I feel.
How did she get in my room?
Oh shit, that explains the other key that was given out. Don’t they ask for ID with that shit? Of course not, they didn’t ask for mine just now.
