Cold Feet

CHRISTINE

“Lara,” I say as I answer the phone. “Has she arrived?”

“Well good day to you too,” Lara says feigning disappointment when I don’t ask how she is. “She has arrived. You won’t believe it.”

“What?” I ask sitting forward and hoping to hear another scrap of information I can use against Viola.

“I offered her our family apartment until she gets her salary and pay the deposit on her own place. The poor girl burst out sobbing in my office. It was heartbreaking to see how much she appreciated the help I gave her. This is truly one of the best things we have ever done, girl.”

I roll my eyes. I was hoping for something to use against Viola. You’ll have to be careful with Lara, I tell myself. She may be your best friend, but she’s gone all goody-two-shoes on you on this one.

“That’s great. I knew she would appreciate it.”

“You really should think of letting her know.”

I sit forward in my chair. “Lara,” my tone hardens.

“Yes?” she replies sounding as if she’s been slapped.

“Under no circumstances is she to know. You feel great because of the good we’ve done right?”

“Absolutely, I was…”

“Some people can be happy not letting it be known that they’ve helped someone else okay? If ever I feel that she will put the past behind us, then I might tell her. If you tell her I’m involved she will walk away, I promise you. And then all the good you feel so good about having done today, will be gone.”

Lara says sounding

succeed as much as you do but it won’t if she finds out. Maybe once the business is well established we can inform her. When she has something to lose if she gives

says. “I

I’m satisfied that I’ve smoothed things over with Lara and

happy if she knows the truth about me and that little upstart but she’ll never have to find out. All I know

Ritz Carlton to discuss arrangements for their daughter’s wedding. I’m

a voice behind me calls my name.

Grady.

smiling it right now. He’s wearing a light brown sports jacket over beige trousers. The jacket fits him perfectly and I can still see his fantastic build

still run my fingers through it, maybe grab it with

but I can’t be. I could never not forgive him. He could do anything and I

the same

so lame but it’s all I can come up with in my state of shock. His eyes take me in and I let them caress me. I note how he checks my left hand. I know he’s looking for a ring. I make it easier for him to see I’m not wearing a ring without making

right, I think. No ring. I’m still free. I don’t think of Rick at all. I have other plans

I’ve got mine panned perfectly. I’ve got Rick where I want him and it looks like I’m about to

doing

meeting. What are you doing here?”

here for an

“Interview? What for?”

investing in an energy startup as

see. How long are you in

here. Room sixteen-ten,” he says. He doesn’t need to add his room number and the fact that he gives it to me says enough. He’s hoping that I’ll join him. He wants me. His eyes say it all. He thinks his eyes quick trips over my

away all control before we’ve begun and believe me I’m going to start where we left