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Chapter Nine
Almost a week passed after Royce had sent his break-up text to Tracy. She’d never responded, and he felt relieved. He texted Susan several times a day and chatted with her at night.
Kasem had two more interviews, one quite promising, but nothing in the very near future which depressed him to no end. Today, he returned from his job hunting quite frustrated and unleashed his bad mood on Royce.
“I’m going to the pool. Swimming a few laps may clear my head.”
“I’m going out. I have a business meeting.” In a suit without a tie, he locked his office and bedroom as he did when he left his condo. After realizing that his guest had been searching his desk’s drawers, Royce had informed Kasem that he could enjoy the guestroom and living room, but his bedroom and office were off limits.
Intending on seeing Susan tonight, he drove to UC, parked his car in an adjacent street, and climbed the stairs to her office. She’d told him that her mother picked her up at five or six depending on the days. He knocked on her door at four. When he heard hercome in, he entered and closed the door behind him.
“Royce.” She was sitting behind her desk and jumped up when she saw him. “What are you doing here?” Her voice revealed her happy surprise.
“I wanted to see you.” He came toward her and pulled her into his arms for a scorching kiss. “I missed you too much.”
“I missed you, too.”
“Are you done for the day?”
“Yes, but I’m doing some class preparation.”
“How about taking a drive to Mount Adam and having dinner over there in one of the small pubs?”
“My mother should come—”
“Tell her not to come. I’ll drop you later.”
“Okay.” She called her mother. “Hi Mae, I’m busy now. I won’t be ready for a long time… Don’t bother. Someone offered to drop me… Not sure what time… I don’t want you to worry. Bye.” She shut the connection. “Go ahead. I’ll follow right behind you. See you outside the main door.”
Two minutes later, she joined him, and he ushered her to his car. “How was your week?” she asked after he took off.
“My work is going well. Kasem had several interviews. In one of them, the hiring manager wants him to meet again with the director and VP, but nothing right away. He was in a crappy mood and headed to the pool.”
“Okay, so the gym and pool relax him.”
“Apparently.”
“Any compromising move in either place?”
“Nope. Did he call you?”
“Not a single time. He’s decided to teach me a lesson by ignoring me.” She shrugged. “And I’m not calling him. I’m too busy at work to care about his silence.”
“Great. Is that why you’re not wearing your engagement necklace?”
“I never put in on at UC. It’s too heavy, too eye-catchy to wear at work.”
“Okay, now let’s forget about Kasem.”
He drove to Mount Adam, parked his car, and led her to a small pub in a winding street. “The view is not as appealing as in the more famous restaurants, but the food is delicious.”And privacy is guaranteed,he added to himself.
The waiter directed them to a booth. Susan slid into the seat and Royce sat beside her, facing the window with the view of a wooded area. They ordered beer, a cheeseburger for her and a double-decker for him, both with fries and pickles.
“Cheers.” He clinked his can against hers.
“Cheers. Thanks for visiting.”
“I plan to do it often… If you don’t mind.” Fighting the waves of desire that floated through him, he offered her his most charming smile.
