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“She is.”
“Why isn’t she at her desk or answering her phone?”
“She’s on her lunch break. Calm down, Nathan.” Dawn flashes an angry look at the phone as if it’s culpable for Nathan’s grumpy mood. Except it’s my fault.
“Tell her to come to my office as soon as you guys are done.” He hangs up abruptly.
I shrivel in my seat, already regretting the mess I caused. “That doesn’t sound good.”
Dawn shrugs wordlessly.
“Are you mad at me too?” I ask softly.
“Yes,” she answers plainly. “But it’s because I’ll miss you, doll. My daughter is in a phase of independence. She needs room to become her own person, and I think I’ve used you to fill a hole in my life. But I like to think you needed me too.”
“I did…I do. We’ll stay in touch. Nothing has to change.”
“Of course.” She shows me a weak smile because we both know it’ll never be the same.
I stab my fork into my salad, forcing myself to take a bite. I’m going to eat this entire thing at the rate of a sloth. Because once lunch is over, I have no choice but to face the music.
That music? Nathan’s fury.
31
Spencer
To my great displeasure, when I get to Nathan’s office, the door is wide open, and all I can hear is Casey’s loud laughter. There’s a wide smile on Nathan’s face, which makes this so much worse. He’s already chummy with the shit stain of a human being who shares DNA with a warthog.
I turn on my heel, trying to retreat. It’s too late. Nathan spotted me.
“Spencer.Come in,” he commands. “We’re just wrapping up.” Why does he always look so good when we have to have the hardest conversations? His dark blue button-down and tan pants are practically mouthwatering. I’ll miss the view from my desk once I’m gone. If I’m being honest…I’ll miss his company too.
I take a few reticent steps into the office, sticking to the perimeter of the space, as if Casey, who’s looking way too relaxed in the sitting area, has an invisible forcefield around him.
Nathan gestures back and forth between me and Casey. “Spencer, this is Casey Conrad. He’s helping me with the new hotel-casino on Sutton Street as project manager because we’re on such a tight timeline. Casey, this is my executive assistant,Spencer. She’s my right-hand woman, and also the reason all my folders and pens are pink and glitter-filled.” Nathan shoots me a look, then continues, focusing on Casey. “Also, should you encounter her emotional support guinea pig, tempted as you may be, you are not allowed to kick it.”
Casey laughs. “Why would I kick a guinea pig?”
“Beady eyes, oversized front teeth, annoying squeaking, sharp talons that cut little holes in your shirt when he clings to you. The list goes on. But the point is, I saiddon’tkick him. He’s part of our family now.”
If Casey weren’t here as an antagonist, I might’ve melted at Nathan claiming Spike, calling him part ofourfamily. That was dang sweet. But I can’t focus on anything other than the feeling of betrayal at my mortal enemy cozying up to my boss.
Rising and holding his hand out, he crosses the room. “Nice to see you, Spencer.” He pumps his brows at me as he approaches, probably hoping I’ll go along with the facade in front of the man who signs both our paychecks. Addressing Nathan, he reveals, “Spence and I met in the elevator this morning.”
“I prefer Spencer.” It’s petty but the only way I can express my disdain. Don’t call me nicknames. Don’t ask me to lie for you. I clasp my hands behind my back, making it clear I have no intention of touching Casey, even as a formality.
Nathan furrows his brows, looking at me head to toe, confused at my rudeness. “How are you feeling today?” he asks softly.
I shrug. “Fine.”
“Casey, why don’t you go check on the zoning permits. I need to speak with Spencer, alone.”
Casey catches my gaze with a nervous, pleading glance. “Absolutely. I’ll make some calls while I head out for a coffee run. Can I get you guys anything?”
“No, thanks,” Nathan says curtly. His eyes flash to the door, effectively dismissing Casey.
He closes the door behind him and locks it. “Sit down. Wherever you like.”