Page 190 of One Bad Idea

Over the last few days, she'd been nearly as grim and quiet asI'dfelt. Meanwhile, in the office, Jax wasn't looking much better. I didn’t know what exactly was going on, and I didn't dare ask – because I was pretty sure that if I did, I'd only end up crying about Jaden.

And I definitely didn't want to do that – at least not where anyone could see.

The day dragged on with no call from Jaden whatsoever, not even to get his messages. Then again, I reminded myself, he probably didn't even realize that I was at my desk.

I tried to think. If he stuck to his original schedule, he wouldn't be returning for at least a week.It felt like forever.

All day long, I kept glancing at my office clock. If it weren't for those arguments, I'd be leaving for Hawaii at six. Now, I was going nowhere fast.

I hadn't even mentioned to Cassidy that the trip was off, mostly because she obviously had troubles of her own. But she'd discover the change soon enough when she returned from work to find menotin Hawaii, but rather, sulking on the sofa.

Or my bed.

Or wherever.

A sad sigh escaped my lips. If only I'd kept my mouth shut until Jaden and I could talk in person, maybe things would've turned out differently.

Then again, restraint had never been my strong suit.

At five o'clock, I gathered up my things and began the lonely walk to my truck.

It's not that the building was empty. In fact, it was bustling with people leaving for the day. But it was lonely for me as everyone I passed avoided making even basic eye-contact.

Fine.

They could snub me all they wanted. And in two weeks – or maybe less – they could forget me entirely, because I wouldn't be around.

So I did what I always did. I kept my chin up and eyes straight ahead – trudging down the hall outside the executive suite, standing silently on the elevator, and finally, crossing the main lobby on the ground floor.

In spite of my resolve, I felt dangerously close to losing it. Between Jaden, the job, and everything else, I felt like a giant loser who'd made Florida my own personal train wreck.

Still, I kept on going until –damn it– I spotted a gaggle of familiar faces gathered near the main doors.

One of those faces was Darla's, and she was laughing it up with several of her closest friends. Oddly enough, they were the same friends who'd shown up with coffee and cake on my very first day – not thatI'dbeen offered any.

At the sight of them, my steps faltered.

I'd have to pass directly by the whole group unless I wanted to make for the emergency exit, where an ear-splitting alarm would announce to everyone that I was a freaking coward.

Sadly, I was almost tempted.

And then what?

Enjoy some nice mockery tomorrow?

As if I needed any more grief.

Finally, I squared my shoulders and marched straight ahead, ignoring them just like I'd been ignoring everyone else who refused to make eye-contact.

As I passed, I said a silent prayer that Darla would just ignore me entirely and get on with whatever she was doing.

But she didn't.

Instead, she called out the strangest thing. "Have a good night."

I was so surprised, I almost fell on my face. I turned to look. "Um, excuse me?"

Darla repeated it, louder this time. "Isaid, 'Have a good night.'"