Page 22 of Playing A Risk
How can I make this right?
What if Lauren goes after Dori again?
Chuck and I sit down to eat.
He cuts into his perfectly grilled steak. “Does Efron Worldwide have a holiday party for their employees?”
“They do, but I’m not much for parties. Especially given what I’m dealing with.”
“Yeah? Why’s that?”
“It’s a Christmas ball. Black tie and all the stops. I’m not in the mood to celebrate.”
“What if Dori goes?”
I shove a piece of meat into my mouth. It’s possible she could go, but would she? Mel would know, but she’s not speaking to me right now either, so the only way I find out is if I attend.
I swallow my food. “Chuck, I need your advice, and I promise to take it this time.”
“I’m all ears.”
“What are the chances Dori would go to that ball?”
He shrugs. “Given her position in the company, I’d say they’re pretty good.”
“And if she goes, could I talk to her then? Or is that completely out of line?”
He places his utensils down. “If you can get her alone, then you could speak to her, but don’t pull her away. She needs to be in the driver’s seat. You just have to open the door.”
Newfound hope fills me. “Then that settles it. I’m going to the ball.”
“Is it this weekend? Because if it is, it might not be enough time for her to cool off.”
“No. It’s Thursday night.”
“That’s cutting it close to Christmas, don’t you think?”
“I wasn’t on the planning committee, but yes, it is.”
I swallow hard. Dori will understand if she listens to me, but getting her to do that seems impossible at the moment.
Maybe I should try her apartment one more time. I just have to hope she answers her door.
I knock on Dori’s door and wait for thirty minutes with no answer. My mind spins with where she could be. Anxiety covers me like a blanket when her neighbor comes out of his apartment.
“Hey man, she isn’t there.” He steps out of his place and locks his door.
“Do you know where she is?”
“Nope. I just saw someone carrying out a bag full of her stuff. Well, I assume it was Dori’s stuff because the woman had a key and locked up the place.”
“It wasn’t Dori?” I face him as he strides past me.
“Nope. It was another woman.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“No sweat. Happy Holidays.” He takes off down the hall.
