Chapter 14
“Tina, hey, it’s Jayne. Can I get some lunch delivered to the Hale offices on Wednesday?”
77
༣
55 vouchers
“Tomorrow? No shit, really? I get to meet them?” I hold the phone away from my ear as Tina yells her
excitement at me.
“Yes, really. But do you think you can rein in the potty mouth when you show? I want the office to be able to order from you again,” I chuckle.
I know Will and Tina are going to knock it out of the park. They make the best gourmet sandwiches around. I can hear raised voices in the background, and I know they are getting busy, so I give her our orders and let her go.
All the while, I feel a small spike of pride–this feels like a milestone. Getting lunch delivered to the Hales‘ office means they trust me enough to want my connections, my little side business, involved in their inner workings. It’s more than just making good food. It’s a kind of tacit approval I haven’t experienced in a long time.
I still haven’t seen too much of Lucas this week. I overheard Declan tell Janice to take messages for him. Apparently, he’s working with the tech department on a new security program for the building, and he will be back on Wednesday.
I miss talking with both brothers together. One on one they are great, but when they are together, they make a complete set. They complement each other well.
There’s something electric in the air when both of them are around–like two halves of a circuit. Declan is the warmth, the controlled flash, the easy smile. Lucas is sharp edges and tension–unfathomably strong, but quieter. When they exchange glances across the corner of the room, I feel it in the back of my throat, that low hum of expectation.
I check the time. It’s only midmorning, but already I can’t wait for lunch tomorrow. I fantasize a little: Tina’s sandwiches, the smell of fresh bread, the look on Lucas’s face when he realizes it’s from me. I shiver at that though.
Wednesday morning flies by. I wrap up the last bit of reports for the week, then I begin to research the charity event I will be coordinating with Lucas and Declan. The annual gala raises money for extracurricular educational programs in inner–city schools. It also offers scholarships and mentoring opportunities to promising students.
I’m lost in media coverage of the previous year’s gala when the elevator opens and Tina makes a beeline for my desk. I can already see Janice getting ready to ask questions, so I stand to welcome Tina and give Janice a
nod.
“Oh my god, Jayne. Look at you, all professional!” She looks me over, and I realize she has really only seen me
in casual clothes or swimsuits.
Today. I’m wearing a silky ivory blouse with delicate buttons down the front and soft pleating at the shoulders
9:40 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 14
:
77
55 vouchers
-feminine without being too revealing. The top is tucked neatly into a high–waisted navy pencil skirt that hits just above the knee, tailored enough to show off my shape but modest enough for the office. My heels are the nude pumps I wore on my first day, nothing flashy, but they make me feel a little taller, a little more confident. My hair is pinned back in a sleek low twist, and I’m wearing subtle makeup–just enough to look polished
Her eyes linger a moment on my neckline, then flicker up to my shoulders before she beams at me. I straighten up, smoothing the front of my blouse.
It’s odd how much these things matter: the cut of a sleeve, the angle of a hem, the weight of the fabric. I used to ignore it, but now I know that each little visual cue is noticed here.
I realize I have different versions of myself that I share at different times, and I’m thankful my worlds don’t collide too often. I’m most relaxed around Lauren and Tina. They know everything about me. I’m professional at work, although I am becoming more relaxed around my bosses.
It’s no surprise I’m at my worst around my mother. I can barely hold in my contempt around her these days -hence her need to dangle my inheritance when she needs me to cooperate. I don’t imagine I’ll be making a great first impression with Howard’s family on Saturday, but a little piece of me hopes I do. I like Howard.
There’s a knot in my stomach as I think about that side of my life–liaisons and whispers, old wounds, expectations. It’s messy. And this job, this recognition, feels like my chance to sew something clean, something of my own.
“So, where are they?” Tina whispers, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I can’t help but smirk at her impatience as I pick up the phone to let Declan know lunch is here, and he
invites us in.
曲
