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Chapter 2
Sarah
Something startles me awake, I look at my phone to see what time it is. I slap my hand to my forehead, with all the chaos of last night, I forgot to set my alarm for this morning and now I’m running super late. I dash out of the bed, stripping along the way and head straight for the shower. Miles insisted that Lizzie and I stay with him until he makes sure our apartment is safe. I wanted to argue that I was fine, but I figured Lizzie needed me after everything went down with her and Jacob at the restaurant last night. I’m not going to lie, it’s nice having a bathroom connected to the bedroom.
After a quick shower, I jump into the black dress I packed for today. Makeup is next but I don’t have time to a full face. The bare minimum will have to do the trick. Thankfully my hair has no curl in it whatsoever so it will dry straight. After packing my things back into my overnight bag, I take another look in the mirror. “This is as good as it’s going to get,” I murmur to myself. I shrug my shoulders and turn off the light. Making sure I grab everything, I dash out of the room and down the stairs.
“Morning. Would you like a cup of coffee?” Miles says from the kitchen. I startle a bit because I didn’t see him there. I check my watch noting I don’t have time for a cup.
“I actually have to go. I’m running late. How is Lizzie doing?” I ask wanting to make sure she is alright before I leave.
“She’s still sleeping but some of the swelling in her eye seems to have gone down a bit.” Miles takes a sip from his cup.
“Good. Will you ask her to call me when she gets up? I don’t want to call her when she is asleep. I know she needs the rest,” I'm pulling my jacket on as I'm saying this. It’s supposed to be cold today and snowing by the end of the week. A thrill runs through me at the thought of the first snow of the season. I love this time of the year. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
“Will do. Oh, and Sarah, I have a friend going by your apartment this afternoon to install some security equipment.” I turn around with a quizzical look on my face.
“Miles, you didn’t need to do that. Our apartment is safe, and we’re in a good part of town. There’s nothing to worry about.” He studies me for a moment before replying.
“Please let me do this for you and her. It’s for my peace of mind,” he states. I don’t have time to argue with him right now, but this discussion isn’t over. I can take care of myself. I’ve been on my own longer than I care to admit, but now isn’t the time. I need to get to work.
I nod and turn away from him. Making sure I have all of my belongings, I dash out of his penthouse and into the elevator. I put down my bag while waiting on the elevator and run my hands through my hair. I watch myself in the reflection of the door as I put my gloves on. I shake my head, today is going to be hell if its start is anything to go by. I can’t believe Miles went ahead and got someoneto come to the apartment today without asking me. I’m independent and I don’t need a man’s help. I can be as hard headed as they come, but I know what’s best for me.
As the doors open to the garage, I blow out a breath. There is no sense in getting upset. I will tell this man when he comes that there has been a mistake, and we don’t need anything. With that settled in my mind, I walk to my car and make my way to work.
I love seeing all the shops’ Christmas displays. Everyone is all bundled up and running around. My mood improves seeing everyone out with their bright faces and bundles of goodies in their arms. I love the holidays but more than that I love being able to wear my knee-high boots. Boot weather is the absolute best.
I round the corner to my office and pull into the parking garage. I arrive with three minutes to spare. Grabbing my purse, I lock up my car and speed walk to the elevator. I work at Big Apple PR Firm, one of the largest public relations companies in the state. I worked my ass off after college to get where I’m at today.
Stepping off the elevator, I take off toward my office. My assistant, Madison, waves me down before I can step through my door.
“I have some messages for you,” she holds up several colored sticky notes.
“Thanks, Madi,” I mention as I grab the messages.
“Can I get you anything?” Madison asks as I shuffle through the notes.
“Actually, can you grab me a coffee? I was running late today, and I haven’t had my morning dose.” I laughbecause she has a terrified look on her face.
“I’ll go now before your meeting with Michelle Richards.” I look down at my watch. I don’t have much time to prepare before she gets here. Thankfully, I did her presentation last night before everything happened.
“Thanks,” I mumble as I head into my office. Madison quickly comes in with my coffee and places it on my desk. “I appreciate you.”
“No problem. I can’t have you running around without your fuel.” She chuckles as she leaves my office.
I make sure I have everything ready for my presentation. I gather my laptop and coffee and head toward the conference room. My client, Emily Blossom, is an artist who has a large showing of her work next weekend. I’ve been planning this event for a few months now, and it’s finally come down to the wire. Michelle Richards is the art gallery owner and I need to present her with the final details of how everything will be handled next week.
???
The meeting flew by in a blur. Now I’m sitting at my desk finishing up some reports before I can leave for the weekend. I need to get some shopping done. Of course, I’ve waited until the last minute to buy presents for everyone. Not to mention, I’m the coordinator for our Toys For Tots Charity in our office.
Glancing at my watch, I decide to ditch work early so I can get some items marked off my to-do list. As I pack up my things, I try to make a mental note of where I need to go first. I decide I’m going to swing by my apartmentand change before I go out shopping. I’m thinking some leggings, and an oversized Christmas sweater will look perfect among the other shoppers.
“Madi, I’m heading out early, you can too unless you have something that needs to be finished today. I need to get some things done that I’ve been putting off,” I mention as I walk up to her desk.
“Thanks, boss lady. I think I’m about done with everything that needs to be finished.” Madison pumps her fist in the air. “I like it when you decide to take off early. Those times are far and few between.” I roll my eyes at her.
“Call me if you need anything,” I reply as I walk toward the elevators. I get in and take it down to the garage level. I didn’t have a car when Lizzie and I first moved here. We took taxis and Ubers everywhere we needed to go, but when I got the large bonus for my work with Club Vibe, I decided it was time to get a car. We went to several different dealerships until I found the perfect car for me. My new silver Honda Accord SXE is gorgeous and makes me feel like a total boss bitch.
