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.”

Understood,” Lara says sounding a bit

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 it up, maybe then will be a time to tell her. But please leave it to me to decide.

says.

talk a bit longer before we end the call. I’m satisfied that I’ve smoothed things

little upstart but she’ll never have to find out. All I know is when it’s all over,

the Ritz Carlton to discuss arrangements for their daughter’s wedding. I’m early as always. Get there first and control

the lounge a voice behind me calls my name.

Grady.

over beige trousers. The jacket fits him perfectly and I can still see his fantastic build

short but not too short. I can still run my fingers through it, maybe grab

could do anything and

see here,” he says. His voice is soft but rough at the same time. God, I remember

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

think. No ring. I’m still free. I don’t think of Rick at all. I have other plans for him and

It’s not. Life’s a business. And I’ve got mine panned perfectly. I’ve got Rick where I want him and it looks like I’m about to get a second chance with Grady. What he doesn’t know is that this time he won’t be the

are you doing here?” he

have a business meeting. What are

here for

“Interview? What for?”

at investing in an energy startup

see. How long are you in

that he gives it to me says enough. He’s

before we’ve begun and believe me I’m going to start