Page 18 of Fluke
“You do that, and I’ll get us a drink.”
“Deal.”
I make my way into the kitchen, my mind on Jess Carmichael. The simplicity in his smile and the kindness in his eyes ease the turbulence in my stomach.
I remove two glasses from the cabinet.
“Did I hear you say that you’re looking for a husband?”
“No, Jess, I’m not. The only thing I apparently need is anex-husband.”
A laugh falls from my lips.Somehow, that’s so on-brand for me.
5
PIPPA
“Pippa? We’re ready for you in the conference room,” Shelly says through my desk phone.
“I’ll be right there. Thank you.”
The line disconnects.
My stomach churns as I gather extra documentation to support my proposal, just in case I need it.
I didn’t sleep well last night, and this morning was rough. My mind flipped back and forth from seeing Jess to Bridgit’s impending decision. It was a roller coaster, going from thoughts of a man who makes me feel giddy to a situation I have no control over that will affect my career’s foreseeable future.
“You’ve prepared,” I whisper. “You’ve worked your ass off. If she goes with Chuck, there’s nothing you can do about it. Stay cool.”
I smell his cologne before I hear him at my door.
“What do you want, Chuck?” I ask without looking up.
He laughs, the sound resembling a hyena if it ate a chipmunk with a mouth full of acorns. “Are you ready for the big reveal?”
“Absolutely.”
“You know, I can’t believe no one knew you’d been married before yesterday.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end, and I look up. He’s leaning against the doorframe. The man who hasn’t worn a tie in two years decided today was the day to break that streak.
He grins, taunting me.
Stay calm. “Do you know what I find odd? That you care.”
“Idon’t care, Pippa. Don’t be confused. I’m just tired of working with a generation that thinks they deserve jobs they’re unqualified for and opportunities they have no business accepting because they’respecial. That’s what I care about.”
I lift a brow. “Since we’re sharing, I’m tired of working with a crass man who thinks I’ll back down when he puffs up his chest and tries to look and sound bigger and more important than he really is. That’s what I care about.”
His hyena laughter goes right through me.
“I’ll see you in the conference room,Chuck,” I say before closing the door in his face.
My fists ball at my hips, and I shake with irritation. He’s trying to rattle me. I know this. I know this is a part of his game. But fucking hell, do I want to scream.
I give myself a few moments to cool off and slowly gather my things. Then I straighten my knee-length black skirt, adjust the white bow on my blouse that hangs off the side, and open the door.
“You okay?” Shelly asks, walking toward me. “I saw Chuck in your doorway and couldn’t miss the dickish look he wore when walking away.”
