Page 30 of Unleashed

I spend the rest of the time checking my email and responding to a few messages from Titus’s team, then close up shop right as Zara comes out, looking a little more droopy than usual.

That’s how it always is on therapy days. They take a lot out of her. I feel bad doing them before she has to go to school, but we’ve discovered she gets more benefit from each appointment when she still has the energy to tackle every movement correctly. Plus, she doesn’t have dance or any other social events tonight, so as soon as I pick her up from afterschool care, we can go home and relax.

Once her next appointment is scheduled, Zara and I load back up into the van and I take her to school. I get her there just as they’re unloading kids and taking them inside, then I head into work. By eight o’clock, I’m at my desk with a cup of coffee, ready to start my day.

Opening my computer, I log in and prepare to print off anything Brooke needs for her meetings. I’m just finishing with that when I notice the meeting I canceled is now back.

And this time, there’s an additional note.

Meeting with Trevor

Maren only.

Do not Cancel

Why the fuck does this man think he can tell me what to do?

I guess it doesn’t really matter, because he can’t. A fact I prove by immediately canceling the meeting. But this time, I’ve learned. Instead of leaving it open, I block it out, titling the appointment occupying the space: Very important meeting that is not with Trevor.

I’m smirking as I block out the time, feeling pretty fucking smug with myself. Because Trevor is likely sitting and stewing behind his computer screen.

Grabbing everything I printed off for Brooke, I carry it into her office, separating the items out so she knows what goes where. I tried to shift her over to fully digital documents, but not being able to physically write notes in the margins drove her absolutely bonkers. Which I get. There’s something about being able to flip through a stack of papers that no amount of scrolling can replace.

I brief her on the day’s schedule, make her a cup of coffee, and deliver it along with one of her favorite danishes from the spread in the break room closest to our office. I’ve noticed we tend to get a very specific variety of items, and I have to believe it’s largely due to her husband’s obsession with making her happy. And I love that for her. I love that she’s found someone whose primary goal in life is to take care of her. Brooke deserves a man who is obsessed with her.

And Toby is for sure obsessed with her. I’m shocked he hasn’t tried to figure out a way to move us closer to his wing of the building. The guy is already here at least every two hours, desperate for just a peek at his new bride.

It’s cute.

I make another cup of coffee for myself since I was up early this morning, swallowing down a mouthful as I drop back into my chair again.

And promptly choke on it.

Because the fake meeting I booked thinking I was being brilliant is now gone, and the meeting with Trevor is in its place. With yet another note in the comment section.

Meeting with Trevor

Maren only.

Do not Cancel

I’ll pay you $2000 to show up.

Inbox

From: Maren Lucas

To: Trevor Bradshaw

10:05 AM

Mr. Bradshaw,

Considering we have already had a meeting today, I’m not sure what you feel is important enough to warrant a second conversation. Also, I am very busy. My time is exceptionally valuable.

Sincerely,

Ms. Lucas