Page 65 of The Merger

Nila and I met on Friday when I was searching for a pair of scissors. She made an inappropriate joke that made me laugh, so I brought her a donut this morning as a token of my appreciation.

“Here you go,” I say, stuffing the plastic and two broken containers into the box. “Thank you for taking this.”

“Anytime.”

“I’ll see you Wednesday, maybe.”

She grins. “See you then. Thanks again for the donut.”

“Of course.”

I pick up my tray of utensils and disappear around the corner.

Gannon doesn’t bless the bottom level of the building with his presence often. There’s only one conference room—the smallest one—and the employee lunchroom. The rest of the floor consists of different departments comprised of a bunch of cubicles. Knowing Gannon isn’t going to walk around the corner and scare the shit out of me keeps my heart from racing too hard.

I take the less traveled back stairwell up to the fourth floor to put away my things.

I almost didn’t show up for work today. The thought of seeing Gannon after Friday night was nearly more than I could take. While I’m not embarrassed, really—because I meant every word that I think I said—I’m anxious.What if I said things I don’t remember? What if he walked away from my house on Saturday morning thinking I was some kind of freak? What if he has nothing to say to me, and that makes it even weirder?

If I’d heard from Margot or one of her contacts by this morning, I would’ve texted Tate and not shown up. But I didn’t.

I tiptoe down the hallway to the maintenance closet. I slip inside, ignoring the table where I sat and taunted Gannon only a few days ago, and place my tools in their containers. Before I turn back around, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Aurora.

Shit.

I heave a breath as regret fills me. I should’ve called to check on her.

Aurora: Hi, Carys. It’s Aurora. Your father’s birthday is next week, and I thought about making reservations downtown. I’d love for you to join us. No pressure.

I groan as I read her words.

Me: Hey! Thanks for the invite. I need to check my calendar when I get home. Also, how are you feeling?

I consider adding that I know I should’ve reached out to her after they left for Urgent Care but erase it before I hitsend. There’s no sense in drawing attention to my failure and making it weird for both of us.

Aurora: Better. Thanks for asking. I just have some bruising but nothing serious.

Me: I’m glad to hear that.

Aurora: Let me know if you can make it next week. We’d really love to see you.

“I bet,” I say, rolling my eyes.

Me: I’ll try to make it work.

Aurora: Great! Talk soon.

I stare at our conversation long after it’s ended.How is a woman like her with a man like my dad? How was my mother with him? What’s the draw?

“Things I’ll never know,” I say, reaching for the door handle. I don’t quite make it before my phone rings. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I check the Caller ID.Brewer Group.

“Weird.” I accept the call. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Carys?” a woman asks.