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A short while later, my alarm went off, and the headache behind my eyelids exploded. With a growl, I pushed myself to my feet and stumbled into the bathroom. In a daze, I splashed cold water on my face before gripping the sink. I waited for the world to stop tilting before stripping out of my pajamas and getting into the shower.
Once I came out, steam followed me into my room while I rummaged through the closet. I made myself a coffee while I waited for my email to load. Then I sent out a few replies in between sips of scalding hot coffee. As soon as I finished the first cup, I poured a generous amount into my travel mug before grabbing the rest of my things.
On my way out of the apartment, I stopped in the doorway and looked around.
Everything was untouched and sterile.
Exactly the way I liked it.
But I didn’t know if I wanted it to stay that way for long.
Not if it meant not having Rachel and our son in my life.
In the elevator, I grimaced at my reflection, frowning at the dark circles and unkempt hair. Once the door opened, I stopped patting my hair and strode out into the lobby. Jonathan was waiting for me in his usual spot outside, his dark eyes bright and alert. He greeted me with a nod as he held the door open for me. The early morning sun was warm on my back when I got in.
In the back of the car, I unbuttoned my jacket and leaned back against the leather seat. I took quick sips of my coffee while I scrolled through the rest of my email. Once we pulled up outside the office, someone held the door open for me. I got out my phone and held it up to my face the entire time. I didn’t look up until I reached my floor and walked past the rows and rows of cubicles.
A few people glanced up and greeted me on the way past.
I offered them all a polite smile before stopping at Mary’s desk.
She looked up from her computer and stood up when she noticed me. Then she smoothed the front of her shirt and let her hands fall to her sides. “Good morning, Mr. Shaw.”
“Good morning to you too, Mary. Can you please get in touch with Ms. Booth and ask her to start away? Since we were able to work out our scheduling conflicts, I’d like her to start immediately.”
Mary nodded. “Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?”
“Yes, I’d like you to ask her to stay and wait for me until I return.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I have a meeting with an important client. Can you please hold all my calls?”
“Of course, sir.” Mary’s fingers moved over the tablet at lightning speed, her eyes never leaving my face. “Anything else, Mr. Shaw?”
“No, thank you, Mary.” I took a sip of my coffee and handed her the mug. She set the tablet down to take it from me. Then I spun on my heels and strode into the office, letting the glass door click shut behind me. A few hours later, when I was done with work, and the sun had dipped below the horizon, I picked up my things and made a beeline for the elevators.
Jonathan was waiting for me in his usual spot next to the curb, underneath a streetlamp.
My stomach was in knots the entire ride.
Once I arrived at the apartment building, I greeted the doorman on my way to the elevator. My heart was hammering against my chest when the doors pinged open, leading out into the carpeted hallway. I pushed my key into the lock, and my heart skipped a beat when I heard the familiar click. The smell of steamed rice, vegetables, and curry chicken reached me first, making my stomach grumble.
Rachel rounded the corner, looking beautiful in her jeans and t-shirt. She clasped her hands behind her back and cleared her throat. “Mary called to tell me that you wanted me to wait.”
I set my bag down on the floor and cleared my throat. “Yes, we still need to go over a few more details regarding your employment.”
Rachel studied my face before nodding. “Whatever you need, Mr. Shaw.”
“Please call me Bernie.” I gestured to the couch and waited. A moment later, she walked over to the living room and perched on the edge of the couch, overlooking a fireplace with a TV mounted above the mantel. I took a seat on the other side of the couch and twisted to face her.
“How old is your son?”
Rachel gave me a confused look. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“I’m sure you can understand my concern as your employer. I want to be sure you’ll be able to handle the job.”
Rachel stiffened. “I know how to hold down a job, and I know how to be a good mother to my son.”
