Page 53 of 12 Days

Chapter 22

Alyssa

If any part of me was still doubting it, it’s gone now; this is what I want, and there’s no better time for it to be happening.

I find myself often brimming with lust these days, like a Christmas stocking mounted in a nice, warm spot above a roaring fire, stuffed generously with thoughtful presents.

Twelve smitten executives are the reason for that. I’m having fantasies like I’ve never had before, and they’re coming true almost instantly.

There’s no way this is wrong, because nothing’s ever felt so right.

As I wander the monumental hallways of True Love on my eventual way outside, I feel flushed, thoroughly satisfied and positively glowing with the spirit of the season.

Both the season of the year—in a giddy way that I haven’t felt since I was a child—and the season of my life.

I expect to feel that December chill the moment I step outside, but the warmth of my own burgeoning spring awakening is enough to keep me going near round. I feel wonderful and giddy.

I’m just joyfully drifting through the enormous corporate headquarters, and before I know it, I find myself in the lobby, walking straight towards the exit.

“Have a great day,” I blurt out to the security guard. He doesn’t respond, but simply having that interaction heightens my mood even more.

It’s not even that cold as I step outside. The sun’s flooding the area around True Love in unseasonable warmth, with a weak breeze carrying just the hint of a chill, a little bite to remind everyone of the winter approaching.

I’m loving the taste of bitter cold mixed with the sunshine, but hearing my phone start vibrating, rattling everything surrounding it in my purse, while loudly screaming its ringtone destroys the vibe.

I know it’s one of the most famous classical pieces in history, but hearing Beethoven being approximated through a cheap ringtone is a far cry from hearing Beethoven played on a Steinway grand in a hushed concert hall.

I stop dead in my tracks to fumble through my purse. It’s not that I’m determined to answer my phone, but I am dead-set on silencing it, so I can continue to enjoy this marvelous afternoon.

As I push aside my makeup bag and tissues to get at my squawking telephone, I start thinking that I might just have a nice conversation ahead of me. This is the time of year when family members and a few old friends I don’t hear from very often, contact me out of the blue to catch up and reminisce.

Okay, I’ve spotted the phone, still caterwauling away and creating an ungodly racket while resting facedown in my purse.

It’s been ringing a little while, now. I’m probably on the right track with my notion of who could be calling, since they’re clearly anxious to talk and they’re not giving up easily…

Oh.

I haven’t even had a chance to look at the screen to know who it is, but I suddenly have a strong feeling this is not the warm friendly call I was speculating a few seconds ago. I still pick up the phone and turn it over, since now I want to be wrong.

I look at the screen, announcing the incoming call. I’m not wrong.

It’s work.

I’m less than ecstatic about that, but I’m also less than thrilled at myself for, momentarily, forgetting what I’m really here for.

“Yes,” I broadcast genially into the phone after picking up, as if I don’t know who it is.

“Hello, Miss Morrow. It sure is nice to hear your voice again. It is a pleasant day we’re having, isn’t it?”

He can probably tell exactly where I am.

“Yes, it certainly is, Homer. It is nice to hear from you, also. You’re spot on about the weather. I happen to be walking outside right now, moving away from True Love.”

“Oh good, good.” The smile in Homer’s voice is fading as he speaks.

I’d love to tell him that this charade is risible, but he’s been at this a lot longer than me.

“I’m more than a few hundred feet from the facility by now, if you care to know.”

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