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“This should help speed things up.” Mr. George stepped away from the table and walked over to the stare out the floor-to-ceilingwindows.
Since his attention seemed to be elsewhere, I settled in and began sorting the files by year. If they were going to give me access to the books all the way back, it made more sense to start there. Less than ten minutes later, the door to the conference room opened again and two women entered. The first one was older and more uptight than the youngerwoman.
Mr. George turned to face them. “Ah, thank you, Janet.” He smiled at the older woman as she placed the files and books on the table, then nodded and exited the room. “Marie?” He frowned at the youngerwoman.
She shook her head and seemed to be frantically searching for a place to set the box she carried. I thought to help her so I took a few steps her direction with my arms outstretched to take the box from her. Marie shoved it into my hands and started to retreat, but I stopped her. “Is this everything?” I shifted to drop the box on the table, then faced her. Her eyes were wide with fear. I frowned. “I’m happy to helpcarry…”
Marie seemed to cough and choke at the same. Her mouth opened, her eyes widened, and before I could duck or move or even really register what was happening, my skirt, my blouse, and my neck were splattered with hot, smellyvomit.
“I’m sorry,” the woman wailed as she reached for some tissues from the box on thetable.
Rushing over to help, Mr. George directed Marie to the nearest open chair. “You should go home. Take tomorrow off too. Hell, stay home until you feelbetter.”
“That’s not necessary. It’s morning sickness,” shewhimpered.
The fumes turned my stomach. The reality of the situation hit me like a punch in the gut. My legs turned to jelly and I crumpled onto the floor. Then everythingwentdark.
3
Harry
Ipulledup to the valet, exited the BMW, and passed the guy my keys. “Thank you.” A bellhop rushed out to grabourbags.
Drew slowly opened his eyes and began grumbling immediately. “What are wedoinghere?”
After mentally counting to ten, I responded. “We’re here to support Ty. We’vediscussedthis.”
He pushed the door open and stumbled to his feet like an elephant on roller skates. For a moment, I wasn’t sure he’d make it, but he surprised me and finally managed to stand erect without looking like he was about to fall over. Then he held out his hands and waved away the assistance of the bell hop. “I got it. Geesh. I justwokeup.”
I sighed. “Right, because the stumbling has everything to do with being sleepy and nothing to do with beingdrunk.”
“Harry, when did you become such a judgmental asshat?” Drew shook his head while tsking to demonstrate hisdisappointment.
For a moment, I gazed off into the distance while I combed through my beard. “I think it started when you moved in, although you’ve been quick to point out you have multiple estates in California.” I rolled my eyes. “Or it could be when you decided to take over my master suite.” I shrugged. “Drinking me out of house and home didn’t help. And since I couldn’t self-medicate, you should cut me someslack.”
Drew wandered to the back of the vehicle. “Do I have a bag?” He leaned over and peered into the open trunk. “Hey, why would I bring everything?” His brow furrowed. “And when did Ipackthis?”
“Actually, you didn’t pack. You dirtied mybathroom…”
“Your maid loves me. It’s not like she’ll complain,” hegrumbled.
“Oh, but she already has. Apparently, Marta is not so fond of you slapping her on the backside every time you pass her.” I glaredathim.
“I’m just being friendly,” he moaned. “Why’s everyone socranky?”
“You wear people out. You’re disrespectful, lazy, and arrogant.” I reached into the trunk and pulled out all ofhisbags.
“Well, I still don’t know why I packed everything. I don’t remember. Must’ve been really tired.” Drew rubbed the back of his neck after passing his luggage to thebellhop.
I chuckled and shook my head. “You literally dressed then passed out in the passenger seat, leaving me to pack your bags. Yes, I broughteverything.”
“Great, but why? Now I have more stuff to keep track of.” Hehuffed.
“That may be, but I have less to worry about. You’re not coming back to my estate after this trip. You’ll be going back to yours, and probably sooner than I’ll be leaving. I told you: I’m taking a vacation.” I turned on my heels and moved through the automatic doors, making my way directly to theregistrationdesk.
“I love vacations. I don’t mind staying longer.” Drew grinned as he looked around, and then hisfacefell.
“I do. I want some alone time.” I watched him and recognized hisdispleasure.
