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I jump, lose my balance, and fall on the cushy chair in the dressing room. Race’s voice is concerned on the other side of the door.
“Are you okay? You’ve been in there a while now. How do the clothes fit? Can I get you something different?”
I’m breathing hard and a bit disoriented, but manage to get out a shaky, “No, I’m… I’m fine, thank you.”
I laugh quietly to myself.
Wow. In public, Ana? Really?
I let out a huge breath and smooth my hair back as I get dressed, hurriedly choosing a pair of pants, the blue and gray skirt and jacket that Race liked, and a pink and gray dress with a matching jacket. I yank the door open, still wobbly, and hand Race the outfits as I rush past him to get some air.
I pace back and forth on the sidewalk, muttering and trying to recover as Race pays for the items. Finally, he joins me outside and hands me the bag, looking at me curiously.
“Thank you, Race. You have no idea how much I appreciate you doing this for me.” I look down shyly, embarrassed at having had a fantasy in a public dressing room.
He nods at me, smirking. I wish he didn’t know me so well.
Race hooks my arm into his and pulls me down the street. “So, do you want to tell me what that flush is all about?” He laughs as I look away, heat rising to my face.
“No, I do not.” I grin and punch his arm playfully. I’m glad he’s with me today. I feel light and carefree as we stroll down the sidewalk, chit-chatting and gossiping about his coworkers.
We visit a few more stores, allowing me to get a full wardrobe for work. I also grab some perfume, after asking Race's opinion on the scent.
Walking arm and arm, Race looks at me with concern as the meeting draws closer. "How about I go to the meeting with you? For moral support."
I think about this for a minute. “Thank you for the offer, but I should do this on my own, like a big girl.”
Laden with bags, Race walks me down to my coffee house.
As we near, memories flash of my parents and grandparents, and a sob breaks free. I need to be strong now. I can’t go into a negotiation looking blotchy.
We get to the door, and I stand there, looking up at the building and swaying on my feet. Race puts his arm around me and gives me a big, comforting hug. I let him hold me, borrowing some of his strength for my own.
Finally, he pulls back and takes the bottle of perfume out of the bag and spritzes my neck.
“Happiness in a bottle,” he says as I laugh at his corniness and hand him the packages to take back to our place.
“You’re sure you don’t need me in there?” His eyebrows are raised.
“No, I’ll be fine, but thank you for today. It was a great help to get my mind off my impending hell.”
“No problem. I’m here for you always.” As he leans in to give me another hug, a black car pulls up to the curb, and I pull away.
“I guess I better get inside. I’ll see you tonight at the bar.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Race turns and walks down the sidewalk as I enter my coffee house for the very last time.
CHAPTER4
BRANDO
After a productive andenlightening meeting with my attorney, I’m energized and brimming with ideas. Over the next few days, he will review the mountain of paperwork I sent him, so that we can brainstorm the best strategy to remove the board of directors.
Expanding our office space is crucial to my plan to revamp the firm and align it with my vision for its future. Arriving at the building's address later that afternoon, I double-check the details of the property, including its zoning and price. Glancing up from the documents, I notice a young couple embracing in front of the building. The woman looks familiar, and when the man steps back, I realize it's my new assistant, Ana. A strange sensation takes hold of me, twisting my gut. Is it jealousy?
I observe as she hands the man some shopping bags. Who could he be? Her boyfriend? Husband? I didn’t see a ring on her hand during the interview. I watch her stride into the building, the sway of her hips igniting a stir below my waist.
I step out of the car, the driver closing the door behind me. Taking a quick glance around the building, I inspect its foundation and exterior walls, which appear to be in good shape. With a sense of curiosity, I open the door and enter the building, wondering where Ana went. The aroma of brewing coffee fills the air as I scan the room. It exudes a bohemian ambiance, with its tan and teal color scheme. Plants are strategically placed in the corners, while tables and chairs in natural colors fill the space. The room reflects a free-spirited and friendly atmosphere.
