Page 34 of Keeping Denver

I lean down and plant a soft kiss on his lips. "I'll be right back."

As I enter the bathroom, two women are reapplying their lipstick. We exchange polite smiles before I step into one of the stalls. When I exit the stall, I'm surprised to find Kelly standing there. It was my understanding Spencer had her escorted out of the building. "Looks like Callan was able to clean up the gutter trash," she says with disdain. I cock my head to the side. I still haven't figured out Kelly's angle. At first, I thought she was trying to gain Callan's attention, then she shows up tonight on Spencer's arm. Now she is back to snide comments and nasty stares.

"You know, Kelly. You're wasting your breath. I have no intention of playing these childish games with you. I don't know what your goal is here but I'm with Callan. I'm living in his apartment and sleeping in his bed every night. Get over it."

Kelly saunters up to me, getting in my face. "Soon, Callan will see you for what you are, and you'll be back to sleeping next to the dumpster where you belong." Bumping into my shoulder as she passes by, Kelly disappears out of the bathroom door. Usually, her threats don't affect me, but for some reason, this time feels different. Her words leave an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I run into Callan as I exit the bathroom. "I was coming to look for you." Callan looks at me with concern. "Everything okay, baby?"

Masking my worries from my encounter with Kelly, I smile. "Of course."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure." I link my arm with his. "Come on. We don't want to miss Spencer's speech."

14

The following day, I have pushed aside Kelly's warning, deciding not to let her jealousy ruin my happiness. It's nearly time to call it a day, when I come upon Lucas' office and knock on the open door. Lucas is standing at his desk with his back to me. "Hey. Lucas."

He turns. "Hey, Denver. What brings you by?"

"I tried your extension, but you didn't answer. Mr. Hawk is on his way back to the office and wants to see you before you go home for the day."

"No problem. Thanks for telling me." I turn to leave when Lucas stops me. "Hey, Denver."

"Yeah?"

"My family is throwing my grandfather a party for his sixty-ninth birthday. Since he has asked about you a few times, I want to extend an invite. I think he'd be thrilled to see you."

I smile warmly at the thought of his grandfather. "I would love to. I've meant to go by the library to see him. It's because of him I got this job." Lucas probably knows about my previous situation from his grandfather and I am grateful he has never brought it up.

"Great." Lucas reaches into his briefcase and pulls out an envelope, handing it to me. "All the details are on the invitation. Feel free to bring a friend." He gives me a knowing wink.

"Thanks, Lucas I just might do that."

Lucas peers down at his watch. "I bet the boss is back by now. How about I walk with you?"

"Sure." As Lucas and I make our way back to my end of the office, a commotion can be heard, and make out Kelly and Frances arguing. Lucas and I give each other a confused look. "What in the world is going on?" My steps quicken as Kelly's voice raises an octave. When we reach the two arguing women they are standing at my desk. "Frances, is everything okay?"

Kelly is the one to answer. "No, everything is not okay, you little thief." Her evil glare cuts right through me.

My head rears back. "Excuse me?"

Frances places her arms out in front of her to calm Kelly's rant. "Now, Kelly. You need to calm down."

"I will not calm now," she screeches, swatting France's hands away. "I'm calling the police."

"The police?" I direct my attention back to Kelly. "What for?"

"Yes, the police. My wallet has gone missing, and I know who has it."

"Who?" I ask.

Kelly looks me dead in the face and points her finger at me. "You. You stole my wallet, you fucking thief, and I'm having you arrested."

My stomach drops, and my heart threatens to beat out of my chest. "I didn't take your wallet."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Everybody calm down," Lucas interjects, putting himself between a theatrical Kelly and me.