Page 27 of Isolated
The door opened, and I shot out of my chair as Iris came into view. Was I so caught up in my thoughts of her that I was daydreaming now?
“Iris?”
“Hi, Landen.”
God, she sounded awful. She looked beautiful as ever, but I couldn’t miss the dark cloud that was hanging over her. It was terrible, and I hated it for more than just what it was doing to Iris. This woman was such a bright spot in my life—even with only ever having the opportunity to see her for about four to five hours each week—and it killed to see that light had dimmed so much. If I was honest, she appeared to be even gloomier than she had been yesterday morning.
And that’s when it hit me. It was just before noon on a Wednesday, and something was so terrible that Iris was here in my office instead of at work, a place she seemed to love being until recently.
I was too stunned to see her standing here to bring myself to move. Whether she thought I needed the explanation, or she simply felt compelled to fill the silence, Irisrevealed, "I just met Avalon at the front desk, and when I asked about you, she told me this was where I could find you. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
That got me moving.
I rounded my desk and moved toward her, taking her by the hand and urging her inside. After closing the door behind her, I ushered her into a chair and sat down in the one beside her.
Iris had come here looking for me. No matter what this was about, I was going to give her whatever she needed.
With her hand still in mine, I asked, “Are you okay?”
She shook her head, tears instantly filling her eyes. The sight could have brought me to my knees. “I’m sorry for just showing up like this. I didn’t know where else to go.”
It took what felt like superhuman effort not to react in a way that would indicate my surprise. Though I knew the lengths I’d be willing to go for her, how was it possible that Iris didn’t have anyone but me to go to?
“There’s no need to apologize. Just tell me what’s going on.”
Iris pressed her lips into a thin line, like she was willing to do whatever it took to prevent the words on the tip of her tongue from escaping. Did she not want to tell me, or was she merely nervous about doing it?
Based on the very little that I knew was ailing her—something about work—I thought it might be best to offer some additional reassurance. I stroked my fingers lightly over her knuckles. “Anything you tell me stays between us. You don’t have to worry about anything leaving this room.”
Her chin dipped slightly with understanding. Then she inhaled deeply and released a big breath before she blurted, “I think I might be going crazy.”
My brows shot up. “Pardon?”
She pulled her hand away, burying her face in her palms.
I wanted to reach for her again, to pull her into my arms and offer her some comfort.
Iris groaned with frustration and embarrassment. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here about to tell you this. This is insane. But maybe that’s the way it feels when you start to lose your mind.”
“Iris, look at me.” I kept my tone gentle, encouraging.
She lifted her head and looked in my direction. Her eyes were red-rimmed, the look of despair catching me off guard. Obviously, I knew there was something wrong, but I hadn’t ever seen her like this before.
Swallowing down the discomfort I felt, knowing she was so upset, I said, “You can tell me about whatever is going on. I promise you have nothing to worry about. I told you yesterday that I’m happy to lend a listening ear. I don’t care what it’s about; I will do whatever I can to help you.”
Her bottom lip quivered. “Nearly everything in my life was perfect. You saw me a few weeks ago. I was over the moon.”
I smiled at her as the memory flitted through my mind. “I recall.”
“Ever since then, it seems like my life is falling apart.”
“How so?”
She raked her fingers through her hair, gathering it upin one hand at the nape of her neck before twisting it and draping it over the front of her right shoulder. “It started at work with an unintentionally missed meeting and ended today with my boss calling me into his office and suggesting I take the rest of the week off.”
“Is this the same boss that just offered you a promotion?”
Iris nodded. “Yes. And I think that position is now on the line.”
