“Yeah, but if you guys already had plans, it’s no big deal,” I tell her, wondering why the sudden change. She seemed like she wanted me to go just a few minutes ago.
“Where are you going?” Evan crosses his arms over his chest. I take a moment to admire the way his shirt sleeve tightens over his arms, showing off his biceps.
“Over to Bakersville,” Alice informs him.
“Who’s all going?” Alice rolls her eyes at Evan’s question, seems like these two know each other well.
“The usual crowd.” She turns her shoulder a bit, excluding Evan. Alice’s eyes get a little wide and she says, “I just wanted you to know that if you already had plans it’s okay.” Her lips are turned up in a wide smile.
“I don’t have plans,” I assure her, somewhat confused about why she’s smiling at me like she knows something.
“Bakersville?” Evan ignores the way Alice tried to omit him from the conversation.
“Yes, Bakersville,” she deadpans.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? There’s a heavy supe presence there.” Evan steps to the side, pushing back into our space.
Alice tilts her head and studies the side of Evan’s face. “You seem awfully interested.” I watch as she turns her nose into the air slightly and sniffs.
Evan turns his head slowly and meets Alice’s stare. “And?”
Alice drops her eyes from his, but not the grin she’s sporting. “And I guess you’ll just have to go with us, to make sure it’s safe and all.” She nods at the end, her tone a little patronizing.
I watch Evan’s jaw tic once before he turns and trudges away. “We’re leaving at eight!” Alice hollers down the hall after Evan, pushing up on her toes.
I hear what can only be described as a growl emanate from Evan’s direction. Alice’s shoulders shake with a little snicker, but she rolls her lips in to keep any sound from escaping. “Don’t you have someone else to bother,Bill?” she eventually asks the scowling man. He narrows his eyes on Alice, but turns and walks away without a word.
“Such a jerk. Anyway, so you were going to tell me about last night?” She bites her bottom lip.
“God, it was so embarrassing, but I’ll have to tell you later. I have a kid coming by in…” I glance at my watch, “…nine minutes, and I still need to read her request. Later, okay?” I promise, backing up the stairs.
“Fine, but I want to know,” she declares, as if it’s a warning.
“Good, then you can share my pain.” I hustle upstairs to the third-floor landing, not huffing as badly as I did the first few days, but still winded.
Griffin is stepping out of the office in the corner near mine, Letty is next to him. He doesn’t notice me as he rebuttons his suit jacket and straightens his cuffs.
I duck my head, pulling my key from my pocket, hoping to hide the blush on my face as the embarrassment I felt last night rekindles when I see him. The rumble of his deep voice hits me, but I don’t catch what he’s saying.
“I understand.” Letty’s voice is clear.
“Damn,” I curse under my breath. That’s all I need, to run into her while she’s with Griffin. In my rush to get into the room, I end up dropping my key ring. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep another curse from leaving my lips. I see Letty’s boots as I bend to retrieve the keys. Pretending not to notice her, I face my door and slide the key into the tumbler, like I wish I could have the first time.
“Need help with the door, Shaw?” Letty questions, but I know she’s not really offering.
I show her my teeth, but not in a smile. “Nope, but thanks for the kind offer.” I use my shoulder to push the door open—damn, heavy wood—and slip inside, not acknowledging Griffin.
I don’t leave the door fully open like I usually do, I don’t want to invite further conversation with her. Griffin steps inside anyway.
Letty moves in behind him and stands off to the side. Her eyes eat up the space as if it’s the first time she’s seeing it, and her lips tighten in response.
My gaze bounces between the two of them. “Did you need something?” I lower myself into my chair. As I tilt my head back, I realize I should have stayed standing.
“From you, no,” Letty scoffs, as she widens her stance and folds her hands together near her belt buckle. She looks like she’s settling in. My gaze jumps back to Griffin.
“Then why are you here?” I ask the question slowly.
“She’s leaving,” Griffin announces.
