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Ouch. I’m really at the bottom of Marissa’s black book. But I get it, what I did to her has no excuse. Still, she seems a bit too riled up for someone who doesn’t care.
“Actually, Dr. Raikes is an exceptional mentor.”
Considering her usual stern attitude, I’m moved by Amada’s loyalty.
“No.” Marissa shakes her head. “That’s what he wants you to believe. Then, when you least expect it, he’ll hang you out to dry and you won’t see him for the next sixteen years of your life, or perhaps never again if you’re luckier than me.” Marissa raises her chin and straightens her jacket. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment to go to.”
She stares meaningfully at Carla, who has no other choice but to lead her toward the elevators.
Amada and I remain behind, watching as Marissa stomps across the lobby. I’d say I’m sorry to see her go, but the view from behind is spectacular.
As soon as Marissa is out of earshot, Amada says, “Damn, boss, that was some serious sexual tension.”
I shove my hands in my pockets. “I’m not sure you’ve been paying attention. She hates my guts.”
Amada waves me off. “Hate, love… it’s a fine line.”
“That’s deep, Dr. Gonzales, thank you. But I was wondering the same thing, she looked a bit too rattled not to give a fig, uh?”
“Trust me, boss, I have a sixth sense about these things. She still cares.”
“So, what’s your expert opinion?” I ask, steering her toward the elevators.
Amada scowls at me. “What about that snack you were just dying to have?”
“I’m not hungry anymore.”
“Well, I’m in the mood for something sweet now, so you can treat me to one of the exceptional food choices at the vending machines while I share my expertise.”
“Fair enough.”
We detour to the vending machines, and I insert my rechargeable fob to pay for whatever Amada will choose. “Have your wicked way.”
Amada stares intently at the options. Looking at her, one would assume she was choosing her last meal, not a snack.
Finally, she settles on a bag of peanut M&M’s and pops one into her mouth. “So, back to you and your ex.”
I nod.
“Yes, she’s angry. Wary, even. But there’s only one reason a woman would be that rattled after running into her ex.” Amada pauses and pops another candy into her mouth.
“Please,” I say. “The suspense is killing me.”
“It’s very simple, boss.” Amada smirks. “She’s not over you. Not by a million years.”
I can’t help but smile in return. “Because I can still make her super mad?”
“Exactly. If she were over you, she just wouldn’t care. She’d be totally indifferent. She was anything but indifferent. My professional opinion is”—Amada pats my shoulder—“that you have a fighting chance.”
I stand a little taller. “What should I do now?”
“Now that, boss, is up to you. But the good news is you already know the playfield. Somewhere behind the angry woman we just met, there’s still the girl who used to love you. You just have to bring her back.”
13
MARISSA
Pathetic. That’s what I am. I yelled at him. And in front of an audience, no less. I showed him how much he still affects me. I couldn’t help it. I didn’t know how to handle seeing him again. And all he had to say was that I was no decision-making factor in his life.
