Stuck-Up Suit(51)

In another show of solidarity, it was time get rid of the red. I’d dyed the ends of my hair blue which Graham knew was a sign that things were going well in my life. Whether I truly believed that or not, I knew that gesture would put him at ease about us.

Stopping at Anil’s, I picked up two buttered bagels and two juices on my way to Morgan Financial Holdings.

Making my way through the glass doors, I no longer even bothered to check in with the receptionist. Instead, I just zipped past her and sashayed my way down to my boyfriend’s office like I owned the place.

I could hear her scurrying behind me. “Ms. Venedetta?”

I flipped around. “It’s fine. I thought Graham and I explained that we’re involved. You don’t need to announce me anymore.”

“That’s not why I stopped you,” the receptionist said.

“Okay. What is it then?”

“Well…we…some of the employees here just wanted to thank you.”

“Thank me?” I scrunched my forehead. “Why?”

“Ever since he started seeing you, he’s been different. Nicer. Easier to deal with. I don’t know if you have a magical vagina or what…but whatever it is you do, keep on doing it. You’ve made all of our lives a whole lot easier.”

Some of the people sitting in nearby cubicles overheard her. One started clapping, and a few others followed. Standing there with my greasy paper bag, I was being applauded by these people.

Was I supposed to bow?

Graham must have overheard the commotion because his office door opened.

“What the hell is—” The frown on his face softened when he saw me. “Soraya.” He smiled. “Did I miss something here? Why are they clapping?”

I looked back at the employees and winked. “I was just telling them a joke.”

“I see. Well, why don’t you move your one-woman show into my office then?”

The door shut behind us, and Graham backed me up against it, planting a firm kiss on my lips then said, “Everyone’s crazy about you…just like me. This was a damn nice surprise.”

“I didn’t want you to go through this alone.”

He placed his forehead on mine. “You know…I really wanted you here. But at the same time, I wasn’t sure if it would make you uncomfortable. I didn’t want to pressure you, but I’m so glad you came.”

“Well, I have a feeling I’m going to need to practice dealing with discomfort.”

He cupped my cheeks. “Let’s just take one day at a time. Can you do that for me?”

Nodding against his hands, I said, “I’ll try.”

We sat together eating our bagels for the next half-hour. Graham had his feet up on his desk and looked more relaxed than I anticipated. Through his office windows, the sun was shining, reflecting into his eyes that were glowing as he watched me eat. He seemed to be doing very well considering.

“You seem okay. You’re not scared to get the call?”

“You know what? I was honestly feeling sick to my stomach until you got here. Knowing that you’re here for me no matter what truly makes all the difference.”

“I’m glad I could make it better.”

“You make everything in my life better, baby. Everything.”

He reached across the desk and grabbed my hand, gently placing a kiss on my knuckles. The sound of his intercom interrupted our moment.

“Mr. Morgan? Ms. Moreau is here. She didn’t have an appointment but is insisting that I let you know she’s here anyway. She says you’ll know what it’s in regards to.”

My stomach felt unsettled as I withdrew my hand from his. “Genevieve is here?”

He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples in frustration. “Fuck. I told her I didn’t want her to come for the results. I should’ve known that she wouldn’t listen.”

“Well, you can’t exactly kick her out.”

“Sure, I can.”

“Believe me, I would love it if you kicked her to the curb right now, but how is that going to make things any easier if you find out Chloe is yours? You’re going to have to deal with her whether you like it or not. The sooner you learn how, the better.”

Deep in thought, he nodded to himself for a while. “You’re right.” Pressing the button, he said, “Send her in.”

Our relaxing breakfast was officially over.

I threw away our food wrappers to distract myself from the jitters creeping in.

The door opened, and Genevieve entered the office, quietly closing the door behind her. She was dressed conservatively, wearing a gray pencil skirt and a cream-colored, sleeveless blouse that showed off her toned arms. Her scent was familiar—Chanel No. 5. It dawned on me that she was built a lot like the television host, Kelly Ripa—petite and svelte. She actually resembled her a bit.

Graham didn’t even look over at her. He stayed silent, fidgeting with his watch, a nervous habit that until now, I almost thought he’d completely done away with.

Genevieve made eye contact with me first. “Soreena, I didn’t realize you would be here.”

“It’s Soraya. And, yes, I’m here to support Graham when the results come in.”

She took a seat. “So…you know everything.”