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“Grayson.”
He lowers his head before looking at me. “Morning Emma. What can I do for you?”
His melancholy voice and all-business demeanor startle me. “You were gone when I woke up. I was anxious to see you this morning.”
Giving me a half-smile, he doesn’t seem interested in coming any closer.
“I had some work I needed to start. I apologize for leaving last night without an explanation.”
Tension builds as I slowly step closer, desperate for contact. “Can I have an explanation now?”
With his hands in his pockets, he stares at me and I try to read the emotion in his eyes, but he’s expressionless, poker-faced.
“It’s not the best time for us to have this discussion, Emma. We can talk after work.”
His words and actions tear away at my heart. I’m confused, worried, and all I want to do is kiss him and be comforted by his touch. Before the tears start falling, I nod and show my own poker-face.
“All right, we’ll talk later.”
Walking out of his office, I see Claire in the lunchroom making a cup of coffee. With my emotions running rampant, I join her, needing to vent. I stand there for several moments gathering my composure before pouring my own cup.
Claire nudges my arm with her elbow. “Something’s totally up with you, but I have something that might make you feel better. I got you a present!” she singsongs.
Raising my head, I meet her gaze. “That’s so sweet of you. Thank you.”
“Of course. Did you have a good weekend? I assumed you spent it with Grayson.”
The sound of his name tugs at my heart and threatens tears.
“Oh no, something going on between you two?”
“I think so, but I don’t know what. He won’t talk to me and left this morning before I woke up.”
Her lip juts out below her empathetic gaze. “I’m sorry, Em. Maybe he’s trying to sort through whatever is going on with him.”
The warm liquid does nothing to soothe my tension and my shoulders drop. “I think that’s exactly what’s going on. I’m scared of the outcome.”
My attention drifts to Rachel in her purple dress and high heels as she saunters into the lunchroom and grabs the coffee carafe.
She takes one glance at me and smirks. “Trouble in paradise?”
“Fuck off,” I snap.
She snickers. “Guess so. Did Grayson finally get around to telling you he recommended me for the Branch Agent position in Atlanta? I’d be pissed too if I was in your shoes. Guess your boyfriend thought I was a better fit. Even if he has poor taste in who he fucks, at least he can recognize talent.” With a smug expression, she takes a sip of her coffee, then saunters out of the lunchroom.
My attention whips to Claire. “What is she talking about? What job in Atlanta?”
Claire sets her mug on the counter, her expression revealing the same distress as mine. “She’s such a bitch. I heard a rumor that Schmidt and Costello might be opening a new branch in Atlanta. That has to be what she’s talking about.”
My anger and confusion escalate. I set the mug down as my hands tremble. “I need to call Headquarters and find out what’s going on. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Returning to my office, I sift through my list of numbers in my contact list. Finding the right one, I call Mr. Johnston.
“Schmidt and Costello. Mr. Johnston speaking.”
“Mr. Johnston it’s Emma Williams from the Florida branch. How are you?”
Papers rustle in the background, then silence. “I’m good. Thank you for asking. What can I do for you, Miss Williams?”
