Page 125 of Through You
“There’s no need to worry. Artemis is my best friend.”
“What?” I didn’t expect that.
He smiles at me. “That night at the club, I left as soon as I realized you were the girl my best friend has been pining for his entire life. I was also the one who called him to come get you.”
I take it all in. That’s why Artemis arrived out of the blue.
Now everything makes sense.
“I have to say, I’m glad your friend interrupted us and told me your name. I don’t think Artemis would have ever forgiven me if I’d made out with you.”
Well. It’s a small world, and it certainly loves to put me in strange situations. Although there’s nothing strange about Artemis’s friend hanging out at his club.
“Let’s start over again,” he says. “Nice to meet you, Claudia.
I’m Alex.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile at him, but the smile fades when I immediately realize this could have other implications.
If Alex knows I work here, and he’s Artemis’s best friend . . . could it be possible that Artemis knows? I sincerely hope not.
“What’s wrong? You look pale.”
“Does Artemis know I work here?”
Alex is momentarily taken aback by the question, yet the guilt I spot in his eyes is a dead giveaway.
“He won’t meddle in any way, shape, or form,” he reassures me with an easy smile. “He promised.”
That little liar. He’s known all along and has been playing dumb. Oh, Artemis Hidalgo.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Claudia.” He waves good-bye, and I let out a long breath.
“Excellent proposal, Carl!” exclaims Mrs. Marks after Carl is done presenting my idea. I lick my lips and feel nervous because I know he’ll soon call my name. Everyone is clapping and I stare at him with anticipation. But Carl says, “Thank you. Thank you.
It was an idea that came to me out of the blue.”
My mouth opens, and my heart drops. He’s talking about the idea as if it was his, and getting all the credit, when I was the one who stayed up nights working on it.
“Wow. You’ve really impressed me this time, Carl,” adds Mrs.
Marks. I forget how to breathe. It’s unbelievable. Next to me, Kelly looks tense. The meeting comes to an end and people start to make their way out.
I wasn’t expecting this at all. I’m paralyzed with disbelief for a few seconds. And then I snap out of it just before everyone heads for the door, and I stand up.
“Excuse me, I have something to say.” Everyone stops and looks surprised that the new intern is speaking up when we’re only there to watch and listen. “This idea—”
“Claudia.” Carl cuts me off. “You are only here to watch.
Please abstain from sharing your opinions.”
“It’s not an opinion, I—”
Kelly takes my hand and gives it a tight squeeze and then whispers to me.
“Don’t do it. If you confront him in front of everyone he could fire you.”
I bite my tongue because I know she’s right.
