The Real(63)

On the train to work, I relived every minute of our time together.

Walking down the street toward Preston Corp, I swayed my hips as “Closer” by the Chainsmokers serenaded my trek, though the idea of the big reveal happening that night put a slight damper on my mood. But if he was sure we could work through whatever we unpacked, I had faith.

When I exited the elevator, Kat looked over at me from her office and read my face. I didn’t hide it.

“Oh, wow, wow,” she remarked as I beamed at her behind her desk.

“Yeah, I’m totally fucking in love.”

“I’m so happy for you,” she said with a genuine smile. “A little jealous, but happy.”

“That used to be my line,” I said as I dropped my purse at my desk and walked into her office.

“So, what happened?”

“We just confessed. I mean, it’s been there for a while, but we kind of just opened the gates and it was everything. He’s so perfect.”

She shook her head. “That’s great, Abbie. You deserve it.”

“Damned right I do. No more dateless weddings.”

“Maybe you have your own to look forward to,” she said softly. I saw it then, the fatigue.

“Don’t worry about today, okay? I’ve got it handled. Look at it like just another meeting.”

She nodded solemnly. “I need a change. If they let me go, maybe it’s a sign.”

“Don’t think that way. You love it here. I can tell. We’ll get this handled. You’ve seen the reports. Piece of cake, okay?”

She nodded before handing me a cup of coffee, just the way I liked it.

“So, tell me what’s been going on.”

Before I got the chance, several executives walked out of the elevator. Kat visibly cringed at their arrival and whispered to me.

“This really is it, isn’t it? Are you done after today?”

I followed her toward the conference room. “I’ll be done here, yes, but I’ll still have a few things to tie up from home.”

She threw her shoulders back and looked at me earnestly. “I just want this to be over.”

“I’ve got you,” I swore, every bit as confident as I was the day we’d met.

Nine hours later, we walked out of that meeting with matching smiles.

“I can’t believe it. Not only did you save my job, you made me look good. You’re a miracle worker, Abbie.”

“I told you. You are capable of running the division. It was just a matter of time.”

“Walk me down?” she asked as she grabbed her purse.

“Sure,” I said, checking my phone for a text from Cameron.

He’d been quiet that afternoon, but he knew it was an important day for me at the office. I sent a text of my own.

I hope your day was as good as mine, Coach. XO

“I really can’t thank you enough,” Kat said as we walked out of the elevator.

When we pressed through the heavy set of double doors into the freezing cold, I looked over at her. “Maybe we could get together sometime?”

“Absolutely,” she said, though I was sure her response was plastic.

I’d had one too many office friendships that only lasted the duration of my time on the job. Our relationship had been far too one-sided for me to pursue it any further.

“Damn it, there’s my husband.”

“You didn’t drive today?”

“No, I wanted to pick up some things I ordered, that’s why I told him to come and get me, but of course he can’t even get that right and shows up in my car! Gah, the man’s incompetence knows no bounds. So, I’ll call you?” She asked as she stepped toward the curb toward a flashy sedan.

“Of course,” I said as she thought better of leaving me with a promise of a phone call then hugged me. I hugged her back in surprise as she spoke.

“Thanks for, well . . . everything. I’ll text you. I swear I will.”

“Sounds great. Good luck,” I said. “With everything. And try not to kill him.”

She laughed and took a step back before opening the door and lashing out. “Jefferson, I told you to bring the SUV.”

Curious, I peeked in the car, a nervous smile on my face for the poor man who was probably humiliated by being talked to like an infant.

Somewhere in my imagination, I expected to see a prematurely balding man or something less desirable and was pleasantly surprised when I took in his wool trench coat, well-fitted suit, but froze when I met his ocean green eyes.

No.

My eyes traced the five o’clock shadow that hours prior had left fresh marks on my breasts, between my thighs, and on my neck.

The man stared back at me, stunned, as his wife got into the car and berated him while my heart shattered on the sidewalk.

No.

My throat burned as my soul tore away and threatened departure.

“What are you waiting for?” she snapped, following his gaze to meet mine. “Oh, yeah, Abbie, this is my husband, Jefferson. Jefferson, Abbie.”

Eyes locked, I coughed out a sob as my chest screamed with ache.

Neither of us said a word as she shut the door after muttering an, “I’ll call you, okay? Thanks again, Abbie.”

I could hear her incessant but muffled bitching as Cameron sat behind the wheel, his eyes still fixed on mine.