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“I’ve bought this one before when Carly’s been here, yes. She likes it.” I smile.
She rolls her eyes. “Not a shock.”
As I’m pouring it for her, Austin comes in.
He freezes, eyes bouncing between me and his mother.
I put the cap back on the wine and present the glass to her.
“What are you doing, Jada? My mother can’t have that. She’s a recovering alcoholic,” he snaps, eyes shooting daggers at me.
My mouth drops open. “Oh…uh…”
“Hello, son,” she says, smiling.
“Mother. Just a minute. That’s all, Jada.”
I stare blankly at him.
“Could you go out for a bit? Take a walk or something?” he asks.
It’s almost ten o’clock at night.
I have no idea where he wants me to go, but he clearly wants privacy.
“Okay,” I say and grab my purse and my jacket. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Carmichael,” I say.
Austin’s mother ignores me. Austin’s gaze is fixed on her and he looks angry.
I guess I’m not the only person in the world he gives that look to.
I leave.
I have no idea how long he wants me to be gone.
I go to the lobby and Andrew is sitting there, smiling as I get off the elevator.
“Things go badly with Mrs. Carmichael?” he asks.
“I… I’m not sure,” I say with a nervous laugh.
Andrew has a big smile on his face.
“Did you tell Austin that his mother was upstairs with me?” I ask.
He nods. “Yeah, the guy gave me a look that’d melt paint.”
I laugh again.
Andrew smiles. “You bein’ sent off on an errand to pick up some Grey Poupon or something?”
“No,” I say, “I was asked to give them privacy. Um… for some reason that didn’t include me just going to my bedroom and putting my headphones on so I couldn’t overhear whatever they’re about to talk about, so I uh… maybe I’ll go to the coffee shop down the road.”
I realize I’ve said too much. Discretion is important in my job and by Andrew’s Grey Poupon statement, I suspect he takes issue with wealthy people.
“Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t you go to that coffee shop and get us both a coffee and you can hang out here with me until you’re allowed back up.”
“I can do that,” I say. “What’ll you have?”
“It’s on me, too,” he says. “Ham and swiss on rye with no Grey Poupon.” He winks. “And a coffee with double cream, double sugar. And whatever you want to drink. Grab a sandwich, too. Or a donut. Or both. Here.” He passes me a twenty.
“Be right back,” I say.
“Be careful,” he warns. “I’m gonna watch from the door to make sure, actually.” He comes out from behind his desk and opens the door for me.
He looks down and smiles. He’s got a really nice smile. And he’s tall. He has to be about six foot three or even four, I’m guessing. And cute.
“Thanks, Andrew.”
“I’m gonna watch you walk there. Unless the phone rings or someone comes in. Make sure you’re there and back safely.”
“That’s kind of you, thanks.”
“No problem, Jada. You shouldn’t be sent out in the middle of the night like this.” He rolls his eyes. “Some fuckin’ people.”
“It’s only ten o’clock,” I say.
“It’s also New York City,” he returns.
This is true, though this is a pretty safe neighborhood, well-lit and busy with plenty of shops open late that have cameras and doormen lingering in lobbies to look after the rich people that live there, so I usually feel pretty comfortable about coming and going here no matter what time, but I know Andrew just moved here, is doing the night watchman job while he tries to break into acting, and to most men, this hour of the night isn’t the time to send a woman off for a walk. He has a point.
But whatever. I’m starting to get accustomed to this sort of treatment by Austin Carmichael.
34
Austin
“You’re drinking?” I demand.
My mother shrugs, eyeballing the glass of wine. She wants it.
“This situation has me on the verge, Austin, honestly.”
I take the glass and dump it down the sink.
“Have you or haven’t you had a drink?”
She sighs and stares at the wine bottle for a long moment before responding.
“Actually, I had a martini on the plane on the way here.”
“Why the fuck would you do that?”
“Or two. I happen to be under some stress at the moment, Austin.” She smooths her hair away from her temple.
“Why are you here, Mother?”
“I need to talk to you about this business with Sienna.”
Of course.
“I have nothing to say. You’re not impartial to this being with Roger. You’re clearly on his side, or should I say your own side – the side that allows you to breathe the easiest.”
“I’m not choosing sides, Austin.”
“Right. Not like you should choose my side: I’m just your son. Your son who was drugged and taken advantage of.”
Taken advantage of – yeah, I hate how that sounds coming out of my mouth. It makes me want to ram my fist through a wall.
