Page 95 of Van Cort
“He was different there.”
“Less cryptic, please.” April’s brows rise with her command. She’s not taking any prisoners here.
“Urghh, that’s the hard part. It was a lot of little things that all add up to a big change. At least for part of it.” I run my hand over my forehead as I try to articulate. “He’s complicated. A mystery still in many ways, but it felt like he could be his real self when we were there. He opened up.”
“Okay, you’re coming to visit. We’re having a girls’ weekend, so we can dissect this and figure out where you are because I’m pretty sure I told you not to let your heart get mixed up, and I don’t believe for a second that’s not where you are.”
“I’d love that. Really, April, I would.” How would she react to knowing I’ll be working for Everett for the next few weeks, and so I can’t take time off? “But I’ve taken time off work already, going away again, plus I’m—”
“Fine. I’ll fly up to you. I’ll arrive Friday night and leave Sunday. No Everett interruptions, agree?”
“Are you sure?” It would be amazing to have time to properly visit with April, and my heart swells at the possibility.
“We can see your folks, eat out. Drink in.”
“It’s a date.”
***
After an early night, I wake up knowing that I’ll see Everett again. Only back under his suited armour.
I confirm the details that were meant to be for Monday and head to the Van Cort office.
When I arrive, just before my usual start time, I’m escorted through the reception and to the finance floor, where there’s a run of desks outside what seems to be a senior manager’s office.
Everything is immaculate. Expensive. Exactly what I’d come to expect from the man. It shouts at the prestige I know the company is built on - the gold it’s built on.
I’m introduced to a woman who comes out of the only office, and she puts me at one of the desks and hands me a file. It only takes me ten minutes to realize that it isn’t exactly difficult, and whilst I’m still operating under the assumption that he did this for reasons other than my acumen, I find myself hoping that there’s at least something relevant or pertinent for me to do. Otherwise, it’s a big risk for me.
As the day goes on, there’s nothing from Everett. No texts. No calls. Maybe he’s just busy.
I wish my heart was as invested in that thought as my mind is.
On Friday it’s still the same, and I’m mentally battling with the memories of the start of our…relationship. It’s only been two days, and the gold chain around my neck tells me it’s different this time. I try to hold on to that. At least I know April is due in tonight. She’s coming right to my place from the airport as she got the day off, and we’re intending to go straight back out.
She’s my oldest friend and the only person I’d ever call myself a girl’s girl with, and I can’t wait for her to visit.
By the end of the day, Everett’s schedule is still full and any hope to speak to him at work vanishes as he’s still in a meeting when it’s time for me to leave. But I won’t let that taint my weekend plans.
April is already unpacked and in the kitchen as I come in the door.
“Eeee!” she squeals as I put my bag down and we envelop each other in a hug, erasing the distance of months apart.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” I beam at her.
“Neither can I. And what,” her eyes drop to my chest, “is that?”
“This?” I clasp the gold pendant between my fingers and smile at the memory and sentiment it represents.
“That would be a gift from Everett. From his estate.”
“He’s got gold pendants lying around the place?”
“No. He had a piece of gold we found melted down and made into this for me.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am.” I grin.
