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We head toward the breakroom and I glance at my phone to find ten messages from my mother. I punch the last one, which will be her at her most agitated.He’s guarding me because he’s hiding from his own secrets, that I know. You’re guarding him because you’re brainwashed. I’ll handle him. You’ll thank me one day.
My stomach churns. How is this person my mother?
And what exactly is she going to do to “handle” Eric?
Chapter one hundred seventeen
Harper
Idon’t dare discount my mother’s threat toward Eric, when she seems to be all about tsunami-style reactions to everything these days. “I have a little problem, Mia,” I announce. “I need to go to the conference room. I’m sorry.”
“Can I help?”
“No, thank you. It’s my mother being difficult.”
“Ah,” she says, understanding registering. “Well go. Handle it. I’ll be here if you need me.”
I believe her and I appreciate it, but this thing with my mother is embarrassing. I hurry back to the conference room where we met Blake and shut the door before punching in his number. “Thank God,” I breathe out when he answers. “My mother is just insane.”
“She’s a character,” he replies, which I translate to he concurs. “I heard the message,” he adds. “What’s your take?”
“I don’t know this version of my mother to answer that question.”
“You know more than you think. Go with your gut.”
“She won’t do anything to hurt her reputation or that of the company. I don’t think she’ll go after Eric publicly.”
“But you think she’ll go after him?”
“If she gets a chance,” I confirm, and I hate how easily I answer.
“Then we don’t let her get the chance,” he concludes.
“You make that sound easy.”
“I’ve contained military geniuses,” he assures me. “I can handle your mother.”
“Has she called anyone?”
“No one. I’ll keep monitoring. You just stick by Eric’s side and keep doing what you're doing.”
We disconnect and the door opens. Eric joins me and I don’t get up. I think he’ll want to sit to hear about my mother. “Well?” I ask.
He claims the seat next to me. “He’s going to the Hamptons.”
“Oh good. Considering his mood, I’m not sure how you managed that, but I’m glad you did.”
“He didn’t fall for the David ploy, but I made him think about Mia’s safety.” Concern slides over his face. “What’s going on? Why are you in here?”
I sigh. “I already talked to Blake.”
His hand flattens on the table, as if he’s ready to launch himself into action. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s just my mother again.”
“And?”
I replay my mother's message and the ending really grinds through me.I’ll handle him. You’ll thank me one day.
