Page 35 of Old Money
Ah, got it. The thing he’s worried about is me.
“No.” I shake my head, smiling—I’m offended, but I get it. “I can handle an awkward run-in, okay?”
Jamie nods, though he’s definitely not buying it.
“How about you stay inside the office for the day, just in case. You can have it all to yourself!”
“Are you serious?”
“If you need the bathroom—”
“I’m not hiding behind your desk all day, dude!”
Jamie huffs and closes his eyes.
“I knew it was a mistake, having you work here,” he mutters. “Of all fucking summers.”
I open my mouth, all remaining anxiety wiped out by righteous outrage. I take a step closer, preparing to let Jamie Burger have it. But then I hear a familiar voice behind me.
“Knock, knock,” she says.
I look over my shoulder. Susannah is standing in the doorway of the break room.
“They said I should just come on...”
She trails off at the sight of my face. Her own face turns a shade whiter, her mouth slackening. Even the coffee machine goes silent.
“Susannah Joyce!” Jamie crows. “Hey!”
He gives her a jovial smile, his panic tucked away in an instant.
“Jamie, hi, I’m so sorry about this,” Susannah answers warmly, the look of dread wiped off her face. “It’s so last-minute, I know—terribly rude.”
She’s dressed like an Easter egg, in a soft blue top tucked into a pencil skirt the color of an eraser. Her lightened hair is even lighter after weeks of Mediterranean sunshine, and still ironed pin straight.
“Oh, quit minding your manners. It’s fine!” Jamie puts down his coffee and goes to her. “Been a while, huh?!” he continues. “I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you in person.”
Susannah glances sideways at me, a nervous laugh escaping at the mention of her engagement. Jamie keeps talking—tossing out chitchatty comments, as if coaching us along:Do you hear how I’m making my voice normal? Why don’t we all try!
“How’ve you been?” Susannah asks him, making an attempt. “How’s the season going?”
“Good! Busy!” He looks at me. “Good thing we’ve got Alice with us this year.”
I watch Susannah’s face closely. Is this news to her?
“Wow. Amazing,” she says in a vacant tone, her eyelids fluttering.
There’s the blink. There’s the terrible liar I know.
“Hi, Susannah,” I say, firm and polite. “Long time.”
“Yeah, gosh,” she says, her words half-inflated, drifting across the room like a week-old balloon. “What’s it been? Three years?”
It’s been over four, but whatever. I’m not interested in playing make-believe nostalgia anyway. Not with her.
“I actually have to dash. I’m due at Mr. Brody’s office.”
“Oh!” Susannah says, visibly relieved as I brush past her through the door and into the dark staff hall. “Well, it was great to see you. We should get coffee sometime.”
