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I flashed her another smile, saying thank you without words. “What are your plans for the weekend? Anything exciting?”
Her face lit up at the question. I knew instantly that it had something to do with Jackson. He ran a security company, Cole Securities, here in California. I wasn’t sure what all that entailed, but I knew he wasn’t selling home security systems.
“We have a really nice weekend planned, actually. After a relaxing Saturday brunch, we’re headed to a party with a few of Jackson’s coworkers. Some of his friends from the Virginia branch are in town, so we’ll be hosting them. Sunday is just our day to be together and be lazy. I’m really looking forward to it. Maybe I’ll even convince him to go to the beach with me.”
“I’ll bet you can. I’m guessing that man doesn’t say no to you too often.”
She giggled in reply. “He doesn’t, but sometimes it’s hard to get Jackson to shut off work and just be. But I can typically get him to do that on Sundays. Which is why I get on you so much. I like to make sure you’re taking the time to recharge too. Same as I make him do.”
“Well, I certainly will, don’t you worry. Head on out of here and get home to your hunk of a husband.”
Catherine paused at my door. “Please be sure you look over the questions for the interview. Margie promised that if you were uncomfortable with anything, she would remove them and that she wouldn’t delve too deeply. Review them and come up with the answers you’re interested in giving her. It doesn’t have to be a detailed explanation, just enough to quiet her. They love a ‘No comment.’ It makes them want to pry even more. Just be short, sweet, and to the point and you’ll do fine.”
I nodded, a new sinking feeling entering my gut. I did a lot of volunteer work with local domestic violence shelters and had the board direct donations to those same shelters whenever possible. I hoped I wasn’t asked about my volunteer work or my donations. But judging by the list Margie had sent over, she was going to. I needed to practice answering those with grace.
“All right, I’m out of here for the night. Have a good weekend and don’t work too hard,” she called over her shoulder as she exited my office.
“Good night. Thanks again. And have a great weekend,” I said to her retreating form.
She hurried out and I heard the elevator being called in the hallway. She probably wanted to make sure I didn’t find a reason for her to hang around a little bit longer.
That wasn’t my plan. I was going to pack up my own things and head home for the weekend. I had a DVR of crime shows ready to watch. Add in my favorite Chinese food and you had my typical Friday night—sometimes even Saturday night too.
I was okay with that.
Yes, I was lonely, but it worked for me. Keeping my distance from people, with the exception of a few close friends, was all I needed.
I switched off the light and exited my office. On my way out, I saw the janitor in the hallway, mopping the floors.
“Have a good night, Phil,” I said with a wave. He was used to me being here this late at night. He was always so polite and made conversation with me, and he never complained that he was cleaning around me, especially when it would have been so much easier if he was cleaning an empty building.
“Have a good weekend, Miss Mia,” he replied with a small wave.
“I will.” I headed into the open elevator.
When I reached the ground floor, I stepped out into the bustling streets of LA, heading home to my quiet apartment where I had lived alone for the past five years. It had been a long week, and I was looking forward to my evening and my normal Saturday ritual, the one that I had told Catherine about.
The city was quiet, and I loved it. It was a great night for a walk. As I made my way home, I could see people in bars, having drinks and possibly celebrating the fact it was Friday. I smiled as I made my way past them. Someone should be enjoying a Friday night out. Someone should be enjoying what it was like to live in LA as a single unattached woman. I wouldn’t know. And I was okay with that. I kept to myself and grew my business. I was one of the youngest small business owners in the city, and InStyle was coming to interview me on Monday. Beat that, women and men looking for cheap hookups.
I headed home with a pep in my step, feeling giddy at the thought of what was coming.
One
