Cold Feet

Chapter 23

RICK

I’m working late again and feeling guilty. It’s the nature of my job but I feel as if I’m neglecting Christine. I decide to call it a night and make a mental note to recruit another paralegal to help with the workload.

There’s nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. I decide to surprise Christine but I need to know where she is. She also works late hours being a successful as she is. She might still be working too. I give her a call and she answers quickly.

“Hey honey. Where are you?”

“I’m still in the office,” she says. “What about you?”

“Same. Another late night. Are you still going to be long?”

“Maybe another hour and a half at least.”

“Okay, I’ll see you at your place later?” I say.

“Sure. You’ve got a key. I’ll see you there.”

We end the call and I pack up immediately. I call my favorite Chinese take away restaurant and order to go. I lock the office and head for Christine’s office. I stop by the Chinese restaurant on the way, pick up dinner and make it to Christine’s office all in thirty minutes.

Her office is in an old converted warehouse with three floors. She’s leased the top floor and converted it into everything a wedding planner needs. Clients have practiced their ceremonies here, she stocks dresses, stationery, just about everything you can think of. The showroom is state of the art.

Her office is elevated above the showroom floor so she can see the whole floor at any given stage. Except the exit to the lift that is. It’s perfect for me to surprise her.

I greet Waldo the guard. He’s in his forties and overweight. He’s got an easy job and sees little action. I doubt he could chase a dog or a cat never mind a burglar. He’s nice though and I like him. He always makes me smile with his friendly attitude and smile.

I tell him I want to surprise Christine and ask him not to buzz her. He smiles and agrees to play along. I hand him the takeaway meal I bought for him and his face lights up even more. I probably shouldn’t be giving him any more unhealthy food judging by his weight but it’s not something I do every day.

from view on the third floor, the noise of it’s motor gives away any arrival. I can only hope that Christine is listening to

I open the grill door as softly as I can. Outside the elevator I wait out of sight, listening for Christine. There’s no sound and after a few moments I leave my cover at the elevator lobby and enter the showroom. Minimal lights are on since it’s after office hours and the mannequins dressed in wedding gowns cast shadows across the room. I dart from shadow to shadow feeling like a secret agent as I approach the office. I can hear music playing and I sneak up the stairs to

handle as slowly as possible and then yank the door open.

“Surprise!” I say.

at her desk and a scream escapes her lips as he looks at me. “Are you

“I just wanted to surprise you.” I enter her office and place the dinner on her

kisses me quickly. “Dinner? You brought my

a bit cold already so best we

on the table over there,” Christine says pointing. Since I’m standing I don’t mind getting them. I get forks and chopsticks as well and I share the food

starving!” She wolfs her food down hungrily as

could be with a bit of knowledge I didn’t know

at brushes a strand of blond hair

she asks around

amazing you are,”

bringing this dinner and surprising

him some Chinese

corrupt,” she

see what you’re

says looking at her outfit.

after dinner and I’ll show you what

idea,” Christine says. “But first I need

“What’s that?”

chews her last mouthful. Then she wipes her mouth, pushes back her chair and stands. She crosses to the window

those beds look

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