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“I’ll remind you,” Brandon said, “your funding contract states that you’ll be available if we need you.”
They’d never needed her before, and she’d honestly thought that was in her contract because the lawyers liked to cover all the bases.
Ria lifted both bony fists and shook them. “Win-win.
Brandon turned to his mother. “So it’s not ten minutes. It’s lunch? You mean for her to stay?”
“It would look strange if we’re honoring her work, she accepts the plaque, but only gets appetizers, Brandon.”
Brandon swiped his finger across his chin, his face saying he’d preferred Piper speak and leave.
You and me both, buddy.
Ria turned to Piper. “You’ll be staying for lunch. Now, as to your clothing, stop by my PA’s desk. She will measure you for your outfits.” Ria gave a little scooting flick of her hands. “See you tomorrow at Frou-Frou. You need to get yourself there by noon.”
“Thank you,” Piper mumbled and left the room.
Owen, stood just down the hall, waiting for her.
Maybe if she filled a sink with cold water and plunged her face in, her head would feel less like cotton candy. She tapped the filled thumb drive in her pocket.
If Chanti found evidence of missing vials, Piper would have to act. She wasn’t entirely sure how to proceed, but being in a couture outfit receiving the Hyacinth award in a viral splash was not ideal.
“Owen, I need the ladies’ room before I speak to Ria’s PA.”
Owen led her out of the executive’s wing to the central hall, then around the corner to the bathroom.
At least that door didn’t require her badge.
Another woman stood at the long line of sinks, rolling up her sleeves as she filled the basin.
Piper wasn’t the only one trying to avoid a panic attack. She dropped the drain plug and let ice-cold water flow from the tap.
“You, too?” the woman asked as she bent to splash her face with water.
“Afraid so.”
“When are you due?” she asked.
“Oh, you were asking if I’m pregnant. No. I’m having a meltdown.” She offered a weak smile.
“Morning sickness for me.” She splashed again. “I was told that it would ease in the second trimester. But here I am, trying to get through the day.” Another splash. Another look of someone close to spewing.
“Is there something I can get you? Maybe there are some crackers somewhere?” Piper asked. “I don’t know what would help.”
“Cold water. It’s passing.”
The woman looked so familiar.
Since Piper knew very few faces at Alabaster, how would she know this woman? “I bet the dad is excited.”
The woman blushed hard, and her eyes shifted to wary. “I’m not announcing my pregnancy yet. The father is out of town on the spa project, so he flies back and forth. I was waiting until he was home for good, and then I’d tell him our news. I shouldn’t have said anything to you.” She wiped her hand over her mouth.
“Not to worry. I don’t have anyone to tell,” Piper assured her. “I don’t work for Alabaster,” Piper said. “As far as I know, you swallowed something that upset your stomach.”
“Girl, if I had swallowed, I wouldn’t be in this condition.” She laughed, then a wave of nausea obviously hit her.
“Best wishes.” Piper dried her hands on a linen towel, dropped it in the wicker basket, and reemerged to follow Owen to Ria’s PA’s office.
